Saudi Arabia Skilled Worker Visa 2025: Visa Types and Application Process

In 2025, Saudi Arabia revamped its work-permit system to better align with the evolving labor market. This skill-based classification system focuses on matching foreign hires with job opportunities in the Kingdom.

Whether you’re an employer seeking overseas talent or a skilled professional planning to relocate, this guide covers the visa process, updates for 2025, required documents, timelines, costs, and tips to avoid delays.

Overview of the Work Visa System

Saudi Arabia’s work visas remain employer-sponsored. A registered Saudi company must initiate the application process on behalf of the worker. The 2025 system classifies work permits based on skill levels: high-skill, skilled, and basic. It evaluates candidates based on education, experience, professional skills, wage level, and age. This classification influences the type of permit, associated fees, and eligibility.

Who Can Apply?

This pathway is designed for skilled professionals, such as engineers, IT specialists, healthcare workers, and technical experts. It also includes experienced tradespeople with confirmed job offers from Saudi employers. Candidates must meet the employer’s recruitment criteria and provide verified qualifications, a police clearance, and a clean medical report.

Main Visa Types and Residency

• Work Authorization/Employment Visa: This entry visa is issued after the employer obtains work permit authorization, often referred to as a visa authorization slip. The worker receives this visa to travel to Saudi Arabia for employment.
• Iqama (Residency Permit): After arrival, the employer will conduct medical checks and registration. The worker is then issued an Iqama, allowing long-term legal residence and sponsorship privileges.

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Employer Posts Role and Completes Recruitment Checks: The employer advertises the position and verifies that the candidate meets the job criteria, such as education and experience. For non-Saudi hires, employers must prove that local candidates could not fill the vacancy.
• Employer Requests Work Permit/Block Visa Allocation: The employer requests a work permit slot for the foreign hire through official HR platforms. The skill level classification is recorded, determining the permit category.
• Government Review and Visa Authorization: Authorities review the application, verify documents, and confirm the classification. Upon approval, a visa authorization slip is issued, allowing the candidate to apply for the entry visa.
• Consular Visa Stamping: The candidate submits the required documents at the Saudi mission in their home country or follows electronic visa instructions to obtain the employment entry visa. Typical documents include the authorization slip, passport, verified degrees, police certificate, and medical clearance if needed.
• Arrival, Medical Screening, and Biometrics: Upon arrival, the worker undergoes mandatory medical screening and submits biometrics as part of the Iqama process. Employers usually arrange and cover these costs.
• Iqama Issuance and Registration: After clearing medical checks, the employer registers the employee with the Ministry systems, issuance of the Iqama. Workers must carry their Iqama at all times, as it allows them to sponsor family members upon satisfying salary criteria.

Fees and Processing Times

Visa application fees and administrative charges vary by category. Some employers face standard processing charges, with reports indicating fees around SAR 1,000 for certain temporary work services. The timeline for employer submission to visa authorization can range from days to weeks, depending on document completeness and classification checks.

Typically, consular visa stamping and the arrival-to-Iqama process take 2 to 8 weeks. Delays may occur if you require additional document verification.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s skilled worker visa process in 2025 aims to streamline the recruitment of foreign talent. By understanding the types of visas available and the step-by-step application process, both employers and skilled professionals can navigate this system effectively.

With the right preparation, you can successfully obtain a visa and seize the opportunities that await in Saudi Arabia.