Key Takeaways
• Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Visa System starts in July 2025, classifying expatriates as high-skilled, skilled, or basic workers.
• Applicants must have Saudi job offers, attested documents, and no disqualifying factors like overstays or criminal records.
• Employers must sponsor visas, follow strict rules, and risk fines up to SAR 50,000 and deportation for violations.
If you’re considering moving to Saudi Arabia or are already living there as an expatriate, it’s important to know about the country’s new visa rules, especially the introduction of the Skill-Based Visa System. These changes, effective from July 2025, affect who can qualify to live and work in Saudi Arabia, What documents are needed, and what happens if you don’t follow the rules. This guide will help you quickly figure out if you qualify, what you need to apply, what could disqualify you, and what to do if you’re not eligible right now.
Who Qualifies for the Skill-Based Visa System in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia’s new Skill-Based Visa System sorts expatriates into three groups: high-skilled, skilled, and basic. Your group depends on your education, work experience, and income. This system is part of the country’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to modernize the economy and attract top talent for big projects like NEOM and Qiddiya.
To qualify, you must:
- Have a job offer from a registered Saudi employer (for work visas)
- Meet the requirements for your skill level (high-skilled, skilled, or basic)
- Provide all required documents
- Not have any disqualifying factors (like overstaying a previous visa or working without permission)
Let’s break down each category and what you need for each.
High-Skilled Expatriates
Who fits this group?
– People with advanced degrees (like a master’s or PhD)
– Professionals with many years of experience in fields such as engineering, medicine, IT, or finance
– Those with high incomes (exact income levels are set by Saudi authorities and may change, so check the latest figures)
What documents do you need?
– Attested educational certificates (official proof of your degree, stamped by the right authorities)
– Proof of work experience (letters from past employers, CV)
– Valid passport (at least six months left before it expires)
– Medical certificate (showing you’re healthy)
– Police clearance certificate (showing you have no criminal record)
– Job offer letter from a Saudi employer
Example:
Fatima is an engineer with a master’s degree and 10 years of experience. She has a job offer from a Saudi construction company working on the NEOM project. She collects her degree certificate, gets it attested, gets a police clearance from her home country, and completes a medical exam. She qualifies as a high-skilled expatriate.
Skilled Expatriates
Who fits this group?
– People with a bachelor’s degree or technical diploma
– Professionals with several years of experience in skilled trades or technical jobs
– Those with a moderate income (again, check the latest official figures)
What documents do you need?
– Attested educational certificates (diploma or degree)
– Proof of work experience
– Valid passport
– Medical certificate
– Police clearance certificate
– Job offer letter from a Saudi employer
Example:
Ahmed is a computer technician with a diploma and five years of experience. He gets a job offer from a Saudi IT company. He gathers his diploma, gets it attested, and completes the other requirements. He qualifies as a skilled expatriate.
Basic Expatriates
Who fits this group?
– People with little formal education or training
– Workers in jobs that require basic skills (such as cleaning, construction labor, or driving)
– Lower income levels
What documents do you need?
– Proof of identity (passport)
– Medical certificate
– Police clearance certificate
– Job offer letter from a Saudi employer
Note:
The new system may make it harder for basic expatriates to get visas, as Saudi Arabia is focusing on attracting more skilled workers. Employers must show why they need to hire someone from outside the country for these roles.
Example:
Maria is a domestic worker with no formal education. She has a job offer from a Saudi family. She provides her passport, medical certificate, and police clearance. However, her employer must show that no local worker is available for the job.
General Requirements for All Expatriates
No matter your skill level, you must meet these basic requirements:
- Original passport with at least six months’ validity
- Visa referral note (usually provided by your employer or sponsor)
- Medical report from an approved clinic
- Proof of kinship (if bringing family members)
- Completed application form (available through the Unified National Visa Platform)
Application Methods:
– Online: Through the Unified National Visa Platform
– In-person: At a Saudi embassy or consulate
– By mail: Some embassies allow you to send documents by mail
Disqualifying Factors
You may be disqualified from getting a visa or face penalties if you:
- Overstay your visa (stay in Saudi Arabia after your visa expires)
- Work without the correct visa (for example, working on a tourist visa)
- Provide false information or fake documents
- Have a criminal record (especially for serious crimes)
- Are banned due to previous violations
Penalties for Violations:
– Fines up to SAR 50,000 (about $13,300)
– Deportation
– Ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia
The government uses advanced digital systems to track visa holders and catch violations. Employers are also held responsible if they hire or shelter people who break the rules.
Multiple-Entry eVisa for GCC Expatriates
If you live in the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 and have a valid residency visa, you can apply for a multiple-entry eVisa to visit Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 for tourism, business, or to visit friends and family.
Eligibility:
– Must be a UAE resident with a valid residency visa and passport
How to Apply:
– Go to the Unified National Visa Platform
– Fill out the online form
– Upload a passport photo that meets the requirements
– Pay the fee
What You Get:
– Multiple entries to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
– Can visit for tourism, business, or family reasons
Example:
Sami lives in Dubai and wants to visit friends in Riyadh. He applies online, uploads his documents, and gets a multiple-entry eVisa.
Residence Visa Requirements
If you want to live in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 for work or with family, you need a residence visa.
What you need:
– Original passport (at least six months’ validity)
– Visa referral note (from your employer or sponsor)
– Medical report (from an approved clinic)
– Proof of kinship (if bringing family)
– Completed application form (available on the Unified National Visa Platform)
How to Apply:
– Online, in person at the embassy, or by mail
Example:
Ayesha gets a job in Jeddah and wants to bring her husband and children. She collects all documents, including marriage and birth certificates, and applies for residence visas for her family.
Work Visa Process
To work in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦, you must have a confirmed job offer from a registered Saudi employer.
Step-by-step process:
1. Get a job offer from a Saudi employer
2. Collect required documents:
– Attested educational certificates
– Police clearance certificate
– Medical certificate
– Valid passport
3. Employer applies for a work visa on your behalf
4. You complete the application (online or at the embassy)
5. Visa processing (usually 2-4 weeks)
6. Visa validity: 1-2 years
Example:
John is hired by a Saudi oil company. The company applies for his work visa, and he submits all required documents. He receives his visa in three weeks.
Visit Visa Entry and Exit Restrictions
As of July 1, 2025, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 is again issuing visit visas for certain nationalities. These are usually single-entry visas, allowing you to stay up to 90 days.
Requirements:
– Valid passport
– Completed application form
– Purpose of visit (tourism, business, or visiting family)
Example:
Priya wants to visit her cousin in Dammam. She applies for a visit visa, gets approval, and can stay for up to 90 days.
What If You Don’t Qualify?
If you don’t meet the requirements for your skill level or have a disqualifying factor, you have a few options:
- Improve your qualifications: Get more education or work experience to move up to a higher skill category.
- Apply for a different visa: If you can’t get a work visa, consider a visit visa or a business visa if you qualify.
- Fix disqualifying issues: If you overstayed a previous visa, you may need to wait until your ban ends before reapplying.
- Seek legal help: If you think you were unfairly denied, contact a legal expert or your country’s embassy for advice.
How to Improve Your Chances
- Make sure all documents are correct and up to date.
- Get your certificates attested by the right authorities.
- Keep a clean record (no overstays or unauthorized work).
- Work with a registered Saudi employer who understands the new rules.
- Use the official Unified National Visa Platform for applications and updates.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 must:
- Sponsor expatriates and handle much of the paperwork
- Keep records of all expat employees
- Make sure employees have the right visas
- Report any violations (like employees who overstay or work in the wrong job)
- Avoid hiring people without valid visas (or face heavy fines and penalties)
Digital Surveillance and Enforcement
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 uses advanced digital systems to track visa holders and catch violations. This includes:
- Real-time monitoring of entry and exit
- Tracking work permits and job changes
- Automatic alerts for overstays or unauthorized work
This means it’s harder than ever to “fly under the radar.” Both expatriates and employers must follow the rules closely.
Alternative Options for Expatriates
If you’re not eligible for the Skill-Based Visa System, you might consider:
- Short-term visit visas (for tourism or family visits)
- Business visas (if you’re attending meetings or conferences)
- Student visas (if you want to study in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦)
- Investor visas (if you plan to start a business)
Each visa type has its own requirements, so check the official Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for details.
Practical Tips and Next Steps
- Check your eligibility based on your education, experience, and job offer.
- Gather all required documents before applying.
- Apply through official channels to avoid scams.
- Stay updated on rule changes by visiting the Unified National Visa Platform.
- Ask your employer for help if you’re unsure about any step.
Final Thoughts
Saudi Arabia’s new Skill-Based Visa System is designed to attract top talent and support the country’s big development goals. While it opens doors for high-skilled and skilled expatriates, it also means stricter rules and more paperwork for everyone. Employers and expats must work together to follow the rules and avoid penalties.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building a modern, competitive workforce while protecting the rights of both employers and expatriates. If you’re planning to move to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦, take the time to understand the new system, prepare your documents, and use official resources to make your move as smooth as possible.
For more information, always use the Unified National Visa Platform for the latest updates and to start your application. If you have questions or run into problems, contact your nearest Saudi embassy or consulate for help.
Learn Today
Skill-Based Visa System → A classification system sorting expatriates by skill level for Saudi Arabia visas starting July 2025.
Attested Educational Certificates → Officially verified academic documents required for visa applications to prove qualifications.
Police Clearance Certificate → Proof issued by authorities confirming an applicant has no criminal record.
Visa Referral Note → Documentation from an employer or sponsor supporting the visa application process.
Unified National Visa Platform → Saudi Arabia’s official online portal for submitting and tracking visa applications.
This Article in a Nutshell
Saudi Arabia’s new visa system launches in July 2025, focusing on skill levels. High-skilled, skilled, and basic expatriates face new rules, document requirements, and penalties. Employers play a critical role in sponsorship and compliance. This system aims to support Vision 2030 by attracting top talent to key projects like NEOM.
— By VisaVerge.com
