What are the eligibility requirements for a Saudi Arabia Work Visa?

The eligibility requirements for a Saudi Arabia work visa include a confirmed job offer from a Saudi employer registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity, and a medical fitness certificate from a Wafid (GAMCA)-approved medical centre. Applicants must also have attested educational certificates, a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), and a signed employment contract. Under the new skill-based classification system effective since 2025, all work permits are categorised as High-Skilled, Skilled, or Basic based on qualifications, experience, salary, and age. The employer sponsors the visa and initiates the process through the Qiwa platform.

 

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What are the requirements for a Saudi Arabia Work Visa?

To be eligible for a Saudi Arabia work visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Valid job offer: A confirmed job offer from a company legally registered in Saudi Arabia. The employer must hold a valid visa quota (block visa) approved through the Qiwa platform.
• Employer sponsorship: You cannot apply for a Saudi work visa on your own. The Saudi employer acts as your sponsor and obtains the visa authorisation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel, with at least 2 blank pages.
• Minimum age: You must be at least 18 years old. Workers in the Basic skill category must be under 60 years of age.
• Medical fitness certificate: A pre-departure medical test at a Wafid (formerly GAMCA)-approved medical centre in India is mandatory. The test screens for communicable diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis B.
• Attested educational certificates: Degree and professional certificates must be attested by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Saudi Embassy/Saudi Cultural Attaché, especially for professional roles.
• Clean criminal record: A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) issued within the last 6 months.
• Signed employment contract: An employment contract registered with MHRSD, usually issued in Arabic with an English translation.

 

Saudi Arabia's Skill-Based Work Permit Classification

Since 2025, Saudi Arabia classifies all work permits into three skill categories based on the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations (SSCO). New foreign hires are assessed on education, experience, professional skills, salary, and age.

Skill Category	Typical Occupations	Key Requirements
High-Skilled	Managers, specialists, engineers, doctors, technicians (SSCO groups 1–3)	University degree, relevant experience, higher salary threshold, points-based assessment
Skilled	Clerical, services, sales, trades, machine operators (SSCO groups 4–8)	Secondary education, relevant work experience, mid-range salary
Basic	Manual and elementary occupations	Under 60 years of age, basic salary threshold

 

High-Skilled applicants are assessed under a points-based system where strengths in one factor (such as education) can compensate for another (such as experience). Certain professions also require credential checks under Saudi Arabia's Qualification Verification Program or Skills Verification Program before the work visa is approved.

 

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List of Documents Required for a Saudi Arabia Work Visa

The documents required for a Saudi Arabia work visa from India are as follows:

• Valid passport minimum 6 months' validity, 2 blank pages
• Recent passport-sized photographs white background
• Completed Enjaz visa application form
• Visa authorisation/visa slip issued by Saudi MOFA provided by the employer
• Signed employment contract or job offer letter
• Attested educational certificates (MEA and Saudi Embassy attestation)
• Wafid (GAMCA) medical fitness report from an approved centre in India
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) issued within 6 months
• Visa fee payment receipt (paid through the Enjaz platform)
• Vaccination certificates, if applicable

 

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How does the Saudi Arabia Work Visa process work?

The Saudi Arabia work visa is an employer-sponsored process. Your employer is responsible for obtaining the necessary approvals before you can apply for the visa.

Step 1: Your Saudi employer secures a work visa quota (Block Visa) through the Qiwa platform.

Step 2: The employer receives visa authorisation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and shares the visa authorisation slip with you.

Step 3: Undergo the mandatory Wafid (GAMCA) medical test at an approved medical centre in India.

Step 4: Submit your application through the Enjaz platform and complete visa stamping at the Saudi Embassy or an authorised visa application centre in India.

Step 5: Once you arrive in Saudi Arabia, your employer arranges your medical examination, biometric registration, and applies for your Iqama (residence permit) within 90 days.

Note: Visa fees and related charges are subject to change. Check the latest fee structure with the Saudi Embassy or the Enjaz portal before submitting your application.

 

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FAQs

What are the basic eligibility requirements for a Saudi Arabia work visa?

To be eligible for a Saudi Arabia work visa, you need a valid job offer from a Saudi-registered employer, a passport with at least 6 months of validity, a Wafid (GAMCA) medical fitness certificate, attested educational certificates, and a Police Clearance Certificate. The visa is employer-sponsored, so your employer must obtain the visa authorisation and initiate the process through the Qiwa platform.

Do I need a job offer to apply for a Saudi work visa?

Yes, a job offer is mandatory. Saudi Arabia follows a sponsorship-based system, which means you cannot apply for a work visa independently. Your Saudi employer must hold an approved visa quota, obtain visa authorisation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and share the visa slip with you before you can apply through the Enjaz platform in India.

What is Saudi Arabia's new skill-based work permit system?

Since 2025, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development classifies all work permits into three categories: High-Skilled, Skilled, and Basic. Classification is based on your occupation under the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations, along with your education, experience, professional skills, salary, and age. High-Skilled permits use a points-based assessment, and incorrect classifications can be appealed for review.

Is a medical test mandatory for a Saudi Arabia work visa?

Yes. Applicants from India must complete a pre-departure medical test at a Wafid (formerly GAMCA)-approved medical centre. The test screens for communicable diseases including HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis B. A second medical examination is conducted after arrival in Saudi Arabia as part of the Iqama (residence permit) process.

What documents are needed for a Saudi work visa from India?

Key documents include:

• A valid passport
• MOFA visa authorisation slip from your employer
• A signed employment contract
• Attested degree certificates
• Wafid medical report
• Police Clearance Certificate issued within 6 months
• Passport-sized photographs
• Enjaz visa application
• Fee payment receipt

Educational certificates must be attested by India's MEA and the Saudi Embassy.

What is an Iqama, and when do I get it?

The Iqama is Saudi Arabia's residence permit and your primary legal identity document as a foreign worker. After you enter Saudi Arabia on the work entry visa, your employer must complete your medical check and biometrics and obtain your Iqama within 90 days. It is valid for 1 year and renewable, with a government fee of SAR 650 per year.

How long does it take to process a Saudi Arabia work visa?

Visa stamping in India typically takes 1 to 2 weeks once all documents are complete. The overall process — from job offer and quota approval to visa authorisation, medical test, stamping, and arrival — usually takes 4 to 8 weeks. Timelines can vary depending on document attestation and the employer's approvals on Qiwa.

What are the education requirements for a Saudi work visa?

Education requirements depend on your work permit category. High-Skilled roles (managers, specialists, engineers, doctors) generally require a university degree plus relevant experience, and some professions must pass the Qualification Verification Program. Skilled roles typically require secondary education with work experience, while Basic category jobs have no formal degree requirement but apply an age ceiling of 60 years.

Can Indian nationals apply for a Saudi Arabia work visa?

Yes. India is one of the largest source countries for workers in Saudi Arabia. Indian applicants need a sponsored job offer, must complete the Wafid medical test at an approved centre in India, get their certificates attested by the MEA and Saudi Embassy, and submit their application through the Enjaz platform at the Saudi Embassy or an authorised visa centre.

How long is a Saudi work visa valid, and can it be renewed?

The initial work entry visa is typically a single-entry visa valid for 90 days, which you must use to enter Saudi Arabia. Once there, it is converted into an Iqama (residence permit) valid for 1 year. The Iqama and work permit are renewable annually as long as you remain employed with your sponsoring employer and meet the classification requirements.