Working Visa for Saudi Arabia: Navigating International Opportunities

In the complex world of visa management for international worker mobility, the path to success can be challenging but highly rewarding. If your company is looking towards Saudi Arabia as a destination to expand its global presence, being well-informed and prepared is essential. At Immigration Lawyer, we understand the legal nuances and requirements needed to obtain a working visa in Saudi Arabia, providing you with a solid legal foundation in your pursuit of international opportunities.

Procedure for Applying for Work and Residence Permit in Saudi Arabia for Companies

The process to obtain a work and residence permit in Saudi Arabia for expatriate employees of an entity is a structured series of steps. Below, we outline the necessary procedure to process a work and residence permit in this country:

1. Employer Entity Registration: The sponsoring employer entity must register its information with the Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia. This establishes the official starting point for the process.
2. Opening of Immigration File: The Ministry of Interior will open an immigration file containing the information of all expatriate workers of the employer entity. This stage is crucial for monitoring and controlling foreign labor.
3. Work Visa Application: The employer entity must submit a work visa application to the Ministry of Labor of Saudi Arabia. This application is essential to initiate the legal process of employment and residence.
4. Approval and Visa Authorization Number: Once the work visa application is approved by the Ministry of Labor, it is notified to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Within two weeks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will issue a Visa Authorization Number.
5. Work Visa Application at the Embassy: The employed individual must submit their work visa application at the corresponding Saudi Arabian embassy. This includes providing the necessary documents for their evaluation and visa issuance process.
6. Visa Issuance and Travel to Saudi Arabia: The embassy will issue the visa within one to three weeks. Once the visa is obtained, the employed individual can travel to Saudi Arabia and join the workforce.
7. Residence Permit (Iqama) Application: In Saudi Arabia, the employed individual must apply for a residence permit, known as Iqama. This is done through the Ministry of Labor, marking a crucial step to establish the legality of their stay.
8. Iqama Issuance Process: The Ministry of Labor approves the application and forwards it to the Ministry of Interior. Here, the Iqama is issued through the General Directorate of Passports, consolidating the residence permit.
9. Carrying the Iqama at All Times: The employed individual must carry the Iqama at all times. This official document confirms their legal permission to live and work in Saudi Arabia.
10. Exit/Re-entry Permit: If traveling in and out of Saudi Arabia during employment is anticipated, an exit/re-entry permit must be requested through the Ministry of Interior. Typically, this permit is issued within a week.

A Documentary Journey: Requirements for a Work Visa in Saudi Arabia

Obtaining a work visa in Saudi Arabia requires the submission of a series of documents to support your application. These documents range from your passport and photograph to employment agreements stamped by Saudi Foreign Affairs. Our team of experts will guide you through each stage, ensuring that every requirement is met accurately.

Required Documentation for a Work Visa in Saudi Arabia

From Spain, before starting your job in Saudi Arabia, you will need to obtain the work visa, corresponding to the consular phase of the complete procedure. To do this, we will need to gather all the necessary documentation detailed below, in order to obtain this visa as soon as possible.

The Roadmap of Required Documents for Obtaining the Visa in Saudi Arabia:

• Passport and Photograph: Your passport must have at least 12 months of validity and two facing blank pages. A photograph in perfect condition with a white background and your name written on the back is also necessary.
• Completed Form: Fill out the provided form with your personal information, including a telephone number and signature. Check the box for employment and the corresponding gender.
• Authorization and Electronic Tafweed: You must have a visa application authorization issued in Saudi Arabia and the Electronic Tafweed.
• Original Employment Contract: Submit the employment contract stamped by Saudi Foreign Affairs and signed by both parties. Make sure the contract is correctly drafted and contains accurate information about the position and duration of employment.
• Medical and Criminal Certificates: You must have a medical certificate and a certificate of criminal record, both legalized according to the requirements.
• Degree and Experience Certificate: If necessary, provide your original degree and a certificate of experience from a Spanish entity that supports your experience in the same position.
• NIE for Non-Spanish Citizens: If you are not a Spanish citizen, provide a notarized copy of your NIE.

Experts Navigating the Legal Waters

At Immigration Lawyers, we not only provide legal services; we offer the expertise of a team committed to turning your international ambitions into tangible realities. Our ability to understand the nuances of work visa requirements in Saudi Arabia is backed by years of experience in managing immigration procedures. If you are looking for a legal partner to guide you through the complexities of obtaining visas to work in Saudi Arabia, you can trust us.

Beyond the Worker: Facilitating Visas for Families

In addition to providing solutions for obtaining work visas in Saudi Arabia, we also extend our commitment to managing visas for the families of workers. We understand the importance of maintaining family unity and facilitate the obtaining of visas for loved ones, ensuring that each member can enjoy a new life and opportunities in an international environment.

Essential Tips for Traveling to Saudi Arabia

Preparing for a trip to Saudi Arabia requires more than just packing your belongings; it is an encounter with a deeply rooted culture and specific laws. While navigating this Muslim country, it is essential to embrace local customs and norms to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here are some valuable tips for those venturing into Saudi lands:

Complying with Traditional Attire

• While female tourists are not required to wear the abaya (traditional black cloak), they are expected to dress modestly: long sleeves and skirts or pants to the ankles. Hair does not need to be covered.
• Men should wear long pants and short-sleeved shirts.

Greetings and Public Behavior

• Handshaking is the accepted form of greeting, while public displays of affection should be avoided.
• During prayer hours, avoid entering shops or restaurants, depending on your location.

Alcohol and Drug Regulations

• Alcohol consumption is prohibited, even in luxury hotels.
• Drug use is illegal and can result in serious legal consequences.

Religious Considerations and Beliefs

• Avoid expressing religious opinions or atheistic beliefs in public, as this may be considered blasphemy and have legal consequences.

Positive Changes in Saudi Society

• Restrictions on interaction between unrelated men and women have decreased.
• Foreign women can travel and drive alone, which was previously restricted.

General Travel Tips

• Although tipping is not mandatory, it is recommended to leave a 10% tip at restaurants and taxis.
• In the souks, bargaining is a custom; start by offering half the initial price.
• If you wish to eat with your hands, do so only with your right hand, following local custom.

Fostering Respect and Understanding

• Saudi Arabia is an exotic land with a rich culture. Remember that cultural differences are opportunities for learning and mutual respect.
• Most Saudis appreciate tourism and are open to sharing their customs and learning about other cultures.

As you prepare for your trip to Saudi Arabia, it is essential to maintain a respectful and open-minded approach to the country’s customs and regulations. If you have any doubts or need legal advice on aspects of traveling and working in Saudi Arabia, the EsAbogadoExtranjeria team is here to provide you with reliable guidance and immigration expertise