Saudi Arabia Work Visa Without Iqama — What You Must Know. No, a work visa without an Iqama is not legal in Saudi Arabia for long-term employment. The Iqama (residence permit) is a mandatory document that proves your legal right to live and work in the Kingdom. Without it, foreign workers cannot open bank accounts, rent homes, or access basic services. Employers who fail to issue Iqamas for their workers face heavy fines and penalties.
What Is an Iqama and Why It’s Important
The Iqama is the official residency ID card for foreign workers in Saudi Arabia. It confirms your employment and legal residence in the country.
| Key Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Issued By | Ministry of Interior & Ministry of Human Resources |
| Validity | Usually 1 year (renewable) |
| Applies To | All expatriates working in Saudi Arabia |
| Penalty for Not Having One | Fines, arrest, deportation, or company license cancellation |
Without Iqama You Cannot:
- Open a bank account
- Rent or buy a property
- Access healthcare
- Send or receive money officially
- Work legally or renew your visa
Saudi Arabia Work Visa Online Apply
If you want to work in Saudi Arabia, your employer must sponsor your work visa. You cannot apply for a work visa by yourself. However, you can track and complete required steps online.
Steps to Apply for a Saudi Work Visa Online:
- Find a sponsor (employer) in Saudi Arabia.
- The employer applies for a work permit from the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources.
- Once approved, the visa authorization number is issued.
- The employee applies for the work visa at the Saudi Embassy or visa center in their home country.
- Submit medical reports, passport, photos, and other documents.
- Once in Saudi Arabia, the employer must apply for Iqama within 90 days.
Important: Working in Saudi Arabia without an Iqama is illegal, even if you entered on a valid work visa.
Saudi Arabia Job Visa Available
Saudi Arabia regularly offers job opportunities in construction, healthcare, oil & gas, logistics, education, and technology sectors.
You can check job visa availability through:
- Saudi Ministry of Labour (HRSD) official website
- Saudi Visa offices in Pakistan, India, or other countries
- Approved overseas employment agencies
Common Job Visa Categories:
| Visa Type | Description |
|---|---|
| General Work Visa | For company-sponsored employees |
| Domestic Worker Visa | For drivers, maids, and private workers |
| Engineer/Doctor Visa | For skilled professionals with qualifications |
| Business Visit Visa | For short-term meetings (not valid for employment) |
Saudi Arabia Work Visa News Today
The Saudi government continues to strengthen its labor laws and Saudization policy (Nitaqat), ensuring more jobs for locals while keeping doors open for foreign talent.
- Employers must issue Iqamas within 90 days of an employee’s arrival.
- Fines increased for companies employing workers without valid Iqamas.
- Digital work visa tracking is available on the Absher platform.
- New reforms aim to make Iqama renewal and transfer faster through online services.
Stay updated with Saudi Ministry of Labour (hrsd.gov.sa) for latest announcements.
Saudi Arabia Company Visa Free, Is It Real?
There is no “free company visa” in Saudi Arabia.
Some websites advertise “free visa with job” offers, but they are often scams or illegal sponsorship deals.
Legitimate Options:
- Your Saudi employer must officially sponsor your visa.
- All work visas go through Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and Saudi Embassy verification.
- Avoid anyone offering “visa without sponsor” — it’s illegal and can lead to deportation.
Work Visa Saudi Arabia Price
The cost of a Saudi work visa depends on your nationality and type of employment.
Below is an approximate estimate for Pakistani applicants:
| Type of Fee | Approximate Cost (PKR) | Equivalent (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Work Visa Fee | 90,000 – 120,000 | 1,200 – 1,500 |
| Medical Test | 12,000 – 15,000 | 150 – 200 |
| Insurance | 10,000 – 12,000 | 130 – 150 |
| Iqama Fee (paid by employer) | — | 650 – 800 per year |
| Total (approx.) | 110,000 – 150,000 PKR | ~1,800 SAR |
Note: Costs may vary based on agency service, job type, and embassy processing charges.
Saudi Arabia Work Visa Requirements
To apply for a Saudi Arabia work visa, you must submit the following documents:
Required Documents:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Visa application form
- Visa authorization letter from Saudi employer
- Medical fitness certificate from approved centers
- Educational certificates (attested)
- Police clearance certificate
- Employment contract copy
- Recent passport-size photos
Tip: Keep all documents attested by MOFA, Chamber of Commerce, and Saudi Embassy before submission.
Saudi Work Visa for Pakistani Online Apply
Pakistani citizens can apply for a Saudi work visa through:
- Pakistan Overseas Employment Corporation (POEC)
- Approved overseas recruiting agencies (OEPs)
- Saudi Enjazit or Etimad Visa Centers
Process for Pakistanis:
- Get a job offer and visa slip from Saudi employer.
- Apply through Etimad Visa Center (https://visa.etimad.pk/).
- Complete medical tests and submit documents.
- Wait for visa stamping at the Saudi Embassy.
- Upon arrival, ensure your employer applies for Iqama immediately.
Saudi Arabia Work Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Saudi work visa varies based on embassy workload and employer verification.
| Step | Average Time |
|---|---|
| Employer Approval & MOFA Visa Issuance | 7–10 days |
| Medical Test & Document Attestation | 5–7 days |
| Embassy Visa Stamping | 7–14 days |
| Iqama Processing (after arrival) | Up to 90 days |
| Total Estimated Time | 3–6 weeks |
Note: Always check with your sponsor or agency for real-time updates.
What to Do If You Are Working Without an Iqama
If you already entered Saudi Arabia but haven’t received your Iqama yet:
- Employees: Immediately contact your employer to start the Iqama process.
- Employers: Must submit Iqama applications within 90 days of employee arrival.
Legal consequences include:
- Employee: Deportation and fines up to SAR 10,000
- Employer: License cancellation and hefty penalties
Conclusion
In Saudi Arabia, you cannot legally work without an Iqama. It is your proof of residency, employment, and identity. Always ensure your Iqama is processed within 90 days after entering the Kingdom. Avoid fake “free visa” offers and follow legal channels for work visa applications.
