Documents Required for Work Permit in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia work permits are managed through the Qiwa platform (qiwa.sa) operated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). The employer (kafeel/sponsor) applies for a work visa and work permit quota. From July 2025, Saudi Arabia operates a skills-based work permit classification system based on five criteria: educational background, work experience, professional skills, wage level, and age. Nitaqat (Saudisation) compliance is required for employers. The resulting Iqama (residency card) serves as the formal work authorisation document. Requirements are subject to change — verify with Qiwa (qiwa.sa) or Absher (absher.sa).
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Document checklist
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Original + copy; minimum 6 months validity from date of application
Work visa stamped in passport by the Saudi embassy or consulate in your home country; issued after MHRSD/MOFA approval
Medical fitness certificate from a GAMCA-approved centre in your home country; includes TB, HIV, Hepatitis, blood, and other communicable disease tests
Required for most nationalities on initial entry — confirm GAMCA centre requirements and approved tests for your country at gamca.net
Recent colour photographs per Jawazat specifications (typically white background, 4×6 cm)
Degree or diploma attested by home country authorities, the Saudi embassy in that country, and Saudi MOFA — required for professional and skilled permit categories
Under the 2025 skills-based classification system, qualifications are assessed against five criteria including education, experience, skills, wage, and age — confirm requirements for your permit category with MHRSD or Qiwa
Employment contract digitally signed and authenticated through the Qiwa platform by both employer and employee
Signed offer letter from the Saudi employer confirming job title, salary, and employment terms
Copy of the employer's valid Saudi Commercial Registration certificate, confirming the company is legally registered to operate
Employer's Nitaqat (Saudisation) tier confirmation — Platinum or Green tier required for new expatriate hiring; managed by employer through Qiwa/Absher
Your employer is responsible for Nitaqat compliance — confirm their tier before accepting an offer
How to apply — step by step
- 1
Employer Applies for Work Visa via Qiwa
The Saudi employer applies for a work visa through the Qiwa platform. MHRSD checks Nitaqat (Saudisation) compliance — employers in the Platinum or Green tiers have expedited processing and larger quotas. The work visa application is routed through to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Tip: Confirm your employer's Nitaqat tier before signing an offer. Yellow or Red tier employers face restrictions on expatriate hiring.
- 2
Complete GAMCA Medical in Home Country
Before travelling, undergo a GAMCA (Gulf Approved Medical Centers Association)-approved medical examination in your home country. This includes communicable disease screening (TB, HIV, Hepatitis, and others). Results are required for the visa application.
Tip: Check the GAMCA website (gamca.net) for approved centres in your country. Do this early — appointments can take time.
- 3
Receive Work Visa and Travel
Once approved by MHRSD and MOFA, collect the work visa stamped in your passport at the Saudi embassy or consulate in your country. Travel to Saudi Arabia within the visa validity period.
- 4
Arrive, Complete Biometrics, and Medical Inside Saudi
On arrival, complete immigration formalities. Your employer registers your arrival on Absher. An in-country medical fitness examination may also be required at an approved Saudi health facility.
Tip: Ensure your employer's PRO registers your arrival promptly — delays can complicate the Iqama process.
- 5
Employer Applies for Iqama via Absher/Jawazat
Your employer applies for your Iqama (residency/work permit card) through Absher Business or at a Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports) office within 90 days of your arrival. Biometric enrolment (fingerprinting and photograph) is also conducted.
- 6
Collect Iqama
Your Iqama is issued and must be carried at all times as required by Saudi law. It serves as your official work permit and residency document.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Qiwa platform and how does it relate to my work permit?
Qiwa (qiwa.sa) is Saudi Arabia's digital platform for managing employment contracts, work permits, and labour relations. Your employer uses Qiwa to apply for your work permit, authenticate your contract digitally, and manage transfer requests. You can also access your own records on Qiwa.
Do I need to attest my qualifications for a Saudi work permit?
For most professional and skilled categories, yes — educational qualifications must be attested by home country authorities, the Saudi embassy, and Saudi MOFA. From July 2025, Saudi Arabia uses a five-criteria skills-based classification. Confirm requirements for your specific permit category with your employer or Qiwa.
What is Nitaqat and how does it affect expatriate hiring?
Nitaqat is Saudi Arabia's Saudisation programme requiring companies to maintain a minimum ratio of Saudi employees. Platinum and Green tier employers can more readily hire and retain expatriates. Yellow and Red tier employers face restrictions. Confirm your employer's Nitaqat tier before signing a contract.
How do I check my Saudi Iqama or work permit status?
Check your Iqama and work permit status on the Absher platform (absher.sa) or Qiwa (qiwa.sa) using your ID number. Your employer's PRO can also assist with status updates.
Can I change employers in Saudi Arabia?
Employer (kafeel) transfers are processed through Qiwa. Eligibility conditions apply — including completion of contractual obligations. Rules have evolved since the 2021 labour reforms. Confirm current transfer eligibility and procedures with Qiwa before applying.
Official source
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) / Qiwa Platform — official portal ↗Don't want to chase these documents?
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