Do you need business opportunities in Saudi Arabia? If yes, then you are in the right place. Whether you are set to attend business meetings, enter business conferences, or seek tie-ups, you are going to need a Saudi business visa to be in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to conduct business legally.
I am Faisal Al-Harbi, and I helped my clients get a business visa to Saudi Arabia. My experience demonstrated to me what particular action should be taken, what documents you will have to take, and, also, what type of mistakes you should be careful to avoid.
In this blog, I will give you everything about the Saudi Business Visa, how to get it, its eligibility, and the documents needed.
What is a Saudi Business Visa?
Saudi business visa is a permissible form of travel that allows a citizen of a different nation to travel to Saudi Arabia and carry out business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, trade exhibits, or negotiations. It is also limited to some period and it does not permit work in the Kingdom.
Such type of visa will entail sponsorship or invitations by registered Saudi companies or government establishments and you will have to apply through official services like the Saudi eVisa application portal or the authorized visa company.
How to Apply for a Saudi Business Visa?
Here I will entire procedure of applying for your business visa:
Step 1 – Go to the Saudi Arabia official website
- Visit the official site of Saudi Arabia visa( https://ksavisa.sa/ )
Step 2 – Choose Your Application Channel
You can apply in two different ways:
- Online through the MOFA platform (the Saudi visa platform)
- Through a registered visa agent or in your own country, a Saudi embassy
Some countries can also get Saudi eVisa services.
Step 3 – Gather All Required Documents
- Take your passport, photos, a form of visa, a letter of business and an invitation letter which is approved by the MOFA.
- Have copies on the Internet in case there is an online application.
- Passport
- Invitation Letter
- Completed Visa Application Form
- Business Cover Letter
- Proof of Visa Fee Payment
Step 4 – Submit the Application
- Online filing of files with payment involved, inputting of information provided on the internet.
- All the physical documents must be given to an agent or the embassy in case an agent or an embassy is utilized.
Step 5 – Wait for Processing
- Processing is normally 3-7 business days.
- In other cases, this can be extended due to the event of security check-ups in case there is a need.
Step 6 – Receive and Review Your Visa
- Once approved, you’ll receive a visa sticker in your passport or an eVisa copy.
- Reduce the details once more, the name, the passport number, and the validity of the visa.
Types of Saudi Business Visas
Saudi Arabia Issues two types of business visas. You are able to choose the appropriate one based on your need to travel regularly and the nature of your business.
Single-entry Business Visa
- Valid for 30 to 90 days.
- Allows one-time entry into the Kingdom.
- They can be used in short journeys e.g., to attend an event that is set to be held e.g., a meeting or a trade show.
Multiple-entry Business Visa
- Valid for 6 months to 1 year
- Enables one to make numerous entries into the validity of the visa.
- Allows the possibility of repeating the inputs during the validity of the visa.
Read Also: 10-Year Saudi Visa for US Citizens: Apply Online Now
Requirements for Saudi Business Visa
I will always recommend that all the items should be prepared to avoid time wastage. The next are the most essential requirements that are to apply for a Saudi business visa:
1. Invitation Letter
- It will be printed by a Saudi corporation or the government.
- It should be issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
- Present the number of the visa authorization provided alongside the letter you are presented with.
2. Valid Passport
- A 6-month or more valid passport is also essential.
- The passport must have 2 blank visa pages, at least.
3. Completed Visa Application Form
- Complete the form online on the Saudi eVisa site or an official visa agent.
- Cross-check all the information.
4. Passport-Sized Photographs
- It should be recent with a white background.
- Take a closer look at the specs of the Saudi photo.
- Usually, you will need two photographs, however, it is better to check it.
5. Business Cover Letter
- This letter should be issued by your current employer.
- Among the main points, there should be:
- Your name, job title, and company
- Purpose of the visit
- Duration of stay
- Assurance of your return
- It should be printed on the letterhead of the company and signed and dated.
6. Proof of Visa Fee Payment
- The visa fees vary with your nationality and the kind of visa that you have applied.
- Fees can usually be paid:
- Through the Saudi eVisa portal on the internet
- Through authorized visa application centers
- Retain the receipt of payment to be submitted.
Processing Time and Validity
Now I am going to tell you about the number of days, you must and will be learning, and about your visa:
- Standard processing time: 3 to 7 business days
- Urgent processing: It is also possible at an extra fee
- Validity: Depends on visa type (30 days to 1 year)
- Stay period: Maximum of 90 days at every visit as regards business activities
Saudi Business Visa Fees
The rate, at which you will be charged, is pegged at the following:
- Your nationality
- The number of entries (single vs multiple)
- Whether you opt for urgent processing
As an example:
- A single-entry visa could be about 80-120 dollars
- The multiple-entry visa could cost 180 to 300 dollars
FAQs
Can I convert a business visa to a work visa in Saudi Arabia?
A: No, You have to apply and get the right employment visa in place and enter and exit the country.
Do I need to be vaccinated for COVID-19?
A: By the year 2025, the vaccination is not mandatory but it is recommended that you should have it. It is important to visit the travel advisory to ensure up-to-date information.
Is biometric data required for the visa?
A: Yes, this is so in the case of many countries in the application where biometric enrollments are mandatory.
Can women apply for a Saudi business visa?
A: Yes, the women were followed to be able to apply and travel by themselves on business, but they should be guided and made to be in accordance with the laws and dressing style.
Related Read: Saudi Family Visit Visa 2025 – Complete MOFA Guide & Tips
Final Words
Obtaining a Saudi business visa is quite possible, provided you go through the steps one after the other. Ever since attaining an invitation letter to hand out your documents, and following up on your application process, things are made easy when you have the right information to follow.
In case you are planning to visit Saudi Arabia on business, then I hope this guide can assist you in getting there without much fear and stress. Study hard, and apply early, and you will be ready to learn in one of the most vibrant economies of the world.
