Saudi Arabia Work Visa Requirements: The Complete Guide for 2025

August 23, 2025

Saudi Arabia is changing fast. The kingdom is opening up to new business, new opportunities, and a growing foreign workforce. Vision 2030 is more than a plan; it’s a revolution, and already, over 10 million expats are actively helping to shape it.

If you are going to Dubai and planning to work there, you’ll be interested in knowing the minimum visa requirements. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This is your 2025 guide to getting a Saudi Work Visa from Dubai.

Who Needs a Saudi Work Visa?

Basically, anyone who wants to work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. You need a local sponsor of your employer who does most of the paperwork. It’s called the Kafala system. No work, no residency, nothing without it.

Even temporary consultants or telecommuting workers need the right visa. So don’t skip this step.

Types of work visas in Saudi Arabia:

Here’s a quick overview:

Employment Visa – The standard visa. You need a job offer. Minimum age 18 (occasionally 24 for specific work), maximum 60. Usually valid for 1 year.

Business Visit Visa – Conferences, meetings, brief visits. Valid for a maximum of 2 months. Not for actual work.

Premium Residency Visa – High-end option for high-value residents. No sponsor needed, no work permit. Just live and work.

What you need to apply for a Saudi Work Visa:

In order to obtain a Saudi Work Visa from Dubai, you will need the following documents:

Passport with at least 6 months validity + 2 blank pages.

Employment Contract – An employment contract should be signed by both parties and officially legalized at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chamber of Commerce.

Sponsorship Letter – done by your company.

Permitted and Prohibited Activities for Business Visitors

Other docs for Saudi Work Visa:

Degree or Diploma – Notarized and authenticated by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission.

Medical Certificate – From a licensed doctor, issued in the last 3 months

Police Clearance – Police Clearance – This must be a recent certificate (not older than six months), which confirms whether or not you have a criminal record.

The Iqama: Your Work Permit

Once you are in Saudi Arabia, your employer will apply for your Iqama. Think of it as your work permit and residency ID all rolled into one. You have 90 days to get it. You can’t do much of anything without it. It also makes bank accounts, medical care, and other essentials easier. That means your life in the kingdom only starts when you get your Iqama

How to Apply for a Saudi Work Visa from Dubai: Step by Step

1. Employers initiate – They apply via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. Visa authorization – You get a visa number after approval.

3. Apply Online – Documents uploaded on the Enjazit portal and fees paid.

4. Travel – Once a visa is issued, you can travel to the kingdom.

5. The employer must initiate the Iqama registration process within 90 days.

Costs & Timing for Work Visa

Fee depends on the Saudisation percentage of the company:

Iqama - SAR 750

Work Visa - SAR 6,000

Insurance - SAR 450

It takes 1-2 months and it can be shorter if everything is flawless.

Quick Tips while Applying

Check your documents twice. A tiny mistake can hold up the process.

Monitor visa rules because they change.

Plan well with your employer; don't leave it to the last minute.

Consider an EOR like Skuad. They can handle visas, Iqama, and compliance. You work, they do the paperwork.

Conclusion

Getting a Saudi Work Visa from Dubai is not rocket science, but it requires precaution. From sponsorship to Iqama, every step matters. Choosing the best Saudi Visa Agent in Dubai can simplify the process and make it hassle-free.

Saudi Arabia is booming. Migrate, work, and enjoy it with proper planning. Don’t worry about documents. Plan ahead, get organized, and start your journey.