Working in Saudi Arabia: Work Visa and Iqama Process (2026)
From job offer to iqama in hand — here's how the Saudi work visa and residence process actually works, plus the fees you'll pay along the way.
Official source — verify hereSaudi HRSD — Ministry of Human Resources ↗Saudi Arabia hosts millions of expat workers, and the route in follows a well-worn path: a sponsored work visa, entry, then an iqama (residence permit) that governs your life in the Kingdom. Here's how it flows.
Step 1: The work visa
Your employer (your kafeel/sponsor) obtains a work-visa authorisation and block visa, then you apply at a Saudi mission in your country. You'll typically need attested certificates, a medical examination, and sometimes a police clearance. On approval, you enter Saudi Arabia on the work visa.
Step 2: Getting your iqama
Within 90 days of arrival, your employer converts your entry into an iqama — your official residence ID. It links to almost everything: banking, SIM cards, travel, and family sponsorship. You'll complete medical tests and biometrics as part of the process.
Fees you'll encounter
- Work permit (Maktab Amal) levy — a monthly charge, legally the employer's responsibility.
- Iqama fee — paid yearly (renewable in 3/6/9/12-month blocks).
- Dependent fees — a monthly charge per family member you sponsor, which is the worker's responsibility.
Estimate the full renewal cost with our Iqama Fees Calculator.
Travel: exit and re-entry
To leave and return while resident, you need an exit/re-entry visa (single or multiple) via Absher. Work out the cost with our Exit Re-Entry Calculator. When you finally leave for good, you'll need a final exit visa — and you should receive your end-of-service benefits.
Practical tips
- Attest your degree and documents before you travel — it's much harder later.
- Keep your iqama valid at all times; expiry blocks government services and triggers fines.
- Understand your end-of-service entitlement and how resignation vs termination affects it before you leave.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to get my iqama after arriving in Saudi Arabia?
Your employer must convert your entry visa into an iqama within 90 days of arrival. The iqama is your residence ID and is required for banking, SIM cards, travel and sponsoring family, so make sure your employer processes it promptly.
Who pays the work permit levy and iqama fees?
By law the employer pays the work-permit levy and the employee's iqama fees. Dependent fees for family members, however, are the worker's own responsibility. Some employers wrongly deduct levies from staff — that's a violation you can report to HRSD.
Can I change employers in Saudi Arabia?
Labour reforms have made job mobility easier than in the past, allowing transfers between employers under certain conditions without the previous sponsor's consent. The exact rules depend on your contract status and notice periods, so check the current Qiwa/HRSD guidance.
What do I need to leave Saudi Arabia?
For temporary trips you need an exit/re-entry visa via Absher; for leaving permanently you need a final exit visa. On final exit you should also receive your end-of-service benefits — calculate what you're owed before you go.
References & official sources
Always confirm current rules, fees and eligibility on the official government sites below — they are the authoritative source, and this guide is only a plain-English summary.
Related tools
⚠️ Immigration rules and fees change frequently. This guide is for general information — always confirm the latest details with the official embassy, consulate or government website before you apply or travel.