How to Apply for Saudi Skilled Worker Visa 2025: Jobs, Eligibility & Process

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is reshaping the job market and creating strong demand for skilled professionals across healthcare, construction, IT, oil & gas, education, tourism and finance. In 2025 the Kingdom introduced a skill-based work-permit system that streamlines hiring and clarifies who qualifies for High‑Skilled, Skilled and Basic permits. This guide explains the Skilled Worker Visa: benefits, who can apply, the step‑by‑step process and the latest 2025 updates that expats and employers need to know.

Why consider the Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker Visa lets foreign professionals live and work legally in Saudi Arabia under employer sponsorship. Key advantages include:

• Tax-free salaries — take-home pay is typically higher compared with many other destinations.
• Career growth — many sectors are expanding rapidly under Vision 2030.
• Family sponsorship — skilled workers who meet salary thresholds can sponsor spouses and dependents.
• Pathways to long-term residency — continued employment, accreditation and meeting criteria can support future Premium Residency eligibility.

For background on the national transformation driving demand, see Saudi Vision 2030: vision2030.gov.sa.

What is the Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker Visa is a temporary work permit (typically 1–2 years, renewable) that is converted into an Iqama (residency permit) after arrival. It is employer‑sponsored and managed digitally via the Qiwa platform, which employers use to submit job offers, upload contracts and choose the appropriate skill tier.

Visit the Qiwa portal for employer and applicant guidance: qiwa.sa.

Who is hiring — job sectors in demand

Target sectors actively recruiting international professionals include:

• Healthcare: doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and lab technicians.
• Construction & engineering: civil, mechanical and project managers.
• Information technology: software developers, cloud and cybersecurity specialists.
• Oil & gas: petroleum engineers, geologists and technical operations staff.
• Education: teachers, lecturers and academic administrators.
• Tourism & hospitality: hotel management, chefs and event professionals.
• Finance: accountants, auditors and investment analysts.

Who can apply? Eligibility checklist

General eligibility requirements for the Skilled Worker Visa (may vary by role):

• Written job offer from a Saudi employer registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD). See HRSD: hrsd.gov.sa.
• Relevant qualifications (degree or diploma) and typically 2–5 years’ experience depending on the job.
• Minimum age 21; Basic tier roles often have an upper age limit (commonly 60), while Skilled and High‑Skilled roles are more flexible.
• Medical fitness: pass a medical exam at an approved clinic.
• Police clearance certificate (criminal record check) from your home country if requested.
• Employer sponsorship (kafeel) for visa issuance and Iqama processing.

Step‑by‑step application process (concise)

1. Secure a job offer: Obtain a written contract from a Saudi employer registered with HRSD.
2. Employer applies online: Employer submits the authorization request through Qiwa and HRSD; once approved they issue a visa authorization code/slip.
3. Medical exams: Complete required health checks at an approved clinic in your country.
4. Consular application: Apply for the work visa at the Saudi embassy or consulate with the authorization slip and required documents.
5. Travel to Saudi Arabia: Enter on your approved work visa.
6. Iqama issuance: Employer registers you in the Saudi system and helps obtain your Iqama (residency permit), typically within 90 days of arrival.
7. Start work: Begin employment according to your contract and local labor rules.

Important 2025 updates to know

2025 brought a formalised skill‑based classification for all expat work permits. Key points:

• Three skill tiers: High‑Skilled, Skilled and Basic. The tier is determined by occupation, education, experience and salary level.
• Implementation dates: Reclassification for existing expats started July 5, 2025; all new hires are subject to the new rules from August 3, 2025.
• Accreditation & verification: Specific occupations require qualification verification through national programs; high‑skilled roles may need additional points‑based assessment.
• Family sponsorship: Workers in Skilled or High‑Skilled tiers who meet minimum salary thresholds (commonly SAR 5,000–10,000) can sponsor dependents—confirm current thresholds on HRSD/Qiwa.
• Fees: Temporary work visa fee is typically SAR 1,000 (~USD 266) plus medical and mandatory health insurance costs; employers often handle fee payments via Qiwa.

Check official guidance and live updates: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mofa.gov.sa) and HRSD (hrsd.gov.sa).

FAQs (quick answers)

Q: What types of jobs fall under High‑Skilled?
A: Generally doctors, engineers, senior IT professionals and executives with degrees, professional accreditations, significant experience and higher wages.

Q: How do employers submit applications?
A: Employers use the Qiwa platform to post job offers, choose the skill tier, upload contracts and pay required fees: qiwa.sa.

Q: Can I move to Premium Residency later?
A: Premium Residency remains a separate program for those who meet eligibility and can afford the program fees; it provides the option to live and work without a sponsor. Monitor official updates for detailed criteria.

Practical tips for applicants and expat families

• Start document verification early (degrees, professional licenses and police checks).
• Confirm with your employer which costs they will cover (visa fees, medical, insurance, relocation).
• Keep copies of your visa authorization code and contract; you’ll need these during the consular application and on arrival.
• Follow official portals for changes—rules and salary thresholds may update frequently.

For official portals and updates, bookmark these sites: HRSD (hrsd.gov.sa), Qiwa (qiwa.sa), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mofa.gov.sa) and the Saudi Government Portal (saudi.gov.sa).

Conclusion

The Skilled Worker Visa 2025 offers a clear pathway for trained professionals to join Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation under Vision 2030. With digitised processes through Qiwa, transparent skill tiers and growing demand across multiple sectors, well‑prepared applicants who verify their credentials and coordinate closely with their Saudi employer will find the process straightforward. Stay informed through HRSD and MOFA, and organise your documents early to move quickly when an offer arrives.

Have specific questions about your occupation or contract? Contact your prospective employer’s HR team and consult official portals for the latest rules before applying.