Visas for Saudi Arabia: business visit

The latest changes introduced in Saudi legislation establish the possibility of applying for a tourist visa by nationals of 49 countries, including Spain. Travelers must be able to present, upon arrival at the airport, the mandatory supporting documents, especially in terms of medical coverage.
At the same time, it issues business and work visas, visit visas for close relatives of residents in the Kingdom, pilgrimage and transit visits.
Such visas must be obtained prior to arrival(they are not issued at airports, ports or land borders) and require a sponsor who will have to carry out the procedures corresponding to the invitation before the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the pre-granting of the visa. The process can take several weeks , so it is recommended to apply well in advance.

Visas for Saudi Arabia. The business visit visa

What you should know

A Saudi Arabian business visa is used to conduct limited business transactions with a Saudi Arabian sponsor, either an individual or a company. In theory, the visa restricts activities to holding business meetings or conducting negotiations. However, individuals can also use a Saudi business visa to provide temporary or short-term services, such as management consulting or technical services. It is also important to understand the difference between a business visa and a work visa. If you want to work in Saudi Arabia, you must apply for a work visa before you travel. A work visa allows the holder to work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Anyone from a foreign country who wishes to work in Saudi Arabia is subject to that country’s sponsorship system. This gives the employer substantial legal authority over anyone who works for them. For example, an employer can prevent an employee from leaving the kingdom. If your business visa contains the message “you are not allowed to work”, it is illegal for you to work in Saudi Arabia, that is, to work for a Saudi company and receive a salary for yourself. Violating it can result in detention, deportation, financial penalties, and a ban on returning to the Kingdom. If your business visa contains the message “you are not allowed to work”, it is illegal for you to work in Saudi Arabia, that is, to work for a Saudi company and receive a salary for yourself. Violating it can result in detention, deportation, financial penalties, and a ban on returning to the Kingdom. If your business visa contains the message “you are not allowed to work”, it is illegal for you to work in Saudi Arabia, that is, to work for a Saudi company and receive a salary for yourself. Violating it can result in detention, deportation, financial penalties, and a ban on returning to the Kingdom.

Visas for Saudi Arabia. The business visit visa

Visa duration.

The one-entry visa is valid for three months from the date of issue. The multiple entry visa can be valid between six months and one year.

Visas for Saudi Arabia. The business visit visa

Maximum stay allowed and number of entries and exits.

The maximum stay allowed in the country when one enters on a business visit visa  is 30 days for the single entry visa and 90 days for the multiple entry visa.

Visas for Saudi Arabia. The business visit visa

Can it be extended?

If it can be extended only once for the same initial stay.

Visas for Saudi Arabia. The business visit visa

Processing time

By processing time we have to understand the time it takes for the Saudi Arabian government to manage a business visit visa.

The consular processing time in this case is 3 days.

Visas for Saudi Arabia. The business visit visa

Processing fees

Does not apply.