Through our global network, Meltzer Hellrung is able to assist businesses from a range of industries in securing visas and work permits for their employees to legally work in Saudi Arabia. We combine a customized approach to client needs with a comprehensive understanding of the country’s immigration requirements, ensuring that the chosen options are both appropriate and legally compliant.

The process for obtaining visas and work permits for Saudi Arabia is highly complex, regulated, and challenging. All foreigners need a specific visa and work permit to enter the country except residents of members of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait).

Business visit visa: This type of visa allows foreign visitors to engage in non-remunerative activities such as business meetings, trade shows, and conferences. A Saudi sponsor must provide a signed letter of invitation, and additional documentation may also be required.

Work visa: To obtain permission to work, foreign professionals must prove sponsorship from a Saudi employer. Applicants may need to supply a medical history as well as their educational qualifications

Temporary work visa: This version grants employees of a foreign entity the ability to work in Saudi Arabia for a period of up to 90 days.

Work visas (not including the business visit visa) require a residence permit (Iqama), which is secured by the employer and allows foreign nationals to work for up to two years. Saudi Arabia also offers a premium residency Iqama, which does not require a sponsor, at a one-time cost of SAR 800,000 for permanent residency or an annual fee of SAR 100,000 for a version that is renewable each year.

Family visas are available for dependents and require a monthly fee.

Meltzer Hellrung’s services include:

• Full assessment of the applicant under existing visa laws and regulations

• Assistance at each step of the process: visa application, work authorization, residence permit, extensions, renewals, etc.

• 24/7 access to our case management system to track real-time status of applications and monitor upcoming expiration dates or other requirements

• Document procurement for legalization, attestation, police clearance certification, proof of birth/marriage/citizenship, etc.

• Accompaniment and assistance upon arrival in Saudi Arabia

Contact is to learn more about how we can help streamline the visa and immigration process.