Updated 2025 The Skilled Worker Visa gives professionals a pathway to tax-free salaries, family sponsorship, and Premium Residency under Saudi Vision 2030.
What is the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker Visa is a Saudi work permit issued to foreign professionals sponsored by registered Saudi employers. Linked to an Iqama (residency permit), the visa is generally valid for 1–2 years and is renewable. It can serve as a pathway toward long-term residency or Premium Residency for eligible applicants.
Skilled professionals applying for work visas in Saudi Arabia.
Job Sectors Hiring Skilled Workers
Saudi Arabia is actively recruiting talent across multiple high-demand sectors:
- Healthcare: doctors, nurses, technicians, lab staff.
- Construction & Engineering: civil engineers, project managers, electricians.
- Information Technology: software developers, cybersecurity experts.
- Oil & Gas: petroleum engineers, drilling staff, geologists.
- Education: teachers, administrators, academic leaders.
- Hospitality & Tourism: hotel managers, chefs, event planners.
- Finance: accountants, analysts, investment professionals.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa you must:
- Have a job offer from a Saudi employer registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD).
- Hold the appropriate degree or certification with 2–5 years of relevant work experience.
- Be aged 21 or older (most employers prefer applicants under 55; exceptions exist).
- Pass a medicalexam and provide a police clearance certificate.
- Be sponsored by your employer (kafeel) for visa and Iqama processing.
Step-by-Step Visa Application Process
- Secure a job offer from a registered Saudi employer.
- Employer requests visa authorization from HRSD and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
- Employer sends the visa authorization slip to the candidate.
- Complete required medical examinations at an authorized clinic in your home country.
- Submit the visa application to the Saudi embassy or consulate.
- Travel to Saudi Arabia after visa approval.
- Employer assists with obtaining an Iqama within 90 days of arrival.
- Begin work under the terms of your employment contract.
Important 2025 updates:
- Skill-based tiers (High-Skilled, Skilled, Basic) are managed via the Qiwa platform.
- Workers earning SAR 5,000–10,000/month (approx. USD 1,332–2,664) may sponsor family members subject to other rules.
- Temporary work visa fees are approximately SAR 1,000 (~USD 266) plus medical and insurance costs.
FAQs
What are the new skill-based visa categories?
They are High‑Skilled, Skilled, and Basic, determined by education, salary, and experience.
When did the new visa system start?
The updated system affected existing expats beginning July 5, 2025, and applies to new hires starting August 3, 2025.
What jobs are in the High-Skilled category?
Positions such as doctors, engineers, senior IT experts, and executives with a bachelor’s degree or higher and salaries typically above SAR 15,000 fall into the High‑Skilled tier.
How do employers apply?
Employers must use the Qiwa platform to upload employment contracts, select skill tiers, submit supporting documents, and pay required fees.
