Initial Work Permit Fees and Pricing Structure
The initial three-month period of work permits is provided without any fees to the workers. Premature work permit renewals will face price fluctuations depending on the current number of foreign employees at the establishment.
- First non-Saudi worker: 800 SAR annually.
- Second non-Saudi worker: Employers must pay 700 SAR annual fees to the Saudi government as long as Saudi residents work in the establishment.
- The taxation amounts to 800 SAR annually only when the company does not hire Saudi nationals.
- For three or more Non-Saudi employees: Organizations with absent or fewer than nine employees including Saudi nationals can obtain four work permits at 100 SAR per year.
- For additional non-Saudi workers: This fee becomes 700 Saudi Arabian Riyals annually while Saudi employment remains present in the company.
- The annual cost will be 800 Saudi Riyals when none of the workforce consists of Saudi nationals.
Validity of Saudi Work Permits
The Saudi Ministry of Labor can issue work permits valid for three, six, nine or twelve months. Some job positions enforce particular time limitations on work permit validity that employees must follow during renewal procedures.
Process of Issuing or Renewing a Work Permit
To issue a work permit for a non-Saudi employee after they have received their border number upon entering the Kingdom with a permanent work visa, follow these steps:
- Log into your Qiwa business account.
- choose the employee(s) who need permit issuance.
- Determine the length of validity by selecting between 3, 6, 9 or 12 months according to both business needs and employee position requirements.
- Review the fee calculations for requested and any expired work permits.
- Complete the payment.
Conditions for Fee Exemptions
Certain establishments may qualify for exemptions from work permit fees under specific conditions:
- A small establishment that maintains nine personnel or less including Saudi staff and owner registration status at the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) qualifies for work permit exemption on four non-Saudi personnel during one financial year.
- Small businesses with less than ten staff members get two work permit exemptions yearly when GOSI-registered full-time Saudi employees (not including the business owner) exist.
- Industrial Companies: The Ministry of Industry decides on the number of fee suspensions granted to industrial companies along with their exemption eligibility.
Legal Conditions to Obtain a Work Permit in Saudi Arabia
Businesses recruiting foreign workers in KSA need to follow rigorous rules that control employment of non-Saudi workers. The necessary requirements and conditions for employing non-Saudis are specified by Article 32 through Article 40 in Chapter 3 of Labor Law No. M/51 Year 2005. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development gives approval for all recruitment of foreign employees to protect Saudi Arabia’s labor market while enabling effective workforce management.
Before starting work in Saudi Arabia, non-Saudi employees need authorization from the Ministry through a work permit. These conditions will determine eligibility for receiving a work permit:
- Individuals need to enter Saudi Arabia through official procedures that allow them to work in the country.
- A worker requires specific qualifications according to their assigned position yet there exists no Saudi Arabian candidate who meets the requirements.
- An employer with responsibility for employee employment must have contracted this worker.
Understanding Work Visa Types and When to Use Them
Understanding the different types of work visas available is crucial when navigating employment regulations in Saudi Arabia. For instance, a temporary work visa Saudi Arabia may be suitable for short-term contracts or specialized assignments, while long-term contracts will require a standard work permit Saudi Arabia. The correct visa must align with the duration and purpose of employment to avoid legal complications.
Saudi Arabian Work Visa Process: An Essential First Step
In parallel with local labor law, companies and professionals must also consider the initial Saudi Arabian work visa process, which is essential before obtaining the Iqama and work permit. A work visa is typically issued for those who receive a confirmed job offer in the Kingdom and requires a valid passport, medical tests, and approval through official Saudi embassies or consulates abroad. This step is fundamental to legally enter the country with the intention to work and ensures alignment with Saudi regulations from the start of the employment journey.
Compliance with Professional Activities and Contract Rules
Obtaining a work permit remains the only necessary requirement to perform labor duties throughout Saudi Arabia as it replaces every other documentation used in alternative job settings provided by other official bodies. Article 36 of Law No. M/51 Year 2005 establishes that the Minister will define all restricted professional activities for foreign workers in Saudi Arabia. Foreign workers need employment contracts that must be written alongside a specified term. A contract without specified duration will use the work permit to establish employment length which expires upon the work permit expiration. The law prohibits professionals from shifting non-Saudi employees to roles beyond their work permit-mandated positions unless they follow the correct legal procedures for occupational transfer. The law prohibits Saudi workers from taking employment from more than one employer at a time.
Final Considerations on Work Permits and Work Visas in Saudi Arabia
The effective management of the Saudi Arabian local workforce relies on business understanding the process to obtain work permits together with the requirements for compliance with labor laws affecting foreign employees. Organizations attaining understanding of the legal framework together with application procedures and fees and regulatory obligations achieve effective human resources administration which satisfies all requirements. Organizations which place emphasis on these factors will establish workplaces that are both operationally effective and compliant with employee rights and welfare principles.
In parallel with permit regulations, employers must also ensure their expatriate staff arrive in the Kingdom through the correct work visa Saudi Arabia procedures. Following the proper visa process from the beginning ensures legal entry, smooth Iqama registration, and compliance with Ministry standards.
This article offers a general overview of the subject matter and is not a substitute for legal advice. For tailored guidance based on your specific circumstances, we recommend seeking professional consultation.
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FAQs
What is the difference between a work permit and a temporary work visa in Saudi Arabia?
A work permit Saudi Arabia is issued for long-term employment and allows foreign nationals to legally work and reside in the Kingdom. In contrast, a temporary work visa Saudi Arabia is typically used for short-term or project-based work, with different validity and renewal conditions.
How much does a work visa for Saudi Arabia cost?
The work visa Saudi Arabia price can range from 100 SAR to 800 SAR annually, depending on the size of the company, the number of foreign employees, and whether Saudi nationals are employed. There are also additional fees related to the visa application and Iqama issuance.
How can someone from Pakistan apply for a work visa for Saudi Arabia?
To apply for a work visa for Saudi Arabia from Pakistan, the applicant must first receive a job offer from a Saudi employer who will initiate the visa process through the Qiwa platform. The applicant then completes formalities with the Saudi embassy in Pakistan, including medical checks and document verification.
Are there any exemptions for small businesses when applying for foreign employee work permits?
Yes, small establishments with fewer than 10 employees (including Saudis and the owner) may be exempt from fees for up to four non-Saudi workers if registered with GOSI. These exemptions help reduce the work permit Saudi Arabia cost for small enterprises.
