Saudi Arabia is proving to be a hotspot for professionals with career growth and financial gains in mind. Due to its booming economy with tax-free income opportunities, expatriates in thousands flock every year to the Kingdom. But to get to the work destinations in Saudi Arabia, one has to go through an application process structured by the government, which becomes pretty challenging without proper guidance.
Understanding the entire process from obtaining a Saudi work visa to post-arrival formalities would be key to a hassle-free relocation. Each stage is important -from getting that first job offer to completing post-arrival formalities. This guide comprehensively explains the process for a clear set of instruction on a hassle-free relocation, with information on how relocation services in Saudi Arabia can help make the move seamless.
Understanding the Saudi Work Visa
Saudi Arabia provides several visa types. They include business, residency visas, and work visas, to mention but a few. A work vis is issued to foreign nationals employed by a Saudi-based company. This is the most common form used by professionals who are moving to the country.
Before applying, one needs to get a valid job offer from the Saudi employer who will sponsor the visa application. The procedure applies when the employer, applicant, and the Saudi authorities make a collaborative effort.
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
Apply for a job in Saudi Arabia. It is your employer who will act as a sponsor. He has to start the process for procuring a visa. Usually, the following documents are sought by companies:
- Valid passport of at least six months of validity
- Academic qualifications and professional experience verified
- Detailed CV or resume
Most employees acquire job opportunities through online job portals, recruitment agencies, or referrals. Collaboration with renowned relocation companies in Riyadh or relocation companies in Jeddah can also connect you with employers and guide you through your first stages.
Step 2: Obtain an Approval for Work Permit
After getting the job, your employer needs to get a work permit approval for you from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). This is one of the main documents that demonstrate the company’s intention to hire you.
Work Permit Approval Documents:
- Sponsorship letter from the employer
- A photocopy of employment contract
- Attested copies of your educational and professional certificates
- A medical fitness report
The Saudi Arabia relocation services will take care of the application to ensure that no mistakes occur and it is processed promptly.
Step 3: Medical Examination
Medical fitness is one of the conditions required by Saudi Arabia in order to obtain a visa. From the medical checks, one must be shown to be free of communicable diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis.
What to expect during the medical exam:
- Infectious disease blood test
- X-rays of chest to reveal lung health
- General physical examination
Once completed, the medical report must be attested by the Saudi embassy or consulate in your home country.
Step 4: Gather Documents Needed
Collect all documents that will be submitted to the Saudi embassy or consulate. Among the most common ones are:
- Visa application from the Saudi consulate
- Passport photographs of the required size according to Saudi visa requirements
- An employment contract signed both by you and your employer
- Academic credentials verified and attested from relevant authorities
- Medical report from a medical facility certified by Saudi government
- Police clearance certificate to prove that you have no criminal records
Ensure that all of them are complete and correctly attested to avoid delays in the application process.
Step 5: Submission of Application
Once you have completed your documents, send them to the Saudi embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The application process is also different with respect to nationality, although it is always wise to ensure what specific requirements there are.
Actions taken during the application process:
- Book an appointment with the Saudi embassy or an approved visa station
- Pay the appropriate fee for applying for a visa
- It will be mandatory on your part to provide biometric details
A receipt carrying a tracking number will be provided to check the status of your application
Step 6: Waiting for Visa Approval
The processing of a Saudi work visa usually takes about two to four weeks. Within this period, the Saudi authorities verify your documents, run background checks, and then check whether or not the sponsorship provided by your employer is valid.
To minimize waiting periods, liaise closely with relocation services in Saudi Arabia or the HR department of your employer. Updates will be received and any additional requirements that arise.
Step 7: Travel to Saudi Arabia
With the work visa being approved, you will get a visa stamped on your passport, and now you will be able to enter Saudi Arabia. You must book your flight so that your arrival will suit the requirements of the employer.
Travel Checklist to Saudi Arabia:
- Carry all the originals like the visa and the employment contract with you
- Know the regulation of Saudi customs
- Find temporary accommodation, if you need one
Post-Arrival Formalities
There are few more important processes that one has to do after you have entered in Saudi Arabia to confirm your work and residency. Such things are useful for your legal purposes and foster your early adaptation to the new environment. Below are the key post-arrival steps to follow:
- Iqama Application
The Iqama is your official legal document allowing you to reside in and seek employment in the Kingdom. This usually would be done by your employer, by providing your fingerprints, your work visa information or any other paperwork that the application process requirements. Always carry your Iqama with you as you will need it when dealing with facets of life such as banking and healthcare.
- Health Insurance Registration
For all residents of Saudi Arabia, having health insurance is compulsory. Mainly health insurance is offered as one of the employment benefits that help in paying for necessary medical services. As soon as you register you get a health card or an e-card through which you may seek necessary treatment from any of the specified diagnostic centers across the Kingdom.
- Opening a Bank Account
To obtain the payday and for making some necessary payments you will need to open a local bank account. Some of the leadings banks operating in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are the Al Rajhi Bank, Saudi National Bank and the Riyad Bank. As a rule, it involves the submission of your Iqama, passport, and the letter of employment. A local account is also convenient for paying bills and for getting other financial services.
- Address Registration
Former expat residents are required to sign a legal agreement of correctly registering their new residential status to the Saudi Arabia authorities. This step is also important for changing some record in the official databases, and such as with Iqama renewal or other appropriate activities of the government systems. The employer or the landlord that you work for, or rent from can help you to register for the program.
- Obtaining a Saudi SIM Card
They have to stay connected since new comers cannot afford to miss out on the latest trends. Definitely, to use the SIM cards, you will need to get an STC, Mobily or Zain SIM card from KSA. To activate your SIM card, identity is needed in form of your Iqama or passport. Keeping a local number also helps in commodity buying, banking or receiving updates from your employer or authority.
- Registering with Your Embassy
All the expats are recommended to officially legalize their status in KSA and register with their respective embassies of their home countries in Saudi Arabia. This stage makes you get important messages, receive consular help when needed, and get invited to community events. Finally, with registration, your embassy is in a better position to get an access to you when they feel like.
Why Choose Relocation Services?
It is not easy to apply for a Saudi Arabian work visa having not sought the services of an expert to guide you. Relocation companies in Jeddah prefer and coordinate intricate processes, provide services in terms of formal documents preparation, legalization, and cooperation with the Saudi side.
No matter which city of KSA you are interested in – if you hire services of Riyadh or Jeddah relocation services, they will help you avoid complications and legal issues.
The Saudi Arabian work visa is not something that can be easily obtained without specific guidance and precautions in the process. Every stage of the movement from getting a job offer, to the acceptance of an offer, to getting to the new company, is critical in the migration process. With good coordination with your employer and proper guidance from the relocation services in Saudi Arabia your move can be hassle-free.
If you are planning to work in Saudi Arabia then it is wise to start preparation early and must seek professional advice. Your adventure to this active and divers country must start now with HelpXpat.