Moving to Saudi Arabia for work involves a clearly defined sequence of steps. Skip a step, miss a deadline, or submit the wrong document — and the process stalls. This guide gives you the exact order to follow, what each step involves, who is responsible (you or your employer), and what comes next. The Family Track section below covers the separate process for bringing a spouse, children, or other dependants.
Phase 1 — Before You Travel
Pre-Departure Preparation
Before your employer can issue you a work visa, and before you step on a plane, a series of employer-side and personal actions must be completed. Sorting these correctly avoids delays at every later stage.
What your employer does first (employer-side)
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a
Obtains a visa quota (block visa)
Your employer requests a work visa quota from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) via the Qiwa platform. The quota is tied to the company's Nitaqat (Saudization) rating. A company in the Red band cannot issue new work visas.
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b
Issues the work visa through MISA / MHRSD
The employer submits your personal details (passport number, full name, nationality, role, salary) to issue a single-entry work visa. The visa reference number is sent to the Saudi embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Processing time varies by country but is typically 5–15 working days.
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c
Sends you the visa number and your offer letter
You need both the visa number and a signed offer letter / employment contract before applying at the consulate. Ensure the job title and salary on the visa exactly match what is in your contract — mismatches cause problems at the work permit stage.
What you do before travelling (your responsibility)
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1
Ensure passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date. Saudi Arabia does not accept passports with less than 6 months remaining. Renew before applying for the visa if necessary.
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2
Attest and legalise key documents
Certain roles and nationalities require attested educational and professional certificates before the Saudi embassy will stamp the work visa. At minimum, have your degree certificate and any professional licences attested in your home country (apostille or embassy attestation, then MOFA Saudi Arabia). Start this early — it can take 3–6 weeks.
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3
Complete a pre-departure medical (if required)
Many nationalities must complete a medical examination at a GAMCA-approved (Gulf Approved Medical Centres Association) clinic in their home country before the Saudi embassy will stamp the visa. Book this as soon as the visa reference is confirmed. Results are valid for a limited window — typically 3 months. Confirm with your employer or the Saudi embassy whether this applies to your nationality.
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4
Apply at the Saudi consulate / embassy
Submit your passport, the visa application form, your visa reference number, medical clearance (if required), passport photos, and any additional documents required for your nationality. The consulate stamps the visa into your passport. Allow 5–10 working days from submission to collection.
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5
Book your flight — within the visa validity window
The work visa is a single-entry visa, valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You must enter Saudi Arabia before this window closes. Confirm your arrival date with your employer so they can prepare for the next steps immediately on your arrival.
Documents to carry with you to Saudi Arabia
- ✔ Original passport (with visa stamp)
- ✔ Signed employment contract / offer letter
- ✔ Attested degree and professional certificates
- ✔ 6+ passport photos (white background)
- ✔ Copies of all attested documents
- ✔ Saudi employer contact details & address
- ✔ GAMCA medical clearance certificate (if applicable)
- ✔ Personal health insurance details (if self-arranged)
Phase 2
Work Visa Issuance — What It Means
The work visa stamp in your passport is not your residency permit — it is your entry authority to enter Saudi Arabia for the purpose of employment. It does not grant the right to live or work independently. Once you enter, you have a defined window to convert it into a work permit and Iqama.
| Feature | Work Visa | Iqama (after) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Entry authority — allows you to enter KSA | Residency permit — allows you to live and work |
| Where issued | Saudi embassy / consulate in your country | Jawazat (Directorate of Passports) inside KSA |
| Validity | 90 days to enter; single entry | 1 or 2 years (renewable) |
| Allows work? | No — entry only | Yes, with your sponsoring employer |
| Exit & re-entry? | One entry only — use it, then it's gone | Via Absher exit re-entry permit |
Check before you board
- ✔ Visa stamp is in your passport (photo page match — name, passport number)
- ✔ Visa issue date and expiry date are legible
- ✔ Employer name on visa matches your contract
- ✔ Your job title matches the job title in your contract
- ✔ You have the employer's Saudi address for the arrival card
- ✘ Do not travel if the visa expiry is within 2 weeks — you may not have enough time to complete all formalities
Phase 3
Arrival & Border Entry
The first 24–48 hours after landing are critical. Your border entry generates a border number (رقم الحدود / raqm al-hudood) — a reference number tied to your entry stamp that your employer needs to initiate the work permit. Do not lose your entry stamp page.
Complete the arrival card at immigration
Fill in the paper or digital arrival card: your employer's name and Saudi address, your nationality, purpose of visit (employment), and intended duration. Ensure the employer name matches exactly what is on your visa stamp.
Biometrics — fingerprints and photo
At the immigration desk you will provide fingerprints for both hands and a facial photo. This data is enrolled in the Saudi biometric database and linked to your future Iqama. This step is mandatory for all new arrivals on a work visa.
Collect your entry stamp — note the border number
The immigration officer stamps your passport. The stamp contains your border number, date of entry, and port of entry. Photograph this stamp immediately. Send it to your employer or GRO within 24 hours — they need it to register your arrival on Muqeem and begin the work permit application.
Report to your employer and confirm your Saudi address
Your employer registers your arrival on the Muqeem portal (expatriate management system) using your border number and passport details. This registration is a legal requirement and must be done within a short window of your entry. A Saudi address (even temporary accommodation) must be on file.
Get a local SIM card and set up a Saudi mobile number
You will need a Saudi mobile number for Absher, Qiwa, GOSI, and almost every government portal. Your passport and entry stamp are sufficient to buy a SIM at the airport. Available providers: STC, Mobily, Zain. This number will be used throughout the Iqama process — keep it active.
⛔ Common entry mistake
Some arrivals put a hotel address on the arrival card rather than the employer's registered address. This can create mismatches in the Muqeem system and delay the work permit. Use the employer's commercial address unless your GRO advises otherwise.
Phase 4
Medical Examination (Inside Saudi Arabia)
Even if you completed a GAMCA medical before travelling, Saudi Arabia requires a separate in-Kingdom medical examination before issuing the work permit and Iqama. This is arranged by your employer or GRO at an approved medical centre (typically within the first 2 weeks of arrival).
What the medical tests for
- • Tuberculosis (TB) — chest X-ray
- • HIV / AIDS
- • Hepatitis B and C
- • Malaria (for certain nationalities)
- • Leprosy
- • Pregnancy (for female applicants)
- • General fitness certification
Practical details
- 📍 Approved MOH medical centres (list on moh.gov.sa)
- 📅 Results typically: 2–5 working days
- 💰 Cost: typically SAR 250–500 (employer usually pays)
- 📋 Bring: passport, entry stamp, 2 photos
- ⚠️ A positive result on certain conditions = deportation
- 🔄 If failed: right of appeal / retesting available
Employer books the medical appointment
Your employer or GRO books the appointment at an MOH-approved centre. You cannot self-book as the employer must link the appointment to their Muqeem registration of your entry. Do not delay requesting this — some centres have waiting times.
Attend the medical — fast if instructed
Blood draw, chest X-ray, and a brief physical assessment. Some centres require fasting for the blood test — confirm when the appointment is booked. Bring your original passport, a copy of your entry stamp, and two passport photos.
Medical clearance issued — passed to employer
The centre uploads your results directly to the MOH system. Your employer or GRO receives the clearance electronically. The medical centre may issue you a paper clearance certificate — keep it. Your employer then proceeds to the work permit application in the next phase.
Phase 5
Work Permit & Iqama Application
Once the medical clearance is confirmed, your employer submits the work permit application through the Muqeem portal. The work permit is the authorisation to employ you — the Iqama is the physical ID card that follows. Both are processed by the Directorate of Passports (Jawazat).
Employer submits work permit on Muqeem
The employer logs in to Muqeem (muqeem.sa) and submits the work permit application using your border number, passport details, medical clearance reference, and your contract details. Government fee: typically SAR 200 per month of residency (paid annually = SAR 2,400 for a 1-year Iqama). The employer usually bears this cost.
Work permit issued (1–3 working days)
Jawazat processes the application and issues a work permit reference number. This confirms you are authorised to work for this specific employer. The work permit itself is a system record — not a physical card. Your Iqama (physical card) is applied for in the next step.
Employer applies for Iqama issuance via Absher Business
The employer submits the Iqama application through Absher Business (the employer portal on absher.sa), linking the work permit reference with your biometric data already enrolled at the border. A 10-digit Iqama number (رقم الإقامة) is assigned at this point — you can use this number even before the physical card arrives.
Register your Iqama number on Absher Individual
As soon as your Iqama number is assigned, create your personal Absher Individual account at absher.sa using your Iqama number and the Saudi mobile number you registered on arrival. Absher is your gateway to exit visas, dependent visas, government services, and most HR platforms in Saudi Arabia. Do not delay this registration.
Register on Qiwa and link your contract
Log in to qiwa.sa using your Iqama number. Your employer should have uploaded your employment contract to Qiwa — review it and electronically sign it to confirm the terms. This digital contract on Qiwa is the legally binding record under Saudi Labour Law.
Phase 6
Iqama Card & Post-Arrival Setup
The Iqama card is a credit-card-sized plastic card with your name, Iqama number, nationality, sponsor's name, and expiry date. It is your primary ID document inside Saudi Arabia and must be carried at all times. This phase also covers all the accounts and registrations you need to set up once the card is in hand.
Iqama card collection or delivery (7–14 days)
Jawazat prints and delivers the physical Iqama card within 7–14 working days of the application being approved. Some employers collect in bulk from Jawazat; others receive cards by courier. Your employer or GRO will advise on the collection method in your company.
Activate health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in Saudi Arabia — your employer is legally required to provide it. Confirm your policy is active, collect your insurance card or app details, and verify that the Iqama number on the policy matches your new card. Prompt your employer to enrol you in GOSI (General Organisation for Social Insurance) within 30 days of your work start date.
Open a Saudi bank account
You need a Saudi bank account to receive your salary (WPS — Wage Protection System requires electronic payroll). Banks require your Iqama card (original + copy), passport, and proof of employer (salary certificate or employment letter). Common banks for expatriates: Al Rajhi Bank, Saudi National Bank (SNB), Riyad Bank, SABB. Allow 3–7 working days for account activation.
Register on Tawakkalna (COVID + digital ID)
Download and activate the Tawakkalna app using your Iqama number. Tawakkalna serves as your digital identity for accessing public and government services, and in some cases is accepted as a substitute for the physical Iqama card at entry points. Link it to Absher for seamless verification.
Apply for a driving licence (if needed)
If you plan to drive, convert your existing driving licence to a Saudi licence through Absher → My Services → Traffic. Citizens of many countries (GCC, UK, USA, EU, Australia, etc.) can convert directly without a test. Others require a theory and practical test at a Saudi driving school.
Plan your exit re-entry visa before your first trip
Once your Iqama is active, you need an exit re-entry visa every time you leave Saudi Arabia (unless you have completed 1+ year of service and use Absher self-exit). Apply via Absher → My Services → Passports → Exit and Re-Entry Visa before any international travel. Do not exit without one — your Iqama will not allow re-entry without an active exit permit.
Post-Iqama Checklist
Bringing Your Family to Saudi Arabia
Once you have your own Iqama, you can sponsor your immediate family members as dependants. This is a separate process run through Absher and the Jawazat system. Your family enters on a family / dependent visa and receives their own dependent Iqama on arrival.
Who you can sponsor
Can generally be sponsored
- ✔ Spouse (husband or wife)
- ✔ Children (age limits apply — see below)
- ✔ Mother (in some categories)
- ✔ Disabled adult dependants (specific conditions)
Age & rules to know
- ℹ Sons: typically up to age 18 or 21 (confirm current Jawazat guidance)
- ℹ Daughters: remain as dependants until marriage
- ℹ Dependant Iqama does not allow employment
- ℹ Female sponsors can sponsor a husband as dependant
Salary guidance
There is no officially published salary minimum. In practice, a salary of SAR 5,000 or above with proof of adequate accommodation (lease agreement or employer accommodation letter) substantially improves approval rates. Lower salaries may still be approved with strong documentation — check with your GRO for your specific nationality.
Secure your own Iqama first
You cannot apply for a dependent visa until your own Iqama is active and valid. There is no minimum time you must hold the Iqama before applying — as soon as you receive it, you are eligible. However, your salary and accommodation situation should be settled before starting the family process.
Action: Complete Phases 1–6 above. Then proceed to F2.
Prepare and attest family documents
All relationship-proving documents issued outside Saudi Arabia must be attested before they are accepted. This is the longest-lead item — start it immediately after you arrive, even before your Iqama card is in hand.
For your spouse
- • Original marriage certificate
- • Attested marriage certificate (see attestation path)
- • Spouse's valid passport (6+ months validity)
- • Spouse's passport photos (white background)
- • Spouse's medical clearance (GAMCA in home country)
For each child
- • Original birth certificate
- • Attested birth certificate
- • Child's valid passport (or travel document)
- • Child's passport photos
- • Medical (children under a certain age may be exempt — confirm)
Attestation path (for documents issued outside Saudi Arabia)
- 1. Notarise in home country (notary public)
- 2. Apostille or national foreign affairs / foreign ministry authentication
- 3. Saudi embassy or consulate in home country stamp
- 4. Saudi MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) attestation — done inside Saudi Arabia on your behalf
This full chain can take 3–8 weeks. Start before you travel. See our attestation guide for country-specific paths.
Apply for dependent visa via Absher (8 steps)
You apply for your family's visas yourself through Absher Individual. You do not need your employer's involvement for this — it is your personal sponsorship application.
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1
Log in to Absher Individual at absher.sa using your Iqama number and Saudi mobile number.
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2
Navigate to: My Services → Visas → Issue Dependent Visa.
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3
Select dependant type: Spouse, son, daughter, or mother — select the correct relationship. Upload the attested documents for that dependant.
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4
Enter passport details and personal information for the dependant. Ensure the name spelling exactly matches the passport — even one letter difference causes rejection.
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5
Pay the visa fee by card or SADAD. Fees vary by dependant type. You will receive a reference number — keep it.
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6
Visa approved (typically 24–72 hours if documents are correct). A visa authorisation is generated and linked to the passport number in the Saudi system.
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7
Dependant applies for visa stamp at the Saudi embassy / consulate in their country, presenting the visa reference number, passport, and medical clearance certificate.
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8
Book travel once the visa stamp is in the passport. Family members must enter within the visa validity window (typically 90 days from issue).
Family medical examination
Family members may need a GAMCA medical before the visa stamp is issued in their home country (check the current requirement for their nationality at the Saudi embassy). Once they arrive in Saudi Arabia, they will also complete a medical at an MOH-approved centre — the same process as the employee in Phase 4. You book this on their behalf through Absher. Children under a certain age (typically under 12) may be exempt from the in-Kingdom medical — confirm the current exemption age.
Family arrival, biometrics & dependent Iqama
When your family members arrive in Saudi Arabia, the same border entry process applies — biometrics enrolled, entry stamp collected, you register their arrival via Absher. Once their medical clearance is confirmed, you apply for their dependent Iqama through Absher. The dependent Iqama is typically issued within 7–14 days and delivered to your registered address.
What the dependent Iqama allows
- ✔ Reside in Saudi Arabia
- ✔ Access to schools (public and private)
- ✔ Healthcare (if covered by your insurance)
- ✔ Open bank accounts (limited, with restrictions)
- ✔ Exit re-entry visa (applied via your Absher)
What it does NOT allow
- ✘ Employment / work (needs separate work visa)
- ✘ Independent sponsorship of others
- ✘ Remain if your Iqama is cancelled (they must exit or transfer)
Family Document Checklist
| Document | Spouse | Children | Attested? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid passport (6+ months) | Required | Required | No (original only) |
| Passport photos (white bg) | 6 copies | 6 copies | No |
| Marriage certificate | Required | — | Yes — full chain |
| Birth certificate | — | Required | Yes — full chain |
| GAMCA medical clearance (home country) | Usually required | Check by age | No (issued by clinic) |
| In-Kingdom medical clearance | Required | Check by age | No (MOH system) |
| Sponsor's Iqama (copy) | Required | Required | No |
| Salary certificate / bank statement | Recommended | Recommended | No |
| Accommodation proof (lease / employer letter) | Recommended | Recommended | No |
Estimated Family Visa & Iqama Costs
| Item | Approx. cost (SAR) | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent visa fee (Absher) | SAR 200–800 per person | Sponsor (you) |
| Dependent Iqama fee (1 year) | SAR 2,400 per person | Sponsor (you) |
| GAMCA medical (home country, per person) | Equivalent SAR 200–500 | Sponsor (you) |
| In-Kingdom medical (per person) | SAR 250–500 | Sponsor (you) |
| Document attestation (marriage / birth cert) | SAR 400–1,500+ per doc | Sponsor (you) |
| Health insurance (mandatory) | SAR 1,500–4,000+/year per person | Sponsor (you) or employer if included |
| Typical first-year total (spouse only) | SAR 5,000–10,000+ | Sponsor (you) |
Fees are set by Jawazat and updated periodically. Figures above are indicative as of 2026. Confirm current amounts on absher.sa before applying.
Common Blockers & How to Avoid Them
Name mismatch across documents
If your name is spelled differently on the visa, the employment contract, and your passport, every stage from work permit to bank account will stall. Standardise the English transliteration of your name before the visa is issued.
Not sending the border number to your employer within 24 hours
The Muqeem registration must happen quickly after entry. Your employer cannot begin the work permit until they have the border number from your entry stamp. Photograph it immediately and WhatsApp / email it to your HR or GRO contact on arrival day.
Delayed medical booking
Approved medical centres can have appointment backlogs. Your employer or GRO should book this the day you arrive. If you miss the medical window before your visa grace period expires, you may face overstay fines.
Employer in Red Nitaqat band
If your employer's Saudization rating drops to Red after your visa is issued, they may not be able to complete the work permit. Confirm your employer's Nitaqat band on Qiwa before travelling, especially if there is a delay between visa issue and your travel date.
Unatested family documents
The single biggest cause of dependent visa delays. Attestation takes 3–8 weeks. Do not wait until after you arrive to start this — begin the attestation process as soon as your job offer is confirmed.
Travelling without an exit re-entry visa
Once your Iqama is active, you need an exit re-entry permit from Absher before every international trip. Leaving without one effectively cancels your Iqama's re-entry rights. Always apply on Absher at least a week before travelling.
Timeline Summary
| Stage | Who acts | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Employer issues work visa quota & submits to MOL | Employer | 3–10 working days |
| Saudi embassy processes & stamps visa | Consulate | 5–15 working days |
| Document attestation (if not done) | Employee | 3–8 weeks |
| Arrival & border entry + Muqeem registration | Employee + Employer | Day of arrival |
| Medical appointment | Employee (Employer books) | Within 1–2 weeks of arrival |
| Medical results | MOH centre | 2–5 working days |
| Work permit issued | Employer via Muqeem | 1–3 working days |
| Iqama number assigned | Employer via Absher Business | Immediate on work permit |
| Iqama card printed & delivered | Jawazat | 7–14 working days |
| Total: Arrival → Iqama card in hand | — | ~4–6 weeks |
| Family: document attestation (start early) | Employee + family | 3–8 weeks (parallel) |
| Family: dependent visa via Absher | Employee (sponsor) | 24–72 hours if docs correct |
| Family: embassy visa stamp | Dependant at embassy | 5–10 working days |
| Family: arrival + medical + dependent Iqama | Employee (sponsor) + family | 3–4 weeks after arrival |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after I arrive in Saudi Arabia do I have to complete the Iqama process? +
You must complete the entire process — medical, work permit, and Iqama application — before your work visa grace period expires. The work visa typically allows 90 days from issue to enter, and once inside you have a window to convert it. In practice your employer should complete the work permit within 2–4 weeks of your arrival. If the employer delays, you risk being in Saudi Arabia without a valid status — which triggers fines. Chase your employer or GRO aggressively if there are delays.
Can I change jobs before my Iqama is issued? +
No. Before the Iqama is issued you are on a work visa tied to your current employer. You must complete the Iqama process with that employer first. After the Iqama is issued and you have completed 1 year of service, you can transfer sponsorship to a new employer through Qiwa — without your current employer's consent (post-2021 Kafala reform).
My GAMCA medical in my home country showed no issues. Do I still need another medical in Saudi Arabia? +
Yes. The in-Kingdom medical examination is a separate mandatory requirement regardless of a pre-departure GAMCA clearance. Saudi Arabia tests for the same conditions but requires its own MOH-approved process as part of the work permit issuance. There is no exemption based on the home country medical.
Can I bring my family before I receive my Iqama? +
No. You need an active Iqama number to apply for dependent visas via Absher. The Iqama number is assigned once the work permit is issued — even before the physical card arrives, you can use the number to start the Absher application. However, you cannot submit the dependent visa application without it.
Do my children need a GAMCA medical before coming to Saudi Arabia? +
Children under approximately 12 years of age are generally exempt from the in-Kingdom medical examination — but requirements vary by nationality and are updated periodically. Check the current exemption age with the Saudi embassy when you apply for the dependent visa. Even if exempt from the in-Kingdom medical, the Saudi embassy in your home country may still require some documentation.
How long does a dependent Iqama last, and when does it need to be renewed? +
The dependent Iqama is issued for 1 year and must be renewed annually. The renewal is done via Absher and requires payment of the annual renewal fee (SAR 2,400 per dependant). You should renew at least 30 days before expiry. If the primary sponsor's own Iqama is not renewed, the dependant's Iqama cannot be renewed either — both must be kept current.
What happens to my family if I lose my job in Saudi Arabia? +
Your dependants' residence is tied to your sponsorship. If your Iqama is cancelled (e.g. employer terminates your contract and processes cancellation), your dependants' Iqamas are effectively at risk of cancellation too. They have a grace period — typically 60–90 days — to either exit Saudi Arabia, transfer to a new sponsor, or find an alternative residency solution. If you find a new employer and transfer your own Iqama sponsorship, you can then transfer the dependants' sponsorship accordingly. Always address this promptly to avoid fines.
Can my spouse work in Saudi Arabia on a dependent Iqama? +
No. A dependent Iqama does not carry work rights. If your spouse wants to work in Saudi Arabia they must be independently sponsored by a Saudi employer and obtain their own work visa and work Iqama — separate from the dependent status. They would then essentially have two paths: either remain on your dependant sponsorship (without working) or transfer to their own employer sponsorship.