Securing a residence permit in Saudi Arabia is a pivotal step for individuals seeking to establish a legal and long-term presence in the country.
How can I get resident permit in Saudi Arabia?
To obtain a resident permit in Saudi Arabia, you typically need to be sponsored by an employer or a close family member who is a resident in the country. Your sponsor will initiate the application process through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports).
Residence permit in Saudi Arabia: requirements and documents
Requirements:
Documents:
- Sponsorship: You usually need a sponsor, who can be an employer, a family member, or a Saudi citizen. Your sponsor will initiate the process on your behalf.
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
- Medical Examination: A medical examination may be required to check for contagious diseases. The specific medical tests can vary.
- Job Offer (for employment visas): If you are moving to Saudi Arabia for employment, you will need a job offer from a Saudi employer.
- Proof of Relationship (for family visas): If you are joining family members in Saudi Arabia, you'll need to provide proof of the relationship.
Documents:
- Passport and Visa Application Form: Completed and signed visa application form along with a valid passport.
- Passport-sized Photos: Recent passport-sized photographs meeting Saudi Arabia's specifications.
- Employment Contract (for employment visas): A copy of the employment contract with your Saudi employer.
- Educational and Professional Certificates: Copies of your educational and professional certificates may be required, especially for employment visas.
- Medical Reports: Health reports and medical certificates from an authorized medical center, attesting that you are free from contagious diseases.
- Police Clearance Certificate: A police clearance certificate from your home country may be required.
- Proof of Accommodation: Evidence of your place of residence in Saudi Arabia.
Residence permit of Saudi Arabia: validity
The residence permits in Saudi Arabia, known as Iqamas, are typically valid for a period of up to one year.
Residence permit in Saudi Arabia: fee and processing time
The annual fee for Iqama visas is SAR 650 (approximately USD 175), with the employer obligated to cover all fees and taxes associated with a foreign worker's work permit and Iqama, as per Saudi legislation. In case the employee leaves their job, the employer is also responsible for repatriation fees.
Considering the monthly expense for obtaining a work permit, which amounts to SAR 800 (around USD 220), this adds to the overall cost borne by the employer.
Furthermore, foreign employees with dependent family members listed on their Iqama are subject to a monthly dependent fee of SAR 400 (approximately USD 100). The decision on whether the employer will cover this expense or transfer it to the sponsor or foreign worker is at the discretion of the employer according to Saudi law.
It's important to note that if an employee's Saudi Iqama is lost or expires without renewal, the sponsoring employer may face financial responsibility according to Saudi regulations.
The process of obtaining a residence permit in Saudi Arabia typically takes about 1 to 3 weeks.
Considering the monthly expense for obtaining a work permit, which amounts to SAR 800 (around USD 220), this adds to the overall cost borne by the employer.
Furthermore, foreign employees with dependent family members listed on their Iqama are subject to a monthly dependent fee of SAR 400 (approximately USD 100). The decision on whether the employer will cover this expense or transfer it to the sponsor or foreign worker is at the discretion of the employer according to Saudi law.
It's important to note that if an employee's Saudi Iqama is lost or expires without renewal, the sponsoring employer may face financial responsibility according to Saudi regulations.
The process of obtaining a residence permit in Saudi Arabia typically takes about 1 to 3 weeks.
How to take father residence permit visa in Saudi Arabia?
Individuals desiring to reside in Saudi Arabia with their family members, such as a husband or father, can apply for a 'Family Residency Visa.' To qualify, applicants must furnish authorization letters from the Saudi Foreign Ministry along with details of the family member's iqama. The requirements for a Saudi Arabia Family Residency Visa include a passport valid for over 6 months with two blank facing pages, three recently taken passport-sized photos against a white background, completion of the Family Residency Visa application form, reading and signing the Declaration form, submission of the Saudi Family Residency visa authorization number and the husband/father’s Iqama number or Family Residency visa authorization letter. Additionally, a Police Certificate ACRO is required for family members aged 18 or above, which must be stamped by the British Foreign Ministry and the Saudi Embassy. A filled Saudi Medical Form for family members aged 18 or above, involving medical tests, must also be provided. Finally, the original Marriage Certificate (for spouses) and the full original Birth Certificate (for children) displaying the names of both parents are required.
I can't renew my residency in Saudi Arabia? Discussion on Reddit
Li from Bahrain says: "I recently renewed my passport after it had been expired for two years, and I got it done for free in just a few minutes at the nearest passports division. As a GCC citizen with an Iqama, I initially wondered if there might be an online option that I wasn't aware of, but it turned out that visiting the division in person was a quick and efficient solution."
