🇦🇪→🇸🇦United Arab Emirates→Saudi Arabia

3d processingonline

Receiving medical treatment at a licensed hospital or medical organization in Saudi Arabia

Requested by a licensed Saudi medical organization on behalf of the foreign patient, permitting a visit to the Kingdom for treatment. Applied via the MOFA visa platform (ksavisa.sa). Private hospitals must attach a support letter from Health Affairs. Typically processed in about 3 business days (longer in exceptional cases).

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Visiting first-degree relatives who are residents (Iqama holders) or citizens of Saudi Arabia

Initiated by a Saudi resident or citizen sponsor for first-degree relatives (spouse, parents, children). Applied online via the MOFA visa platform (ksavisa.sa) by the inviting sponsor, who submits an invitation request. Often issued for up to one year; per-visit stay and number of entries depend on the invitation and the sponsor's status.

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Full-time study at a licensed Saudi university or educational institution

Sponsored by the admitting Saudi educational institution. Jointly launched by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the 'Study in Saudi Arabia' platform. On arrival the student is issued a student Iqama (residence permit) valid for the duration of the study programme. Government scholarship students receive full sponsorship (tuition, housing, monthly stipend, medical care and travel allowance).

90 daysvalid 365donline

Short-term employment or project work (contracts of 3 months or less) without residency or Iqama

Employer-sponsored short-term work permit for contracts of up to 3 months; the holder's status remains 'visitor' with no Iqama or residency required. Issued through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (Qiwa platform) together with the MOFA visa platform. Valid up to one year from issuance; the 90-day stay can be extended once for a further 3 months via the Ministry of Interior. Used for consultants, technicians, engineers and specialists, and for seasonal (Hajj/Umrah) assignments.

multiple entry14-60d processing~$800valid 365d

Employment in Saudi Arabia

Employer-sponsored. Work visa issued by Saudi embassy abroad; upon arrival, converted to Iqama (residence permit) within 90 days. Iqama valid 1-2 years, renewable. Kafala (sponsorship) system - employer is legal sponsor. Annual Iqama fees: SAR 2,400-4,800 depending on category. Fee listed is approximate combined cost. Employees under kafala require employer permission to change jobs (partially reformed via Saudi Vision 2030 labor reforms).

multiple entry30-90d processing~$213333online

Long-term residency without employer sponsorship

Two tracks: (1) Permanent Premium Residency: SAR 800,000 (approx. USD 213,000) one-time fee, lifetime residence without sponsor; (2) Temporary Premium Residency: SAR 100,000/year (approx. USD 26,667/year), annual renewable. No kafala sponsor required. Holders may work, invest, own property, sponsor family. Applied via pr.gov.sa. Available to select eligible foreigners. Fee shown is for permanent track.