Work Visa Essentials: How to Hire and Sponsor Foreign Employees in Saudi Arabia?

For any company undergoing business setup in Saudi Arabia, hiring and sponsoring foreign employees is a fundamental step toward building an operational workforce. 

With expatriates making up nearly 76.6 percent of Saudi Arabia’s workforce, understanding the Saudi work visa process is essential to maintaining legal compliance and efficient HR operations. 

A Saudi work visa allows foreign nationals to live and work legally in the Kingdom under the sponsorship of a Saudi-registered employer. It cannot be applied for independently by the employee. 

Only a licensed Saudi company can initiate and manage the process through approved government channels such as Qiwa, Enjazit, and Absher. 

- Prerequisites for Employers in Saudi Arabia 

Before sponsoring expatriates, a company must meet the following eligibility conditions: 

1. Commercial Registration (CR): The company must hold an active commercial registration issued by the Ministry of Commerce. 

2. Qiwa Platform Access: An active Qiwa account is required to manage employment contracts, visa applications, and Saudization compliance. 

3. Regulatory Compliance: Employers must meet Saudization (Nitaqat) targets and ensure full alignment with labor laws set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). 

These prerequisites ensure that any Saudi business setup is recognized as compliant and capable of sponsoring foreign workers legally. 

- Employee Documentation Requirements 

Employers are responsible for collecting the following documents from prospective employees before initiating a visa request: 

• Valid passport copies with nationality and religious details. 

• Medical test results from an approved center in the home country. 

• Police clearance certificate. 

• Attested educational and professional certificates. 

• A signed, verified employment contract endorsed by the Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Having these documents ready ensures a smoother, faster application process.

- Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Work Visa

1. Submit Visa Request via Qiwa: The employer initiates the process by submitting a work visa request through the Qiwa platform. 

2. Receive Authorization Certificate: Upon approval, Qiwa issues a certificate confirming compliance with Saudization policies. 

3. Apply through Enjazit: The employer then applies for the visa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Enjazit portal. 

4. Register the Employment Contract: The contract must be registered on Qiwa for validation before the employee’s arrival. 

5. Collect the Visa: The employee collects their stamped work visa from the Saudi embassy or consulate. 

6. Post-Arrival Medical Test: Upon arrival, the employee undergoes another medical examination at an authorized facility. 

7. Activate the Work Permit: Once approved, the permit is activated on Qiwa, officially allowing the employee to work in Saudi Arabia. 

- Post-Visa and Residency Procedures

After the visa is issued, employers must complete post-arrival formalities to ensure legal residence and payroll compliance. The main steps include: 

• Apply for an Iqama (residence permit) through the Absher portal. 

• Register the employee on Absher and Mudad for payroll management. 

• Enroll the employee in GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance) for mandatory social security coverage. 

- Work Permits for New Companies in Saudi Arabia 

For foreign investors, the process involves: 

• Registering a legal entity with MISA, the Ministry of Commerce, and the MHRSD. 

• Opening a corporate bank account for payroll management under the Wage Protection System (WPS). 

• Registering employees on Qiwa, Muqeem, GOSI, and Mudad platforms. 

These measures demonstrate full regulatory compliance and streamline employee management, which is crucial for any successful company formation in Saudi Arabia. 

- Final Insights 

Hiring foreign employees in Saudi Arabia involves a structured process that demands careful attention to documentation, Saudization targets, and digital compliance. Companies that navigate these requirements effectively can onboard international talent while maintaining full alignment with Saudi labor laws. 

For foreign investors or entrepreneurs considering business setup in Saudi Arabia, partnering with a professional advisory firm like Nimbus Consultancy can simplify every stage. 

Want to get the complete details? Read more about Work Visa essentials and its importance for Saudi company formation at our website blog.