Can I work in Saudi Arabia with a business visa?

No, a business visa (Commercial Visit) is for meetings and negotiations. To perform manual or technical work on-site, you need a Work Visit Visa or an Employment Visa.

Can female business travellers apply for this visa?

Yes, women can apply for business visas independently. There is no longer a requirement for a male relative (Mahram) to accompany a woman for business travel.

How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia on a business visa?

A Single Entry visa is typically valid for 90 days with a 30-day stay period, while a Multiple Entry visa is usually valid for 1 or 2 years, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit.

Is Chamber of Commerce certification required?

Most business visa applicants must provide a letter from their domestic employer, which must be certified by their local Chamber of Commerce.

Can I use my own travel insurance policy?

No, Saudi law requires all visitors to purchase a government-approved medical insurance policy through the Enjaz portal during the application process.

What is the difference between a Commercial Visit and a Working Visit?

A commercial visit is for corporate meetings and investment talks. A working visit is for short-term technical services or consulting. Verify your specific activities before applying.

Do I need to visit the embassy in person?

Unless you are eligible for the e-Visa (available to specific nationalities), you must generally apply via an authorised visa service centre or the Saudi Consulate.

visa type country

business visa

Saudi Arabia Business Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time

Q: Do I need an invitation letter from a Saudi company?

An invitation letter is mandatory. It must be issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) at the request of the inviting Saudi company.

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

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PermitlyHQ provides informational software tools only and does not offer legal, immigration, or consulting services. Visa policies change frequently — always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying.

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