Saudi Arabia · long-stay visa routes and official sources
4 routes tracked · last reviewed · every route links to its official government source
Long-term visa difficulty for Saudi Arabia: Hard (68/100, lower is easier). Most practical route: Employer-sponsored work residence.
Common questions
What is the most practical long-term visa route to Saudi Arabia?
Based on our July 2026 review, the most practical route is usually: Employer-sponsored work residence. Overall difficulty is rated "Hard" (68/100, lower is easier).
Can I move to Saudi Arabia without a local job offer?
Yes — 1 of the 4 tracked routes do not require a local employer: Student visa. Each has its own income, funds, or admission requirements.
Main route is employer sponsorship, often for energy, engineering, healthcare, and professional roles.
Typical timeline / duration: 2-6 months
Have a Saudi employer and an employment offer or contract for an eligible role.
Have the employer complete the work-visa, work-permit, and residence-permit process through the Saudi authorities.
Provide a valid passport, contract and qualification evidence, medical examination, photographs, and any profession-specific authentication or clearance required.
Work only under the approved employer, occupation, and permit conditions; the employer remains responsible for the relevant recruitment, Iqama, and work-permit fees under Saudi labour guidance.
Obtain admission, scholarship, or another qualifying placement from an approved Saudi educational institution or programme.
Apply through the Study in Saudi educational-visa process with a valid passport, admission evidence, photographs, and the financial, health, and identity documents requested for the programme.
Complete the entry and residence formalities for the approved study period and keep the visa linked to the institution and course.
If using the work or training permissions described for educational-visa holders, confirm the current conditions and limits before starting any activity.
A Premium Residency product for founders and entrepreneurs with an approved venture and qualifying support or investment.
Typical timeline / duration: Tier 1: five years, renewable once; Tier 2: conditional permanent residence
Tier 1: hold a Saudi Ministry of Investment entrepreneurial licence, obtain at least SAR 400,000 in funding from an approved investor, hold at least 20% of the startup, and provide an investor recommendation.
Tier 2: obtain at least SAR 15 million in approved funding, hold at least 10% of the startup, and create at least 10 jobs in year one plus 10 more in year two.
Provide founder, startup, funding, passport, financial, health, criminal-record, and application documents, and maintain the approved activity.
Visa rules change frequently. Figures and requirements above were reviewed on the dates shown; always confirm against the linked official source before applying.