Guide to Residency in Saudi Arabia

Obtaining a residency visa in Saudi Arabia is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Saudi Arabia gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Prepare Required Documents
  • Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.
  • Photographs: Obtain passport-sized photographs with a white background.
  • Visa Application Form: Complete the visa application form online at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
• Secure a Job Offer
  • To obtain a work visa (which leads to residency), you must have a job offer from a Saudi company.
  • Your employer will act as your sponsor and will handle most of the visa process.
• Obtain a Work Visa
  • Your employer will apply for a work visa on your behalf at the Ministry of Labor and Social Development.
  • You will receive a visa number, which you can use to track your visa application status.
• Undergo Medical Examination
  • Once your visa is approved, you will need to undergo a medical examination at an approved clinic in your home country.
  • The examination includes tests for communicable diseases such as HIV, syphilis, hepatitis, and tuberculosis.
• Apply for a Tax Number
  • Register for a Tax Number (TIN) at the General Authority of Zakat and Tax website.
  • Click on "Registration" and follow the prompts to complete the application process.
  • You will need your passport and residence permit information to complete the application.
• Enter Saudi Arabia
  • Upon arrival, head to the passport control counter and present your passport, visa, and medical examination results.
  • You will be fingerprinted and photographed.
• Obtain Residence Permit (Iqama)
  • Your employer will apply for your residence permit (Iqama) at the Ministry of Interior.
  • Once approved, you will receive your Iqama, which serves as your official identification in Saudi Arabia.
• Register with the Police (for non-Saudi Arabian citizens)
  • Within three days of receiving your Iqama, register with the local police station.
  • Bring your passport, Iqama, and a copy of your rental agreement or proof of accommodation.

Additional Information

It is essential to keep track of the expiration dates of your passport, visa, and Iqama. Make sure to renew them before they expire to avoid any legal issues. Also, familiarize yourself with Saudi Arabian laws, customs, and cultural norms to ensure a smooth transition into your new life in the Kingdom.

Useful Links

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Labor and Social Development
General Authority of Zakat and Tax
Ministry of Interior

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Saudi Arabia?

"In order to travel to Saudi Arabia, foreign nationals must apply for a visa and obtain authorization prior to arrival in the country. The process of applying for a visa includes submitting an application, including passport details and travel plans, to a Saudi Embassy or Consulate and providing documents that confirm the purpose of the visit, such as an invitation letter from a Saudi sponsor or an employment contract with a Saudi company. Foreign nationals who wish to reside in Saudi Arabia must obtain a residency permit, known as an Iqama. To apply for residency, applicants must first have a valid work or family visa and then submit all the necessary documents and fees at their local passport office. Applicants must also have a sponsor, who is usually the employer for work visa holders or a family member for family visa holders, who will be responsible for the visa holder's legal status in the country, as well as any necessary paperwork. After all the documents and fees have been submitted, the applicant will receive an Iqama card, which must be kept valid and renewed periodically," commented one member living in Saudi Arabia.