A business visitor is not authorised to work. Employees need a work visa requested by a Saudi employer and an iqama after arrival.
Business visit visa
- For meetings, contracts, exhibitions and site visits
- Issued through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa platform
- May need an invitation from a Saudi company unless an e-visa applies
- Short stay; not a work permit
Work visa and iqama
- The employer obtains a work-permit quota on Qiwa
- The work visa is requested and issued
- The employee travels, completes medical and biometric steps
- The employer issues the iqama and work permit
- The contract is authenticated on Qiwa and the employee is added to GOSI and payroll
Ongoing residency administration
- Iqama and work permit renewals
- Exit and re-entry visas
- Final exit
- Dependant applications where eligible
- Profession and record updates
Frequently asked questions
Can a business visitor work in Saudi Arabia?
No. A business visit visa does not authorise employment.
Is Premium Residency the same as an iqama?
No. Premium Residency is a separate product issued by the Premium Residency Center with its own criteria.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Requirements change and depend on your activity, ownership and location. Decisions rest with the competent authorities.