About visa PRO services in Saudi Arabia
Employment work visas apply to expatriates relocating to take up formal roles. The sponsoring employer must hold a valid employment contract with the individual and is responsible for initiating the visa. After entry, the employee obtains an Iqama, which grants residence and work authorisation.
Temporary work visas apply to staff assigned to short-term projects. These visas usually run for 90 days with a single entry. They may be renewed once for another 90 days following Ministry of Interior approval.
They allow work without the need for a work permit or an Iqama.
Owners or directors establishing a company in Saudi Arabia may obtain a General Manager or Executive Director visa linked to the new entity. This route provides residency through an Iqama. Certain investors may also apply for Premium residency if eligible.
Having senior representatives present in the Kingdom strengthens oversight of ongoing operations.
Employees who hold a valid Iqama may sponsor their spouse and children once they meet minimum salary thresholds.
Dependants cannot work under this visa category.
Business Visas allow short visits for meetings, conferences or for reviewing investment opportunities. They are available for 30, 90 or 180 days.
An invitation from a Saudi entity is required. Employment is not permitted.
Premium residency allows expatriates to reside and work in the Kingdom without a local sponsor. Two options exist. One requires an annual fee. The other requires a one-off payment.
This route is often used by long-term investors and families seeking more permanent residence.
The Tourist visa is available to nationals of designated countries through an electronic system. It allows visits of up to 90 days on a single or multiple entry basis.
It does not permit residency or employment.
These visas apply to Muslim travellers undertaking pilgrimage. The Hajj visa is seasonal. The Umrah visa is available year-round.
Neither category allows residence or work.
Residency of GCC nationals
GCC nationals may enter Saudi Arabia without visas and without sponsorship. They may also establish businesses under the same rules that apply to Saudi nationals.
This facilitates cross-border activity within the region.
Converting visit visas to Iqama
Visitors who later secure employment often ask whether a visit visa can be converted to an Iqama. There is no conversion pathway. Applicants must leave the Kingdom and begin the process from their home country or designated jurisdiction.
Completing the application from the correct location prevents difficulties in later stages.
How Sovereign can help
Sovereign appoints a dedicated PRO to manage labour, immigration and regulatory tasks. These processes involve several ministries and electronic platforms. Delegating them reduces the burden on internal teams and keeps commercial work on schedule.
Our PRO services include:
Procedures often follow a set sequence. Because visa type, business structure and family arrangements can intersect, early preparation limits delays. A clear plan at the outset helps applications progress without disruption.
Explore Saudi Arabia
Please contact us if you have any questions or queries and your local representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
