Saudi Arabia
General visa requirements for travelling to Saudi Arabia. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Work / Immigration visa (Premium Residency (Permanent))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Fee
- 800,000 SAR (one-time)
- Validity
- Lifetime permanent residency
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Saudi Arabia's 'Golden Visa' provides permanent residency without sponsor (kafeel). One-time payment of SAR 800,000 for lifetime status. Under Vision 2030. Can own property, run businesses, hire staff, unrestricted travel. 2026 updates target Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) individuals with $30M+ net worth and superyacht owners.
Eligibility
-
Financial
One-time payment of SAR 800,000 OR property ownership (residential) worth minimum SAR 4,000,000 with TAQEEM-accredited valuation
Minimum funds: 800000
-
Age
Minimum 21 years old
Min age: 21
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
How to apply
-
Online application
Submit application through Premium Residency Center portal
-
Fee payment
Pay one-time fee of SAR 800,000
Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa (Employment/Iqama))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Processing time
- Variable - subject to Qiwa approval and quota availability
- Fee
- Variable (by employer)
- Validity
- 1-2 years depending on employment contract
- Entry
- Single entry
As of July 2025, Saudi Arabia implemented mandatory skill-based classification system for long-term expatriate work permits. Three-tier skill classification affects both employers and workers. Employers must meet Saudization (Nitaqat) quotas. Applications submitted via Qiwa (labour approvals) and Muqeem (residency/visa management). High-volume nationalities (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) often face longer timelines.
Eligibility
-
Employment
Must have confirmed employment with Saudi employer who meets Nitaqat (Saudization) requirements
Required status: Confirmed employment with Nitaqat-compliant employer
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 0
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Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
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Police clearance
Validity months: 6
Work / Immigration visa (Temporary Work Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Fee
- Variable
- Validity
- 12 months (multiple entries)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Suitable for short-term projects, consultants, specialists, and project managers working on specific assignments. Allows project-based sponsorship. Multiple entries within 12-month validity.
Eligibility
-
Employment
Consultants, specialists, and project managers on short-term assignments
Required status: Project-based assignment
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No
How to apply
-
Document submission
Submit project assignment letter, contract, and passport
Work / Immigration visa (Premium Residency (Renewable))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Fee
- 100,000 SAR per year
- Validity
- 1 year (renewable annually)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Renewable alternative to permanent Premium Residency. Not tied to sponsor, can work in private sector and switch jobs freely, own real estate. Annual renewal required.
Eligibility
-
Financial
Annual payment of SAR 100,000
Minimum funds: 100000
-
Age
Minimum 21 years old
Min age: 21
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
How to apply
-
Online application
Apply through Premium Residency Center portal
-
Document submission
Submit passport, financial proof, criminal record, medical report, insurance
-
Fee payment
Pay annual fee of SAR 100,000