7 min read
Are you thinking about starting a work career in Saudi Arabia? This guide contains everything to do with the workings of work visas, eligibility, application, and changes that are projected for the year 2026. Know how Arnifi could assist you in making your journey easier and ensuring a smoother process.
Given these significant Vision 2030 reforms, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a territory attractive to qualified professionals: less dependent on oil and turned more of its private sector into the engine of the economy, thereby boosting demand for international talent. The income is tax-free, salaries are competitive, and there is scope for career development for professionals in Saudi Arabia, drawing talent from all directions.
Foreigners wishing to work in the Kingdom must have a work visa and have an Iqama issued upon approval. This is the law within the Saudi labour framework for all workers who are non-Saudi, irrespective of whether them being on a short-term, long-term, or specialized work visa.
There are different kinds of work visas offered in Saudi Arabia based on their purpose and length of employment:
Another substantial development is the skill-based classification system coming in mid-2026 from the HR Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. The plan classifies jobs by capabilities and background, creating an influence on the regions of visa approval, salary brackets, and career pathways.
The new classification is being established so that jobs can be more aligned to the skill level of applicants, thus creating greater clarity and fluidity in the application process. Yet, the employer must still sponsor the applicant in Saudi Arabia.
However, it is important to know that after arrival, the Iqama will be needed. Work visas are only an entry permit for the purposes of employment, while the Iqama is to regulate residency and working rights inside Saudi Arabia.
Important eligibility requirements would be:
The job categories will require minimum qualifications and relevant experience. Documents such as degrees or experience letters must be attested.
With the new classification scheme, salary threshold, etc, will be determined on the basis of skill levels required for the job.
All applicants must undergo medical tests at an accredited centre in their home country for screening for communicable diseases.
All educational or professional documents must be attested as follows:
A valid job offer from a Saudi employer (sponsor) is compulsory. The employer will run the application from the beginning through HRSD (Human Resource Service Delivery), MOFA, and increasingly Qiwa.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay.
This begins with securing a job offer from Saudi employers.
Prepare:
Ensure the attestation of all documents.
The employer requests a Block Visa or work visa invitation from HRSD and MOFA, usually done through Qiwa.
After the invitation letter is approved, you’re to submit your passport along with attested documents and a medical report to the Saudi embassy/consulate for visa stamping.
After arrival in Saudi Arabia:
The standard government fee would apply to visa applications and document processing. Some may be paid by the employee, and others by the employer..
In most cases, the employer bears the costs for:
Employers in Saudi Arabia pay levies for hiring foreign workers and provide mandatory health insurance.
If you’re bringing some dependents, expect to pay:
Holders of work visas are entitled to:
Violations like working with another employer, overstaying, or falsifying documents could result in:
Documents that are improperly attested can cause long delays or failure of the visa application.
Misclassification of skill levels between your credentials and the new HRSD skill tiers could affect your approval or salary offers.
These arise as a result of:
Get familiar with labour regulations in Saudi Arabia regarding holidays, etc., as they are quite different from Western conventions.
Expected to begin in mid-2026, it will classify expat workers based on their:
This will, in turn, affect visa processing as well as job eligibility.
Technologies such as Qiwa, MOFA, and Absher are unifying and simplifying application procedures for transparency and speed.
Keep up to date with changes in:
Can I bring my family with me?
Yes, you can sponsor your wife and children (salary thresholds apply) once your Iqama is issued. Separate applications and fees apply.
How long does the process take?
Typically, 4 to 12 weeks, depending on embassy workload, employer readiness, and document accuracy.
Can I switch jobs in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, but only through a formal sponsorship transfer approved by your current and new employers, under HRSD guidelines.
What if my degree doesn’t match job requirements exactly?
Flexibility may exist if you have substantial related experience, but with the new classification system, that may be reduced. It would be best to ask your employer or a visa expert.
Saudi Arabia promises a thrilling career in a rapidly changing economy. Planning requirements and reliable documentation are vital, as well as keeping abreast with evolving regulations, when it comes to navigating the work visa and Iqama processes.
Start looking into getting a reputable job offer, have all qualifications and documents attested, and continue checking on the official channels, like MOFA, HRSD, and Qiwa, where policies are under constant upgrading. Start your Saudi journey in career confidence with Arnifi, which makes the entire process, from job offer to visa application, document attestation, and Iqama support, easy to handle. Trust our experts to walk with you every step of the way. Sign up with Arnifi today.
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