visa type country
SA
business visa

Saudi Arabia Business Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time

The Saudi Arabia Business Visa is a formal authorisation designed for international professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors wishing to visit the Kingdom for commercial reasons. This visa facilitates activities such as attending corporate meetings, negotiating contracts, exploring investment opportunities, and participating in trade fairs. It is important to note that this visa is strictly for business discussions and does not permit direct employment or manual labour within the country. Securing a business visa requires a cooperative effort between the applicant and a Saudi-based sponsor. The process is anchored by an invitation letter issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), which must be initiated by the host company in Saudi Arabia. As the Kingdom continues to expand its global economic footprint under Vision 2030, the business visa process has become more streamlined, though meticulous attention to documentation remains essential to avoid delays. Please be aware that visa policies are subject to change. It is highly recommended to verify the latest requirements with the official Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia or an authorised consulate in your jurisdiction before submitting your final application.

Key highlights

  • Facilitates corporate meetings, trade, and investment activities
  • Available in Single Entry and Multiple Entry formats
  • Validity periods ranging from 90 days to 2 years
  • Electronic MOFA invitation simplifies the approval process
  • Open to business professionals across various global sectors
  • Mandatory local medical insurance included during processing
  • Required for non-GCC nationals travelling for commercial purposes

Processing time

3-7 working days

Processing times depend heavily on the promptness of the invitation letter from the Saudi host company and the specific consulate's workload.

Rush option available

Estimated cost

~$120 - $220

  • Government Visa Fee (Single vs Multiple)$108 - $160
  • Mandatory Medical Insurance (approximate)$10.50 - $40.00
  • Agency or Enjaz Processing FeeVariable

Requirements

  • Applicant must be at least 18 years of age
  • Hold a valid passport from a recognised country (no Israeli stamps/visas is no longer a strict ban but can cause issues; check latest rules)
  • No criminal record in the country of residence or Saudi Arabia
  • The sponsoring Saudi company must have a valid commercial registration
  • The invitation letter must match the applicant's current job title exactly
  • Employment support letter must be attested by the local Chamber of Commerce
  • Applicant must not have any outstanding fines or violations in Saudi Arabia
  • Mandatory medical insurance must be purchased through the Enjaz platform
  • Proof of professional qualifications may be requested for certain industries
  • Passport must have at least six months of validity remaining

Documents you'll need

  • Original passport valid for at least six months beyond entry
  • A minimum of two blank adjacent visa pages in the passport
  • Recent passport-sized colour photograph with white background
  • Electronic Invitation Letter from a Saudi company (MOFA approved)
  • Support letter from the applicant's current employer (stamped by Chamber of Commerce)
  • Proof of travel itinerary (flight reservations)
  • Copy of the host company's commercial registration (CR) in Saudi Arabia

How to apply, step by step

  1. 1

    Receive Saudi Invitation Letter

    Your host company in Saudi Arabia must apply for a Commercial Visit Invitation via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) portal. This letter is the foundation of your application.

  2. 2

    Prepare Employer Support Letter

    Obtain a letter from your current employer stating your position, salary, and the purpose of your visit. This letter usually needs to be stamped by the Chamber of Commerce.

  3. 3

    Complete Online Enjaz Application

    Fill out the online application form on the official Enjaz (MOFA) platform. This is where you will also pay for the mandatory medical insurance.

  4. 4

    Gather Supporting Documents

    Collect your passport, invitation letter, employer letter, and photographs. Ensure your passport has the required blank pages and validity.

  5. 5

    Submit Application and Biometrics

    Submit your documents to the designated Saudi Visa Investment Center or the Consulate, depending on your country's specific requirements.

  6. 6

    Await Processing and Collection

    The consulate will process your application. Once approved, the visa will be stamped in your passport or issued electronically.

Tips to avoid refusal

  • Ensure your job title on your employer letter matches the title on the Saudi invitation letter exactly.
  • Check that your host company's Commercial Registration is current and hasn't expired.
  • Use high-quality, recent photographs that meet the white-background requirement.
  • Do not book non-refundable flights until the visa has been officially issued.
  • If applying for a Multiple Entry visa, ensure your invitation letter specifically requests it.
  • Ensure all digital uploads on the Enjaz portal are clear and legible to avoid rejection.

Frequently asked questions

Related visa guides

Saudi Arabia Visa Guide — Every Visa Type ExplainedSaudi Arabia Tourist Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing TimeSaudi Arabia Embassy & Consulate Guide
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Visa policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying. PermitlyHQ provides general guidance and is not a substitute for legal or immigration advice.

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