Saudi Arabia has gained international attention for all the right reasons recently. The tremendous transformation in progress for Vision 2030 and other GIGA projects has increased urbanisation, ease of doing business, and improved economic diversification, resulting in increased investment opportunities in the Kingdom.
Almost half of the country’s population of 35 million consists of foreigners who reside and work in the Kingdom. It is evidently a popular destination in the Middle East, attracting millions of travellers from around the globe for tourism, work, business, religious purposes, etc.
The blog will delve into the types of visas available in Saudi Arabia. Whether you are a tourist or a businessperson willing to travel to the Kingdom, the blog clarifies the specific visa requirements and application process.
Types Of Visas in Saudi Arabia
Citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait can use their national ID card to enter the country and do not require a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia. Also, citizens from 59 countries can easily apply for an e-visa or get a visa on arrival to visit the country.
Saudi Arabia offers a variety of visas to cater to different purposes of visitation. Below are some of the most common types:
Visit Visa:
- Tourist visa: This visa is issued for leisure travel to Saudi Arabia. This visa permits single or multiple short-term trips with a maximum of 90 days.
- Hajj and Umrah Visa: Issued to Muslim pilgrims wishing to perform Umrah or Hajj. There are specific quotas and requirements applicable for these visas.
Business Visa:
- Business visa: This visa is issued for short-term business purposes such as conferences, meetings, etc. It typically allows single or multiple entries for a limited period.
Employment Visas:
- Work (Employment) visa: This visa provides employment opportunities to professionals from a specific employer. To be eligible for this visa type, an individual requires an invitation letter from the employer, an employment contract, sponsorship, attested educational certification, a medical screening security check, etc. The employer in this case is required to apply for a work visa for the employee. The employee can visit Saudi Arabia for 90 days, during which time the employee is expected to apply for a Saudi residence visa to be eligible to work in Saudi Arabia.
- Dependant visa: This type of visa is issued to the spouse and children of individuals having valid work visas in Saudi Arabia.
Other Visas:
- Transit visa: This visa is for foreign nationals or travellers, allowing them to have short stays of over 12 hours. Travelers with a layover in Saudi Arabia of less than 12 hours do not require a Saudi transit visa.
- Student visa: A Saudi Arabia student visa is required for international students who want to study in the Kingdom.
- Premium residency visa: Saudi Arabia introduced a premium residency program for talented and wealthy foreign nationals who wish to live in Saudi Arabia and invest in Saudi business without the need for a Saudi sponsor. This visa provides foreigners with the right to reside in Saudi Arabia, own property in Saudi Arabia, invest in Saudi business, work, switch jobs, hire foreign employees, sponsor Saudi residency, visit visas for their family members, and enter and exit Saudi Arabia without the need of a sponsor.
- Family visit visa: This visa is applicable for a short-term visit to first-degree relatives of Saudi nationals and legal residents, including parents, spouses, children, and direct-in-laws.
- Newborn visa: The newborn visa is eligible for newborns less than 12 months old where both parents are required to have a valid visa. Saudi work permit, or Iqama, and the mother as a valid re-entry visa into Saudi Arabia.
- Government visa: This visa is issued to individuals invited by Saudi Arabian government institutions or departments for specific purposes such as workshops, conferences, training programs, etc. It involves sponsorship from the inviting party and is allowed for a limited period of stay.
- Diplomatic and official visas: This visa is issued to diplomats, government officials, and their families. The visa might offer additional benefits and extended validity periods based on diplomatic immunity.
Challanges in Opening a Corporate Bank Account in Dubai and the UAE
The strict regulations and compliance requirements in the UAE have made it difficult for many businesses to open a corporate bank account. The requirements also differ from bank to bank, so it is beneficial to conduct research beforehand and apply the suitable available option. Some of the eligibility criteria to open a bank account in the UAE are as below:
- Strict Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations that ensure compliance with financial regulations and disregard involvement in illegal activities
- Constantly updating laws and regulations
- Meeting the bank requirements is important as each bank has its own internal policies and procedures
- High-risk activities might face further complexities and checks
- Nationality of the business owner or shareholder
- New businesses with no track record or have only a limited financial history
- Time-consuming process
- Physical presence is required
- Minimum initial deposit and balance requirements
How can we help?
At Gatestone Group, we understand the complexities of the Saudi Arabian visa process. We are your trusted partner, providing expert guidance, efficient assistance, and unwavering support throughout your visa journey.
Don’t let visa concerns hinder your aspirations. Contact Gatestone Group today! Our team of visa specialists is ready to answer your questions, streamline your application process, and help you navigate the path towards a successful journey to Saudi Arabia.
