Kingdom of Saudi Arabia visas
Saudi Arabia's immigration is managed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) for work permits and the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) for residency. The headline route is Premium Residency (Green Card equivalent, introduced 2019). Standard work migration requires employer-sponsored iqama (residence permit). Vision 2030 reforms have introduced Special Talent Residency and investor categories.
4 routes · 2 without a sponsor · 1 lead to settlement
Official portal
Primary source
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development ↗ · MHRSD (Saudi Arabia)
Link last verified:
Regulators of immigration advice
- Saudi Bar Association (SBA) — Regulates licensed lawyers (muhami) authorised to practise in Saudi courts.
Visa routes (4)
Premium Residency
Saudi Arabia's permanent residence programme — available for a lump-sum fee or annual fee, with property ownership and employer-independent work rights.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
Work Visa and Iqama (Employer-Sponsored Residence)
Standard employer-sponsored work visa and residence permit (iqama) — the primary route for most foreign workers in Saudi Arabia.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
Freelance Permit (Tashrih al-Amal al-Hurr)
Self-employment permit allowing foreign residents to freelance in approved professions without an employer sponsor — a Vision 2030 reform.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 10 July 2026
Student Visa
Visa for international students at Saudi universities — the King Abdullah Scholarship Program and institutional scholarships fund many international students.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
Frequently asked questions
How many visa routes does Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have?+
We cover 4 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia visa routes in these categories: investor, sponsored work, unsponsored work, and study. Each one links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.
Which Kingdom of Saudi Arabia visas do not need an employer sponsor?+
2 of the 4 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia routes we cover can be pursued without an employer sponsor, which helps if you do not have a job offer yet. The remaining 2 are employer-sponsored.
Which Kingdom of Saudi Arabia visas lead to permanent residence?+
1 of the 4 routes can lead to settlement or permanent residence; the others are temporary. Open each route for its settlement detail and qualifying period.
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