Saudi Arabia: Standard Employment Visa (Iqama) 2026

Standard work visa (Iqama). SAR 12,000/month for skilled roles. 0% income tax. Spouse needs own work authorization.

Best For

Mid-career professionals with a job offer and relevant qualifications

Not Ideal For

Freelancers without employer sponsorship or those without recognised qualifications

At a Glance

Visa Type
Skilled Worker Visa
Region
Asia
Visa Duration
2 years
Processing Time
1 months
Min Income (annual)
€38,400
Min Investment
Application Fee
€200
Path to PR / Citizenship
Yes
Difficulty
5/10 — Challenging

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements
RequirementDetails
Age Range18+
Education RequiredBachelors
Job Offer RequiredYes
Sponsor RequiredYes
Remote Income AllowedNo
Family Accompaniment AllowedYes
Language RequirementArabic (B1)

Application Process

  1. 1
    Confirm eligibility
    Verify you meet the age, education, and financial requirements above. Use our free eligibility quiz to score your fit against Saudi Arabia's Standard Employment Visa (Iqama).
  2. 2
    Gather documents
    Passport, recent photos, criminal record check, proof of accommodation, financial statements, health insurance, and any sponsor or employer letter.
  3. 3
    Submit application
    File the application with the relevant Saudi Arabia immigration authority — usually online or at the consulate in your home country.
  4. 4
    Pay fees & attend appointment
    Pay the application fee (€200). Some applicants are required to attend a biometrics or interview appointment.
  5. 5
    Wait for decision
    Typical processing: 1 months. Decision is communicated by email or via the official portal.

Cost & Financial Requirements

Financial Requirements
ItemAmount
Minimum Annual Salary€38,400
Minimum Monthly Income
Minimum Investment
Application Fee€200

Family & Long-term Rights

Family & Rights
RightDetails
Family AllowedYes
RenewableYes
Path to PRYes
Path to CitizenshipNo
Years to Citizenship
Dual Citizenship AllowedNo
Spouse Work RightsRestricted

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Standard Employment Visa (Iqama)?

Standard work visa (Iqama). SAR 12,000/month for skilled roles. 0% income tax. Spouse needs own work authorization.

Who is the Standard Employment Visa (Iqama) best for?

Mid-career professionals with a job offer and relevant qualifications

How long does the Standard Employment Visa (Iqama) take to process?

Processing typically takes 1 months. Times may vary based on nationality, completeness of documentation, and current processing volumes.

What does the Standard Employment Visa (Iqama) cost?

The application fee is €200. Total relocation cost depends on living costs, insurance, and document attestation.

Does the Standard Employment Visa (Iqama) lead to permanent residency?

Yes — this pathway has a path to PR.

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Official source: https://www.moi.gov.sa

Last verified: 2026-03-05

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