Saudi Arabia 2 Year Temporary Work Permit 2025 – Apply Now

Saudi Arabia has recently introduced a 2-Year Temporary Work Permit, addressing the growing demand for short-term specialized workers amidst the kingdom’s ambitious development projects such as NEOM and Vision 2030.

This new visa is designed to streamline the process of admitting skilled foreign workers to the country for temporary assignments, providing a viable alternative to the traditional Work Visit Visa.

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Background and Purpose:

The demand for temporary foreign talent is rising in Saudi Arabia due to large-scale projects aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil. To facilitate this influx of skilled workers, the government has introduced the Short Work Visa, which expands the categories of eligible workers compared to previous systems. This visa aims to simplify and expedite the hiring process for short-term specialized roles within the kingdom.

As explained by Sara Khoja, a lawyer at Clyde & Co in Dubai, the new visa is broader and more accessible than its predecessor, which was previously restricted to specific industries like oil design work in the eastern regions. Now, the visa is open to a wider range of short-term professional projects across various sectors.

Eligibility:

The 2-Year Temporary Work Permit is available to organizations looking to bring in skilled workers for short-term projects. To qualify, the applicant (the employer) must meet the following conditions:

Conditions for Employers:

• Commercial Registration (CR): For activities requiring commercial registration, the employer must have a valid CR. For activities that do not require commercial registration, this requirement is waived.
• Established Status: The employer’s status must be well-established, with a medium green Nitiqat rating or higher.
• Wage Protection System (WPS): Employers must ensure there are no negative remarks regarding the Wage Protection System for their business.
• Visa Issuance Balance: The employer must have an appropriate balance of visa issuance.
• Expired Visas: Applications will be rejected if the employer has any expired visas or previous visa violations.

Required Documents for Application:

The following documents are necessary for the application process:

• Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months and have two blank pages.
• Saudi Visa Application Form: Complete and accurate.
• Passport-sized Photos: Two recent color photos on a white background.
• Work Visa Approval: An endorsed temporary work visa from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Employment Contract: A signed contract between the employer and the employee.
• Reference Letter: A recommendation letter from a previous employer if the applicant has worked in Saudi Arabia before.
• Medical Report: Approved by the FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A current and updated CV.
• Academic Qualifications: Documents such as degrees or certificates must be attested by the Saudi Social Attaché Bureau and the FCO.
• Police Certificate: Legalized by the ACRO (Association of Chief Police Officers).

Benefits:

• Ease of Access:
  The temporary work permit is designed to be easily accessible, making it straightforward for foreign workers to be employed in Saudi Arabia for short-term projects.
• Multiple Entries:
  The permit allows for multiple entries, which is ideal for individuals who travel frequently for work or personal reasons.
• Extended Duration:
  The 2-year validity gives workers the stability they need to acclimate to the professional environment, enhancing personal well-being and career growth.
• Pathway to Long-Term Residency:
  The temporary permit can potentially lead to long-term options for skilled workers who wish to pursue permanent residency or longer-term employment in Saudi Arabia.
• Family Benefits:
  In some cases, workers can bring their family members (spouse, children) to Saudi Arabia, enhancing work-life balance and personal stability.
• Professional Development:
  Saudi Arabia’s expanding economy, particularly in sectors like technology, healthcare, and construction, offers unique opportunities for foreign professionals to contribute to and benefit from this growth.
• Exemption from Long-Term Commitments:
  Unlike traditional work permits, this visa provides flexibility, as workers are not bound by long-term commitments.
• Tax-Free Income:
  Saudi Arabia does not impose personal income tax on expatriates, making it an attractive destination for high-earning professionals.
• Access to Modern Infrastructure:
  Workers gain access to world-class infrastructure, healthcare, education, and entertainment, enhancing their quality of life in the kingdom.
• Networking and Career Growth:
  Working in Saudi Arabia allows for networking opportunities in the Middle East, helping workers expand their global professional profiles.

Application Process of Saudi Arabia 2 Year Temporary Work Permit 2025:

The application process for the 2-year Temporary Work Visa is as follows:

• Employer’s Responsibility: The employer or an authorized representative must submit the application via Qiwa, the electronic platform for labor services in Saudi Arabia.
• Login to Qiwa: The employer must log in to their Qiwa account and select the Temporary Work Visa option under e-services.
• Fill Out Application: Complete the application form, ensuring all fields are filled correctly and accurately.
• Submit Application: Once the form is completed, submit it for review.
• Embassy Process: After Qiwa approval, the employer must visit the Saudi Embassy to finalize the application.

Cost of Work Permits in Saudi Arabia:

The cost of work permits varies depending on the utilization of Saudi nationals within the company. For organizations employing a significant proportion of Saudi nationals (more than 50%), the cost is typically SAR 7,200. This includes:

• SAR 750 for the Iqama (residency permit),
• SAR 6,000 for the labor permit,
• SAR 450 for insurance.

Things to Remember:

• Active Projects: The employer must ensure the project is active and has a substantial commercial presence. This is not required for non-commercial activities.
• Visa Compliance: The employer must ensure that the company has no expired work visas or visa violations.
• Absher Compliance: Employers must maintain an adequate credit balance in the national Absher account for the visa issuance process.
• Qiwa System: The temporary work visa is issued automatically through Qiwa and does not require any additional documentation, provided the conditions are met.

Conclusion:

The Saudi Arabia 2-Year Temporary Work Permit provides a flexible and streamlined way for foreign professionals to engage in short-term projects in a rapidly growing economy. As part of Vision 2030, this initiative enhances Saudi Arabia’s appeal to foreign talent, helping the kingdom transition from an oil-based economy to a diversified powerhouse in the region. Whether you’re seeking new career opportunities or looking for a tax-free income, the Saudi 2-Year Temporary Work Visa offers numerous advantages.

Frequently Asked Questions: