How to Obtain a Saudi Business Visa: Requirements and Application Process

A Saudi business visa is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to enter Saudi Arabia for business purposes. It’s granted to individuals who want to engage in commercial activities in the country, such as attending meetings, negotiating deals, or conducting market research.

Saudi Arabia’s economy has long relied on the production of oil and petroleum products. However, the country is making efforts to diversify its economy, and new industries such as manufacturing, tourism, and technology are growing. If you plan to do business in Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to obtain a business visa. Here’s what you need to know:

Saudi Business Visa Requirements:

• A valid biometric passport with at least two empty visa pages
• A letter of invitation from Saudi MOFA addressed to the Saudi consulate you plan to apply through
• A letter from your employer confirming your employment and upcoming trip
• Two recent color photographs were taken against a white background
• A copy of your Saudi ID card/Iqama for foreigners, copies of your degrees/certificates, and a Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Application Process:

• Create an account on the MOFA website
• Fill in your details correctly and pay the visa fees online
• Download and print the application copy with the MOFA number/reference number
• Attach all visa documents and send them to the nearest Saudi embassy via a registered agent

Nationalities eligible for a Saudi business visa:

Here’s a list of countries whose citizens are eligible for a Saudi business visa:

1. Andorra
2. Australia
3. Austria
4. Belgium
5. Brunei
6. Bulgaria
7. Canada
8. China (including Hong Kong and Macau)
9. Croatia
10. Cyprus
11. Czech Republic
12. Denmark
13. Estonia
14. Finland
15. France
16. Germany
17. Greece
18. Hungary
19. Iceland
20. Ireland
21. Italy
22. Japan
23. Kazakhstan
24. Latvia
25. Liechtenstein
26. Lithuania
27. Luxembourg
28. Malaysia
29. Malta
30. Monaco
31. Montenegro
32. Netherlands
33. New Zealand
34. Norway
35. Poland
36. Portugal
37. Romania
38. Russia
39. San Marino
40. Singapore
41. Slovakia
42. Slovenia
43. South Korea
44. Spain
45. Sweden
46. Switzerland
47. Ukraine
48. United Kingdom
49. United States
50. Holders of Schengen visas, US visas, or UK visas.

Saudi Business Visa Validity, Fees, and Processing Time:

• Single-entry business visa: maximum validity of 3 months, the maximum duration of stay of 30 days; cost of around SAR 807
• Multiple-entry business visa: issued for 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or 5 years, maximum stay of 90 days per trip; cost of around SAR 1107
• Normal processing time can last up to 10 working days

Benefits of a Saudi Business Visa:

• Ideal for work-related events such as meetings, conferences, and visits to company facilities and plants
• Permitted activities should be in line with the stated purpose of the visit in your letter of invitation application

For more see our article on Saudi Tourist Visa

In conclusion, obtaining a Saudi business visa is crucial for anyone planning to do business in Saudi Arabia. Make sure to have all the necessary documents and follow the application process correctly to explore the opportunities that the country has to offer.