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How to Get a Work Visa in Saudi Arabia
The question "How do I get a work visa in Saudi Arabia?" is one of the most common questions asked by those seeking new opportunities in the heart of the world's fastest-growing economy. With the launch of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has opened its doors wide to talent, businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors.
The answer to the question "How do I get a work visa in Saudi Arabia?" is no longer limited to the traditional path of being an "employee." Today, there is a more powerful and empowering path: becoming an investor or business owner, and instead of searching for someone to grant you a visa, you become the one issuing visas.
In this guide, we will explore both paths, focusing on the investment path that gives you complete control over your professional and investment future in the Kingdom. This is where City Squares comes in, your premier strategic partner in transforming your ambitions into reality, thanks to our extensive experience in company formation services in Saudi Arabia and facilitating all government procedures.
We will answer your question in detail: How do I get a work visa in Saudi Arabia? We will guide you step by step.
Traditional path: How do I get a work visa in Saudi Arabia as an employee?
The traditional way to obtain a work visa in Saudi Arabia requires an "employer" or "sponsor." This process, while common, puts you in the position of the recipient of the opportunity.
Steps of the traditional route:
Finding a job opportunity: You must first secure a job offer from a registered Saudi company.
Visa block issuance: The employer (company) submits an application to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to obtain approval to bring in foreign workers.
Sending documents: After approval, your employer will send you the certified employment contract and visa number (or visa extract).
Medical examination: You undergo a medical examination at an accredited center in your country.
To apply to the embassy: Submit your passport, employment contract, medical examination results, and personal photos to the Saudi embassy or an authorized visa center (such as VFS TasHeel) in your country.
Visa stamp: After approval, the work visa will be stamped on your passport.
Travel and Residence Permit Issuance: Upon your arrival in the Kingdom, your employer will complete the procedures for issuing the residence permit (Iqama).
This path is the direct answer to the question "How do I get a work visa in Saudi Arabia?". However, it depends entirely on finding a company willing to hire and sponsor you.
Advanced Track (for entrepreneurs and investors): From "Looking for work" to "Creating opportunities"
Why settle for a job when you can build your own business? That's the path City Squares specializes in. Instead of asking, "How do I get a work visa in Saudi Arabia?", you'll be the entrepreneur creating opportunities.
This path means obtaining an "investor visa" or "general manager visa" for your own company. This option gives you:
Complete control: You run your own business.
Flexibility: Freedom to manage your projects and expand your business.
The ability to recruit: You can issue work visas for your employees.
Taking advantage of premium accommodation: Options that open up wider horizons for you.
Here, the question "How do I get a work visa in Saudi Arabia?" becomes "How do I establish my company in Saudi Arabia?" The answer is: City Squares Company.
The first step in the investor's journey: Company formation services in Saudi Arabia with City Squares
Your decision to invest in Saudi Arabia is the first step, and having an experienced partner like Sahat Al Madina is essential for its success. We offer company formation services in Saudi Arabia and facilitate the issuance of Ministry of Investment licenses for Gulf and foreign companies. We also provide commercial services within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in both the public and private sectors.
Unparalleled experience in both the public and private sectors
At Sahat Al Madina Company, we specialize in providing consulting services for launching your business in Saudi Arabia. We don't offer just one service; we provide a comprehensive range of services that give you the confidence to embark on your projects. We have extensive experience and have provided establishment and project management services to leading brands both within the Kingdom and internationally.
Comprehensive consulting services: from idea to launch
We are with you from the initial establishment of your company in Saudi Arabia until the launch of your projects and businesses. Our services include:
Providing numerous services for market entry.
Corporate acquisition services.
Business classification services.
Management of service and industrial projects.
Specialized team: Administrative and legal staff
We have a specialized administrative team experienced in setting up companies in the Kingdom, with extensive expertise in government relations and public relations, and in-depth legal knowledge of Saudi regulations and laws. This team specializes in:
Foreign company formation and investor services.
Issuance of articles of incorporation.
Entry and exit of partners and amendment of articles of incorporation.
Transfer of company ownership and modification of the legal entity of companies.
Mergers.
Registration of commercial agencies (franchises) for private and governmental establishments and international companies.
Logistics and government support services
We take care of the most difficult part of the "How do I get a work visa in Saudi Arabia?" journey for investors. We offer:
VIP service.
Review and follow-up in all government ministries.
All transactions for customers within Saudi Arabia are completed.
Serving investors from outside Saudi Arabia, where we provide them with comprehensive services.
How can I obtain a work visa in Saudi Arabia through investment? (Practical steps)
When you choose the investor route with city squares, the answer to "How do I get a work visa in Saudi Arabia?" becomes clear and systematic:
1. Foreign Investment License (MISA): The essential step is obtaining a license from the Ministry of Investment (MISA). This license is your gateway to starting your business. Our team at City Squares will handle the preparation and submission of your entire application to ensure swift approval.
2. Company establishment and issuance of the commercial registration: After obtaining the investment license, we issue and notarize the articles of incorporation, and then issue the commercial registration from the Ministry of Commerce.
3. Opening government files: We handle opening all the files necessary for the company’s work (work file at the Ministry of Human Resources, social security file, zakat and income registration, national address).
4. Issuance of an Investor/General Manager Visa: Once the legal entity is established, the company can now apply for an "Investor Visa" or "General Manager Visa" for you. This is your own business visa issued by your company.
What about Gulf companies?
We also provide integrated solutions for Gulf companies wishing to expand.
Our integrated service package: Beyond company formation
In City Squares, we don't stop at establishment. We offer a comprehensive package that guarantees your stability and growth. Obtaining your visa is just the beginning.
Setup and operation services
Company formation services in Saudi Arabia: Your first partner for establishing all types of companies.
Factory establishment services in Saudi Arabia: We have deep experience in industrial procedures and licenses.
Environmental licensing services in Saudi Arabia: We ensure your facility's compliance with environmental standards.
Industrial security services: To secure your facilities and projects according to the highest standards.
Strategic and legal support services
Trademark and commercial agency registration: We protect your business identity and intellectual property rights.
International partnership services: We help you build successful strategic alliances.
Registering contracting companies with Aramco: We qualify you to enter the list of suppliers of the world's largest company.
Accommodation and concession services
Premium Residence Services: We help you obtain premium residence (Saudi Gold Card) for you and your family.
Schengen visa application: We facilitate your international travel procedures for your business commitments.
Public Relations and Protocol Services
VIP and delegation reception services: We offer a high-level protocol service befitting you and your guests.
Public Relations and Communication Services: We build your brand image and manage your corporate reputation.
Our media center services: We professionally cover your media and marketing needs.
Post-establishment services
We continue to provide you with post-establishment services to ensure the continuity and growth of your business without any administrative or governmental obstacles.
Who are we? City Squares Company: Your trusted partner in Vision 2030
City Squares Company is not just a service provider, but a strategic partner. We are a leading company in many services, including public relations, government relations, corporate communications, international marketing, tourism, company formation services in Saudi Arabia, and commercial contracting in the private and public sectors.
The company has succeeded in contracting with the largest Gulf companies in the private and governmental sectors, managing projects and providing new consulting services, and in the field of manufacturing and professionalizing the establishment of companies of all kinds.
We have established over 220 commercial and industrial companies.
+1,320 clients and public relations worldwide.
We rely on a team with over fifteen years of experience and practical expertise. The company covers all its business service requirements with complete integrity and transparency.
Chairman's Message: International Expert Mohammed bin Rashid bin Adwan
Dear members and clients of “City Squares Company” in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its branches in the Sultanate of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, it is my pleasure to welcome you. The development of “City Squares Company” in recent years has been remarkable; we are among the first companies to offer services for establishing international companies in various countries around the world.
City Squares Company operates in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 launched by the Saudi Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, Oman’s Vision 2040, Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030, and Egypt’s Vision 2030.
The success achieved by “City Squares Business Services and Public Relations” testifies to its high credibility with its local, regional, and international clients. “City Squares” has successfully executed hundreds of projects and contributed to the rise of numerous companies. It also prides itself on maintaining confidentiality in all its services for all its clients.
Finally, I can only thank our clients and agents, whom we consider our partners in this success, and I promise them that we will exert our utmost effort and knowledge to always remain worthy of this trust.
Our credibility and a brief overview of city squares
City Squares Company is proud to be a permanent member of the Saudi and Arab Chambers of Commerce. Our services range from facilitating access to Saudi and Arab markets, conducting research, providing networking opportunities for investors and businesspeople, and offering visa services. We invite our distinguished clients to attend conferences and events that bring together leading business figures and high-level officials to build a broad network of relationships that supports their businesses.
Our mission, vision, and values
Our mission: To be partners in success in all Arab, African and global countries, linking public relations and corporate communication in the exchange of international experiences.
Our vision: To expand our relationships with governmental and private bodies inside and outside the Kingdom, in a way that serves the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the visions of the sisterly Arab countries.
Our values: We build lasting and strong partnerships with our clients and give them the utmost priority. All the solutions and services we offer are designed not only to meet their needs but to exceed their expectations.
City squares branches
To serve you more closely and quickly:
City squares in Saudi Arabia
City squares in Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
City squares in Egypt
City squares in Amman
Summary: How do I get a work visa in Saudi Arabia? Start your journey with City Squares.
So, the answer to the question "How do I get a work visa in Saudi Arabia?" has two parts:
Employee path: Finding a sponsor (employer).
Investor path: To establish your own company and become the guarantor.
The second path is the entrepreneurial route, a path guaranteed by City Squares with its extensive experience and professional team. We don't just help you obtain a visa; we help you build your own business empire in the heart of Saudi Arabia.
Don't let complicated procedures stand in the way of your ambition. We're here to turn "How do I get a work visa in Saudi Arabia?" into "I got my visa and successfully launched my business."
Contact us now to begin your journey towards investing in Saudi Arabia
Our team is ready to answer all your questions and provide a free initial consultation. Take your first step today.
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International Expert Mohammed bin Rashid bin Adwan