Residence in Saudi Arabia: permits and requirements
Living legally in Saudi Arabia is possible through 4 permit types: work, digital nomad, family, investment. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Iqama (Work Residence Permit)
Residence type #1 of 4
Mandatory residence permit for foreign workers under the sponsorship (kafala) system
Requirements
- Valid work visa issued by the Ministry of Human Resources
- Sponsorship (kafala) of a Saudi company or individual
- Medical exam in Saudi Arabia
- Mandatory biometric registration
- Work contract registered with the Ministry of Human Resources
Documentation
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months)
- Stamped work visa
- Registered work contract
- Saudi medical certificate (includes HIV, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis)
- Iqama application form
- Biometric photos (6 units)
- Registration in the Absher system of the Ministry of Interior
Frequently asked questions about residence in Saudi Arabia
How many types of residence permits are there in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia offers 4 residence permit types, grouped into the categories work, digital nomad, family, investment. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Saudi Arabia last?
Durations vary by permit type: 1 year (coextensive with the work contract and passport), renewable; 1 year (annual Premium) or Lifetime (permanent Premium), renewable annually; 1 year, renewable annually (same expiry date as the holder's Iqama); 1 year, renewable while the company is active. The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Saudi Arabia be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Saudi Arabia (4 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Saudi Arabia?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Certificado médico; Formulario de solicitud; Valid passport. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Saudi Arabia lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 10 years of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Saudi Arabia.
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Anything to correct or add about Saudi Arabia?
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