How to Sponsor a Visa for a Foreign Employee in Saudi Arabia

How to Sponsor a Visa for a Foreign Employee in Saudi Arabia

Sponsoring a foreign employee in Saudi Arabia starts with a valid work permit at the company level, then moves through several digitally-linked steps. Skipping the sequence is the most common cause of rejected or delayed applications.

Before you start

Confirm the company has an available work permit slot, and that the job title for the foreign hire isn't restricted to Saudi nationals under a profession-level decision.

Step-by-step process

• Submit the work permit block request through Qiwa

• Link the contract to the job title and registered salary on Qiwa, and authenticate it with the employee's digital counter-signature

• Complete visa procedures through Saudi consulates in the employee's home country

• Issue the Iqama on arrival and open the employee's GOSI file

Documents and systems required

The Qiwa work permit block, the authenticated contract, and proof of medical fitness for the entry visa.

Timeline, cost and approval risks

Timeline varies by profession and the company's available work permit allocation. The most common risk is submitting a job title that doesn't match actual work performed, which complicates GOSI registration.

How Inclusive Solutions helps

We manage the full sponsorship process from work permit to arrival, and avoid the small errors that cause delays. See our visa and Iqama services or talk to our team.