How to Obtain a Work Permit for Saudi Arabia - Step by Step guide to get employment or work visa

It's dream of many Muslims living all around the world to work in Saudi Arabia due to Holy cities of Makkah and Madina. Also Saudi Arabia is a stable country where you can earn so good salary.


It is the responsibility of an employer or sponsor to arrange an Employment Visa (valid from 14 to 90 days) to allow an employee entry into Saudi Arabia, and to subsequently apply for a Residence Permit (Iqama).

It is also possible, although less common, for an employee to enter the country on a Business Visa, a Temporary Work Visa, a Group Employment Visa or a Seasonal Employment Visa: 

Following are the visa type which allow any one to enter into Saudi Arabia

Note: There is not concept of Azad or  open visa is Saudi Arabia, Its illegal so never try to come on this visa.

• Business Visa

A Business Visa allows foreign nationals to conduct limited business with a sponsor or client in Saudi Arabia – for example, to discuss contracts or hold general business meetings. In practice, this visa is also often used to enable short-term contract services, such as medical, technical and consultancy, or for training. Business Visas do not give the right to live in the country, or work beyond the limited conditions of the short-term contract.

Applications for this visa normally require a letter of invitation from a Saudi national or company (who acts as a sponsor), addressed to the applicant’s local Saudi embassy and giving specific details of the work or service to be provided. This requirement may not apply to chairmen, chief executive officers, presidents and vice-presidents of certain established companies.
Temporary Work Visa

This allows an individual or the employee of an organization with no presence in Saudi Arabia to perform temporary work for clients in the country, for 30 or 90 days. The procedure to obtain the Temporary Work Visa is similar to that for an Employment Visa.

• Group Employment Visa

Also known as a ‘block visa’, this visa allows a Saudi employer to process multiple visas at the same time, without having to identify the prospective employees. When the application is approved, the required number of visas are issued and other documentary requirements are forwarded to the relevant Saudi embassies.

• Seasonal Employment Visa

This visa is designed for Muslims and non-Muslims coming to Saudi Arabia for work related to the Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage season. To obtain a visa the Saudi sponsor applies to the Ministry of Labour. Once approval is given, the prospective employee will be required to present to the local Saudi embassy:

• Work or employment Visa

An attestation that the worker is coming to Saudi Arabia for work and not for the Hajj For information on these and all other types of visas.

In below steps we will describe step by step guide to get work visa

Get your passport

Get attestation of your degrees

• Universities degrees from HEC 
• College certificates from Intermediate Boards

Ways to apply or search job in Saudi Arabia

• Apply online from home country (Recommended)
• Visit to Saudi Arabia (Not Recommended)
• Agent (Recommended but with very care, read all contract related things before sign)
• Azad Visa ( Not Recommended ) 

To apply or search jobs , visit the link

• Saudi Recuriters List for all type of jobs 
• Important tips while applying for any job
• How to impress at your first job interview in the Middle East 

Once you find your job and Visa is issued from your employee, read the job contract carefully 

 

Now you need to search agent in Pakistan who can stamp the visa from Saudi Embassy or you can get the services of Eitmad Center.

 

The recruitment company or your employer will send you the contract of your employment along with all the information pertaining to the visa application process and the requirements. The visa will be endorsed on your name by your employer to the agent you have mentioned.

 

 You also need two letters to attest your degrees from Saudi Culture and Saudi Embassy. Get the letters and submit you degrees to the agent he will get attestation of your degree from Saudi Culture and Saudi Embassy

 

Your passport must have at least 3 blank pages and expiry date minimum of  6 months

 

Proceed for the medical test with GAMCA in Pakistan. Click on the link which describe the procedure ( How to get medical test in GAMCA Pakistan for Family or Work Visa)

Your Agent or Etimad center will issue E Number for your visa ,  Once your medical report is clear you need to make it online with the E number that provided by your agent.

Once your medical is online, visit any nearest Etimad center with the E Number that provided by your agent and proceed for your finger print

 Once every thing is done, your agent will ask you to send the required document to him. He will submit your document to Embassy and your visa will be stamped on your passport

Once your visa is stamped , your need the visa protection , normally your agent will do this

Some Important Points for Working Visa in Saudi Arabia

• Minors (under 18 years of age) traveling alone or with one parent must submit a notarized letter of authentication, either in Arabic or English, signed both by parents or legal guardians.
• Application fees should be paid by the employer, but in case the applicant is required to pay the fee, he should inquire the employer about the fees of the country of residence.
• Female expatriates who are wishing to find employment in Saudi Arabia. If they are above the age of 27 years, can arrive to work alone in Saudi Arabia, but they will need to be met by their sponsor or the agent of their sponsor at the airport. The full length accommodation for the intended period of stay must be confirmed beforehand, which in practice is almost always done for the female employers.

 

To track your visa progress visit the link :

How to check the work visa onine status is stamped from Saudi Embessy or not - Step by step guide