Saudi Arabia is emerging as a top destination for fast skilled workers, which is run by its ambitious vision 2030 Economic Diversification Scheme. State is welcoming foreign professionals in areas like healthcare, construction, IT, oil and gas, education, tourism and finance. Skilled worker visa provides a clear route to live and work in Saudi Arabia, enjoying tax-free income, career growth and family sponsorship opportunities in a vibrant and rapidly growing economy.TL; Dr:
- skilled
Activist visa The registered Saudi allows eligible foreign professionals to live and work legally for 1-2 years, renewable, and a key to obtain residency (ekma). - Applicants should have a confirmed job offer, relevant qualifications and experiences, should be 21 or older, and pass medical and police clearance investigation.
- The visa process includes job offers, employer visa authority, medical examination, embassy application, arrival in Saudi Arabia, issuing Ekma and starting employment.
What is a skilled worker visa?
Skilled worker visa is a work permit that enables foreign professionals to work in Saudi Arabia under employer sponsorship. Valid for one to two years with the permission of renewal, it includes major areas significantly to Vision 2030, including healthcare professionals, engineers, IT experts, teachers and hospitality experts.This visa opens the doors for a prosperous economy, fueling a semi-dominated job market in important areas with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: such as:
- Health care: Doctor, nurse, medical technician, lab expert
- Construction Engineering: Civil engineer, electrician, project manager
- Suchan Technology: Software developers, cyber security professional
- oil and gas: Petroleum Engineer, Drilling Technician, Geological
- Education: Teacher, educational leader, administrator
- hospitality and Tourism: Hotel Manager, Chef, Event Planners
- finance: Accountant, Financial Analyst, Investment Specialist
Who is the character?
- A Saudi employer registered with the Ministry of Human Resource and Social Development (HRSD) was offered a job offer.
- Relevant academic degree or certificate with 2–5 years experience in the area.
- Employer Sponsing (Cafel) for Visa and Residency processing.
- Minimum age 21; Most employers prefer candidates under 55 years of age, but can exception.
- Clean Health and Police Equitable Certificate.
Step-by-step visa application process
- Secure the job offering from a registered Saudi employer.
- The employer applies for the Work Visa Authority from HRSD and Ministry of External Affairs (MOFA).
- Get a visa authority slip from the employer.
- Complete medical examinations in approved clinics.
- Submit a visa application for the Saudi Embassy or Consulate.
- Once the visa is approved, travel to Saudi Arabia.
- The employer helps in obtaining Ekma (Residency Permit) within 90 days of arrival.
- Start working under the terms of the employment contract.
Important idea for 2025
- Work permits are classified by skill and salary level, which is managed through the QIWA platform.
- Salary Threshold, SAR can sponsor family members on a dependent visa to family members who have completed 5,000–10,000/month ($ 1,332- $ 2,664).
- Visa Fee: Temporary Work Visa Cost SAR 1,000 (~ USD 266), Plus Medicine and Insurance Cost.
- The Kingdom provides a tax-free environment, rapid career growth and potential access to premium residence that allows work and residence without sponsorship.
Saudi skilled worker visa presents an extraordinary opportunity for professionals around the world to contribute to the change of Kingdom under Vision 2030. Preparing with adequately required documents, medical examination, and employer cooperation will smooth the path to start a rewarding career and new life in Saudi Arabia.
Fasting
Q. What are the new skill-based work permit categories in Saudi Arabia?Saudi Arabia classifies work permits in high-skilled, skilled and basic levels based on merit, experience, salary and age.Q. When did this new VIs ISA classification system effective?The system began on 5 July 2025 for existing migrants and applies new rent from August 3, 2025.Q. What types of jobs come under high-skilled visa category?High-skilled roles include doctors, engineers, IT experts, corporate officers, bachelor’s degrees or more and SAR 15,000.Q. How do employers apply for new work permits?Employers should use the QIWA platform to submit employment contracts, select skill levels, upload the required documents and pay the applied fee for visa approval.
