How to Move to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in giant projects (NEOM, tourism, tech) and hires many foreign workers on tax-free salaries. Work is employer-sponsored: your company arranges your work visa and Iqama (residence ID). For those who qualify, the Premium Residency lets you live and work without an employer sponsor.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Saudi Arabia embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Most Saudi work visas are arranged by your employer; the visa is then issued via the Saudi embassy or its Etimad/visa centre in your country. Saudi Arabia has embassies across Africa. Use the locator.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
6 Orange Street, off Thames Street, off Alvan Ikoku Way, Ministers Hill, Maitama, Abuja
+234 808 770 2230 Open in Google Maps711 Jan Shoba Street, Hatfield, Pretoria
+27 12 362 4230 Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? Saudi Arabia has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
A few weeks once the employer initiates.
Employer pays: Iqama + work permit total roughly SAR 7,000–9,500/year.
Tied to the employment contract; renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer from a Saudi employer who will sponsor you.
- Attested qualifications for skilled roles.
- You pass the medical examination.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a job offer
A Saudi company offers you a job and sponsors your visa.
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2
Employer obtains the work visa
The employer arranges your work/entry visa and contract.
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3
Medical & attestation
Complete the medical test and get your certificates attested.
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4
Travel & get your Iqama
Enter Saudi Arabia and your employer processes your Iqama (residence ID).
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- A genuine employer pays your visa costs — never pay agents large fees.
- Get certificates attested (home country + Saudi embassy) before travel.
- Confirm salary, housing and benefits in writing.
Who submits this application
You don't fill this form yourself — your employer does.
For this visa, there is no public application a candidate can submit alone. Your employer files everything through their own official portal once you have an offer or a confirmed sponsor. A genuine employer never asks you to pay for this step.
See the official portal your employer uses
Saudi work visas and Iqama are processed by your employer through the Muqeem platform — you do not apply yourself. Once you have an Iqama, use Absher (the official individual portal) for your own government services. Premium Residency (the self-sponsored option) is applied for separately through the Premium Residency Centre.
View official portalA few weeks; the university usually sponsors it.
Visa fees are modest; many universities offer free tuition plus a monthly stipend (scholarships).
Tied to your studies; renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Admission to a Saudi university.
- University sponsorship of the student visa.
- Medical fitness.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get admitted
Secure admission to a recognised Saudi university.
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2
University sponsors the visa
The institution processes your student visa.
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3
Medical & travel
Complete the medical test and travel.
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4
Get your Iqama
Receive your student residence ID after arrival.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Top universities (e.g. KAUST, KFUPM) offer generous scholarships.
- Some programmes are taught in English.
Who submits this application
You don't fill this form yourself — your school or sponsor does.
For this visa, there is no public application a candidate can submit alone. Your school or sponsor files everything through their own official portal once you have an offer or a confirmed sponsor. A genuine school or sponsor never asks you to pay for this step.
See the official portal your school or sponsor uses
Saudi work visas and Iqama are processed by your employer through the Muqeem platform — you do not apply yourself. Once you have an Iqama, use Absher (the official individual portal) for your own government services. Premium Residency (the self-sponsored option) is applied for separately through the Premium Residency Centre.
View official portalA few weeks.
Around SAR 2,000/year per dependant (sponsor-paid) plus fees.
Tied to the sponsor's Iqama; renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- You hold a valid Iqama and meet the minimum salary to sponsor family.
- Attested marriage/birth certificates.
- Suitable accommodation.
What to do, step by step
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1
Meet the salary rule
Confirm your salary meets the minimum to sponsor dependants.
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2
Attest documents
Get marriage and birth certificates attested for Saudi Arabia.
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3
Apply for family visas
Apply for the family residence visas online.
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4
Medical & Iqama
Family members complete medicals and get their Iqamas.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Attest all civil documents before travelling to avoid delays.
- Check the current minimum salary needed to sponsor family.
Who submits this application
You don't fill this form yourself — your family sponsor does.
For this visa, there is no public application a candidate can submit alone. Your family sponsor files everything through their own official portal once you have an offer or a confirmed sponsor. A genuine family sponsor never asks you to pay for this step.
See the official portal your family sponsor uses
Saudi work visas and Iqama are processed by your employer through the Muqeem platform — you do not apply yourself. Once you have an Iqama, use Absher (the official individual portal) for your own government services. Premium Residency (the self-sponsored option) is applied for separately through the Premium Residency Centre.
View official portalMost Saudi Arabia work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Saudi Arabia — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about Saudi Arabia visas
How much does the Saudi Arabia Work visa & Iqama cost?
The Saudi Arabia Work visa & Iqama costs: Employer pays: Iqama + work permit total roughly SAR 7,000–9,500/year. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Saudi Arabia Work visa & Iqama take?
Processing for the Saudi Arabia Work visa & Iqama takes a few weeks once the employer initiates. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Saudi Arabia Work visa & Iqama valid for?
The Saudi Arabia Work visa & Iqama is valid for tied to the employment contract; renewable. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency (self-sponsor) cost?
The Saudi Arabia Premium Residency (self-sponsor) costs: Permanent option ~SAR 800,000 one-time, OR a renewable yearly option ~SAR 100,000/year. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency (self-sponsor) take?
Processing for the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency (self-sponsor) takes varies by category. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency (self-sponsor) valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Saudi Arabia Premium Residency (self-sponsor) is valid for renewable yearly or permanent, depending on the type. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Saudi Arabia Student visa cost?
The Saudi Arabia Student visa costs: Visa fees are modest; many universities offer free tuition plus a monthly stipend (scholarships). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Saudi Arabia Student visa take?
Processing for the Saudi Arabia Student visa takes a few weeks; the university usually sponsors it. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Saudi Arabia Student visa valid for?
The Saudi Arabia Student visa is valid for tied to your studies; renewable. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Saudi Arabia Family residence visa cost?
The Saudi Arabia Family residence visa costs: Around SAR 2,000/year per dependant (sponsor-paid) plus fees. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Saudi Arabia Family residence visa take?
Processing for the Saudi Arabia Family residence visa takes a few weeks. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Saudi Arabia Family residence visa valid for?
The Saudi Arabia Family residence visa is valid for tied to the sponsor's Iqama; renewable. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.