Saudi employee visa after CR is a mandatory process that allows companies in to legally hire foreign employees after obtaining a Commercial Registration.
After obtaining a Commercial Registration (CR) in Saudi Arabia, businesses gain the legal authority to sponsor foreign employees. However, the visa process for employees after CR registration in Saudi Arabia is structured, compliance-driven, and closely linked with labor regulations such as Qiwa, Nitaqat, and Vision 2030 initiatives.
This updated 2025 guide explains the step-by-step Saudi employee visa process, required documents, costs, timelines, and post-arrival obligations—so employers can avoid delays, penalties, or rejections.
- Key Prerequisites After CR Registration
- Step-by-Step Visa Process After CR Registration
- Post-Arrival Employer Obligations
- Temporary Work Visa Update (2025) Valid for up to 180 days
- Cost Breakdown for Employee Visas
- Internal & External Link Suggestions
- Image Alt Text Suggestions
- ConclusionThe visa process for employees after CR registration in Saudi Arabia is structured but manageable when handled correctly. From Qiwa approval to Iqama issuance and GOSI registration, every step requires precision, compliance, and timely execution.
Key Prerequisites After CR Registration
Before applying for any employee work visa, the company must meet the following conditions:
✅ Employer Requirements
- Valid Commercial Registration (CR)
- Active Chamber of Commerce certificate
- Qiwa platform account (mandatory)
- Medium Green or higher Nitaqat rating
- Compliance with Saudization quotas
Saudi authorities do not allow individuals to apply independently the employer controls the entire visa process
Visa Process for Employees Afte…
Required Documents for Employee Visa
📄 Employee Documents
- Passport copy (valid)
- Attested educational certificates
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical fitness report (from home country)
- Signed employment contract
💼 Skill-Based Classification (2025 Update)
Under the 2025 SSCO framework, employees are classified as:
- High-Skilled
- Skilled
- Basic
Minimum salary for High-Skilled roles starts at SAR 15,000, directly impacting visa eligibility and approval
Visa Process for Employees Afte…
Step-by-Step Visa Process After CR Registration
Submit Work Visa Request on Qiwa
- Log into Qiwa
- Enter job role, salary, and contract details
- Upload required documents
- Receive Authorization Certificate after approval
Visa Stamping via Enjazit
- Apply through Enjazit
- Register the employment contract on Qiwa
- Employee visits the Saudi embassy for visa stamping
Step 3: Entry & Activation in Saudi Arabia
Employee enters KSA
- Complete Kingdom medical test
- Activate work permit on Qiwa
- Apply for Iqama via Absher or Muqeem
⏱️ Processing Time: 2–6 weeks
📆 Work Permit Validity: 1 year (renewable)
Visa Process for Employees Afte…
Post-Arrival Employer Obligations
Once the employee arrives in Saudi Arabia, employers must complete:
📌 Mandatory Registrations
- Issue Iqama within days of arrival
- Register employee on Absher & Mudad
- Ensure WPS salary compliance
- Start GOSI contributions by the 15th of the following month
Failure to comply may result in fines, blocked services, or visa suspension.
Temporary Work Visa Update (2025) Valid for up to 180 days
- Government fee: SAR 1,000
- No Iqama required
- Ideal for short-term projects
⚠️ Important Update:
Temporary Work Visas are paused as of mid-2025, making long-term work visas the primary option
Visa Process for Employees Afte…
Cost Breakdown for Employee Visas
| Visa Type | Estimated Cost |
| Standard Work Permit | SAR 8,500 9,700 |
| Temporary Work Visa | SAR 1,000 (paused) |
Costs vary based on employee category, profession, and compliance status.
Why This Process Matters for Businesses
The Saudi work visa system directly supports Vision 2030, enabling:
- Controlled expatriate hiring
- Skill-based workforce planning
- Strong labor market governance
- Increased transparency via Qiwa
Employers who understand and follow the process gain faster approvals and fewer compliance risks.
Internal & External Link Suggestions
- Internal: Saudi Company Formation Guide (placeholder)
- Internal: Nitaqat Compliance Explained (placeholder)
- External: Official Qiwa Platform (placeholder)
- External: Saudi Ministry of Human Resources (placeholder)
Image Alt Text Suggestions
- Qiwa work visa process after CR registration in Saudi Arabia”
- Saudi Iqama issuance steps for employees
- Nitaqat compliance levels for Saudi employers
Conclusion
The visa process for employees after CR registration in Saudi Arabia is structured but manageable when handled correctly. From Qiwa approval to Iqama issuance and GOSI registration, every step requires precision, compliance, and timely execution.
Businesses that stay aligned with 2025 regulations, Saudization requirements, and skill classifications can onboard foreign employees smoothly without costly delays
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