Applying for a Business Visa to Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you charting a course for a business expedition to Saudi Arabia? The initial waves of visa applications might seem overwhelming, but don't let this deter you! This guide will serve as your trusted compass, guiding you step-by-step through the Saudi business visa application process.

Understanding Saudi Arabia's vibrant economy and the growing opportunities it presents can be an exciting beginning to your journey. As one of the G20 countries, Saudi Arabia boasts one of the world's most potent economies. Its ambitious economic diversification plans are fostering a burgeoning investment culture.

Saudi Arabia is also renowned for its stable and secure political environment, which prioritizes the welfare of its people by providing ample training, job opportunities, healthcare, and social insurance. This progressive environment crafts a promising landscape for both domestic and international business entities.

Now that we've piqued your interest in the prospect of business ventures in Saudi Arabia, let's dive into the practical aspects: obtaining a business visa…

Saudi Business Visa Requirements

Before you start the application process, ensure you have all the necessary documents at your disposal. Here's an expanded checklist to get you started:

Original Passport: A valid original passport with at least six months of validity and at least two successive empty visa slots must be provided.

Digital Power of Attorney: This should be generated from the Saudi employer by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Visa Referral Note: This note specifies the number and date of the visa issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or either of its branches in Jeddah or Dammam).

Sponsorship Letter: An original letter from the Saudi company providing sponsorship to the applicant is needed. This letter must be certified by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and should contain the applicant's name, date, position, and block visa number. If you are submitting through an embassy approved service agency, the letter should also include indicators of authorization from the agency to finalize the visa requirements.

Employment Contract: A copy of the employment contract, signed by both the sponsor and the applicant, must be provided. This document needs to be certified by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

University Degree/ Diploma: A certified and notarized copy of the applicant's degree or diploma, authenticated by the Saudi Cultural Mission, is necessary.

Training or Technical Diploma: A certified and notarized copy of the applicant's training or technical diploma is needed. If the academic institution is outside the United States, the diploma must be certified by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission and the Saudi Arabian Embassy in the issuing country. If the institution is in the United States, the diploma needs authentication from the U.S. Department of State and notarization by a Saudi Arabian Consulate in the United States.

Medical Report: Provide three copies of a medical report, issued and signed by a licensed physician, along with lab results and three passport-sized colored photographs on a white background. The medical report should be no more than three months old from the date of issuance.

Police Report: A police report issued within six months prior to the date of application is necessary, highlighting any information about the applicant's criminal record, if any.

Remember, depending on your situation, some additional documents might be necessary. With these requirements in place, you can start the application process confidently.

How to Apply for a Saudi Business Visa?

Having your documents in place is the first step, followed by the application process. Let's walk through it:

Create an Account: Visit the MOFA website and create an account for your visa application.

Fill in Details: Be meticulous when filling in your details online on the web page.

Pay the Visa Fees: Proceed to pay the visa fees online. Remember, the embassy no longer allows cash payments.

Download and Print Application: Post payment, download and print the application copy with the MOFA number/reference number.

Attach Visa Documents: Couple your visa documents with the application printout.

Submit the Application: The embassy insists on not receiving the documents in person. Hence, it would be best to send this package to the nearest Saudi embassy via a registered agent.

Saudi Business Visa Validity

The Saudi business visa comes in two types, each with a different validity period. A single-entry business visa has a maximum validity of three months, allowing a maximum stay of thirty days. On the other hand, a multiple-entry business visa can be issued for 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or 5 years, granting a maximum stay of 90 days per trip.
 

Saudi Business Visa Fees

The fees for a single-entry Saudi business visa is approximately SAR 807, whereas a multiple-entry Saudi business visa costs around SAR 1107.

Saudi Business Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Saudi business visa can vary. However, it generally takes up to 10 working days from the date of application submission.

Saudi Business Visa Benefits

A Saudi business visa is an excellent option for those planning to attend work-related events such as meetings, seminars, trade shows, or conferences. Beyond that, it serves as a key to unlocking numerous opportunities provided by the Saudi economy.

Exploring Economic Opportunities: Saudi Arabia, a G20 member, boasts a robust and rapidly diversifying economy. This provides a fertile ground for foreign business owners and representatives to explore new ventures, partnerships, and investments.

Participation in Trade Shows and Conferences: With a business visa, you can attend industry-specific trade shows and conferences. These events provide a valuable platform to showcase your offerings, network with industry peers, and stay abreast of market trends.

Business Meetings: Conduct face-to-face meetings with potential clients, business partners, and stakeholders. These interactions can drive better business understanding and foster strong professional relationships.

Inspection of Facilities and Plants: If your business involves dealing with manufacturing units, a business visa will enable you to visit and inspect facilities and plants in Saudi Arabia.

Procurement: For businesses that source products or components from Saudi Arabia, a business visa will facilitate direct procurement processes, ensuring better quality control and relationship management with suppliers.

Remember, the activities permitted should align with the purpose of your visit, as stated in your letter of invitation application.

Your Trusted Ally For Business Ventures In Saudi Arabia

As you map out your business journey to Saudi Arabia, a trustworthy partner who understands the local landscape can be an invaluable asset. We at TASC Outsourcing are a pioneer with over 15 years of local and global business setup experience.

At TASC, we have business setup experts adept at helping you establish your business in line with the latest legal requirements. We offer assistance in streamlining the process of obtaining a business visa for the Kingdom, ensuring you have all the information and support you need. Our comprehensive understanding of the Saudi market, its evolving laws, and economic trends ensures you receive pertinent advice tailored to your business needs.

Reach out to our business setup experts today to commence your operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Let us guide you through the nuances of the Saudi market, and help you secure the foothold you need for successful business dealings.