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Saudi Business Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

What Is a Saudi Business Visa?

A Saudi business visa is a permit that allows foreign nationals to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for business-related activities for a short period. It is a visit visa that permits its holders to attend meetings, conferences, and business events, perform negotiations, create partnerships, or explore investment opportunities.

The Saudi Arabia Business visit visa is typically for professionals who have invitations from Saudi companies or government organizations. Having a Saudi business visa will enable you to participate in business-related activities and freely move between cities within the Kingdom.

Unlike the Saudi Arabia work visa, the KSA business visa must not be tied to a permanent employment contract with an employer within the Kingdom. You are allowed to visit family members or friends, participate in tourism-related activities, and perform Umrah with a Saudi business visa. Note that business visa holders are not allowed to perform Hajj under this visa category.

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Who Is Eligible for a Saudi Business Visa?

It is necessary for individuals of most nationalities to obtain a Saudi business visa before entering the country. The only exception is nationals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, as they do not require a visit visa to travel to other GCC countries. 

Individuals holding professional jobs and business owners are usually the ones who apply for this visa, as it enables them to take part in business-related activities in Saudi Arabia. To apply for a Saudi business visa, applicants will require an invitation letter from a Saudi company or organization.

How to Apply for a Saudi Business Visa

Citizens of certain countries can apply for the visa online or get a visa on arrival. Your nationality may not be eligible for an eVisa, but if you are a GCC resident or hold a valid tourist, business, or residence visa to the US, UK, or the Schengen area, you will be able to apply for an eVisa.

To apply for an eVisa, follow these steps:

Fill out the Saudi business visa application form.

  • Provide your basic personal details, such as your full name, passport number, profession, address, and contact details.
  • Indicate the purpose of your visit and give details about your accommodation in Saudi Arabia, such as residence type and contact details of the hotel.

Upload documents.

  • Upload a personal photo of yourself and a copy of your passport bio page.
  • Ensure all the information is clearly visible in the photo.

Pay the visa fees.

  • Make payment for the visa using a working debit or credit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.

Receive your visa

  • You will be notified of the result of your application via the email address you provided.
  • If approved, you will receive your eVisa in your email.

If you’re not eligible for an eVisa, you will need to apply for the business visa at the Saudi embassy or a visa application centre. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Fill out the visa application form.

  • You can fill out the application form on the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) portal with your personal information and answer all the questions.

Make the payment.

  • Pay securely on the Saudi MOFA portal using a credit or debit card.

Get a hard copy of your application form.

  • Print your completed form, sign it, and attach your passport-sized photos to your application.

Submit your application.

  • Visit the nearest Saudi embassy or visa application centre and submit the application with the required documents.
  • You may need to book an appointment to submit your documents.
  • Alternatively, it may be possible to mail your application.

Receive your result.

  • If your visa application is successful, you will receive your passport with the visa sticker.
  • You may also collect it from the Saudi embassy or the visa application centre where you made the application.
  • Check that all the information is correct, especially your name and passport details.

Saudi Business Visa Requirements

Here are the Saudi business visa requirements:

Valid passport

  • Ensure your passport has a minimum validity period of six months from your intended date of arrival.
  • If your passport is expiring soon, renew it first before applying for a visa.
  • Make sure that you have at least two blank pages in your passport.

Passport-sized photos

You will need to obtain a photo that meets these specifications:

  • A recent color photo with a plain white background taken less than three months ago.
  • The size of the image should be between 5 and 5 MB.
  • The size of the photo should be two by two inches.
  • 80% of the photo should consist of your face.
  • You should be looking directly at the camera with a neutral facial expression.
  • Your eyes and other facial features should be visible.

Invitation letter

  • A signed invitation letter from the company that is inviting you.
  • The letter should contain the name and address of the company, the purpose of travel, and the duration of the event or meetings.
  • It should also include your name and designation.

If you’re applying for the business visa at the embassy or a visa application centre, here are the additional documents required for a business visa:

  • Proof of residence in the country you’re living in
  • Proof of employment
  • Bank statement
  • Flight itinerary
  • Return ticket

Processing Time and Visa Fees

The processing time for an eVisa is shorter, spanning between one to two working days after submitting the application. As for applications made at the embassy or a visa application centre, it might take longer, up to a few weeks. Factors such as your nationality and the time of application in the year can also affect the processing time. 

 

The Saudi business visa cost ranges according to your nationality and entry type.

The visa fees for a Saudi business visa with multiple entries will typically be higher than a single-entry visa. If you need to travel urgently for business, the price might be higher to expedite the process. Expect to pay anywhere from USD100 to USD500 for your Saudi business visa fees.

Validity & Duration of Stay

There are two types of business visas you can obtain, which are the single-entry visa and the multiple-entry visa. Here are more details regarding each visa:

Single-entry visa

  • Valid for a 90-day period
  • Maximum stay of 90 days
  • One-time entry into Saudi Arabia

Multiple-entry visa 

  • Valid for a one-year period
  • Maximum stay of 90 days per visit
  • Several entries are permitted

What Happens After the Saudi Business Visa Is Approved?

When you arrive in Saudi Arabia, you can present your business visa at the border and enter the Kingdom without any other formalities. You can travel between cities and attend meetings, conferences, and other events that are within the scope of your business.

Familiarize yourself with the rules for a multiple-entry business visa in Saudi Arabia to avoid any trouble with the law. Note that you’re not allowed to engage in paid work while you’re in Saudi Arabia. You’re also not allowed to perform Hajj on a business visa.

Can the Saudi Business Visa Be Extended?

Yes, you can extend your Saudi business visa, but you will need to do so while you’re in Saudi Arabia and before your visa expires. You will need to submit relevant documents, such as your passport and business invitation letter, at least one week before your visa expires. You will also need to pay for the renewal charges. The Saudi business visa multiple-entry fees will typically be higher.

If you overstay your visa, you may face heavy penalties and fines, and it may even result in a travel ban or deportation. If you wish to stay longer in Saudi Arabia, exit the country and apply for a new business visa with a longer validity period.

Alternatively, you can explore the Saudi investment visa. The Saudi Arabian Investor visa will enable you to reside long-term in the Kingdom. Review the Saudi Arabia investment visa requirements to learn more about how to obtain one.

Tips for a Smooth Saudi Business Visa Application

To ensure a seamless Saudi business visa application process, follow these useful tips:
  • Ensure your details are correct. 
      • Avoid a visa rejection due to missing or incorrect information. Check that you have provided the correct spelling of your name and that the passport number is correct.
      • Ask a family member or friend to review the information before you submit your application. 
  • Apply in advance.
    • The eVisas are processed quickly, but applying in person at the embassy or visa application centre may take a longer time.
    • You may be asked to provide additional documents, or the officers may have questions to ask you.
    • Apply well in advance to avoid any delays to your visit.

FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

No, you’re not allowed to engage in any paid work on your business visa. You can only explore investment opportunities, make deals and partnerships, and attend business-related meetings, conferences, and events. Your business visa should not be linked to a permanent employment contract with a Saudi company.

If you wish to work in the Kingdom, apply for a Saudi Arabia work visa instead. Note that the Saudi work visa processing time will differ from the Saudi Arabia one-year business visa.

A single-entry visa is valid for 90 days, while a Saudi Arabia multiple-entry business visa is valid for one year. For both types, you can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days per visit.

If you’re eligible for an eVisa and apply for it, the processing time is much shorter and may only take one to two working days. Applying at an embassy or a visa application centre will take much longer, spanning up to a few weeks.

If you’re a resident or citizen of the UK, you’re eligible for an eVisa. You can apply online for the business visit visa, or you can obtain a Saudi Arabia visa on arrival. You will also qualify for an eVisa if you have a valid tourist or business visa to the UK. The Saudi Arabia eVisa price is USD 199.

To lawfully own a business in Saudi Arabia, you will need a business permit or licence. First, you must apply for a foreign investment license from the Ministry of Investment (MISA) and then register your company with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI).