With Saudi Arabia setting the Vision 2030 in motion, the country began opening its economy to foreign professionals from diverse fields: medicine, engineering, construction, IT, education. The Skilled Worker Visa is thus being used extensively to put foreign talent to work in the Kingdom.
The process has evolved to become structured with distinct eligibility criteria and a simplified application process via the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD).
Who Is Eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa?
Skilled Worker Visa holders are those with specialized qualifications, experience, and job offers from Saudi-based employers. Applicants must have a valid employment contract for the position under the official list of skilled occupations in Saudi Arabia.
The job offered must be related to the applicant’s academic qualifications and professional experience. The employers are approved for foreign recruitment and have no labor crimes charged against their commercial license.
Qualifications and Documentation Required
Applicants must have at least a diploma or a bachelor’s degree in a related job function. Usually, two to five years of job experience in the proposed job are required. Educational documents and professional licenses, when required for proof, must be attested by the Saudi Embassy in the applicant’s home country.
A valid passport with a minimum tenure of six months, police clearance certificate, and medical report from a statutory clinic are additional necessary documents. The employer has to provide an official letter of employment and record the candidate’s details on the Qiwa platform, which is the labor regulation platform in Saudi Arabia.
Application Procedures in July 2025
The application process starts when the sponsoring employer fills in the request in the Qiwa portal. The job and the candidate are entered into the system to validate the company’s eligibility of hiring foreign skilled workers. Once Qiwa approves the offer, an authorization number for a visa is issued to the employer.
The applicant is invited to apply for the visa on the official Enjazit platform, through a Saudi embassy or consulate by using this authorization number. The application should include the authorization number, all relevant documents required, and payment of the applicable visa fee. After the submission of an application, further biometric verification and medical check are conducted.
Visa Fee, Validity, and Processing Time
The fee for the Saudi Skilled Worker Visa as of July 2025 depends on the category of job and the length of stay, in the rate of SAR 2,000 to SAR 3,500, plus insurance and services fees. A visa is typically granted for the period of one to two years and is renewable. The usual time for processing is 2 to 4 weeks, but there could also be the fast track system for some countries, accepted by accredited agents.
After Arriving in Saudi Arabia
Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, the worker shall undergo the residency permit processes within 90 days; this permit is called Iqama. This procedure shall require the registration of biometric data, shall request a second medical examination, and shall make Iqama link with the employer’s sponsorship. Iqama is an official identity for the worker and is a requirement to form any kind of bank account, housing contract, or mobile activation in Saudi Arabia.
Latest Changes- 2025
Among the major changes for 2025 is the growing trend: increased use of digital platforms for processing visas, with real-time status tracking being possible via Qiwa and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs-based platform.
Besides this, the Kingdom has put in place a new skill verification system that allows candidates to undergo online assessments for some occupations prior to granting their visa. This is to ensure that only those persons who qualify will be given the status of skilled workers.
Final Thoughts
The Saudi Arabia Skilled Worker Visa pack in July 2025 provides an organized and transparent track for professionals who want to contribute to the growing economy of the Kingdom. Upon being qualified, having a confirmed job offer, and following steps laid down in the application, a skilled foreign worker can finally obtain jobs and residence in one of the most promising job markets in the Middle East.