No. An Iqama (residence permit) is mandatory for legal employment in Saudi Arabia. Working on a tourist or business visa is not permitted and can result in fines, deportation, and bans on future entry.
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Saudi Visa Specialists · London
Apply for Your Saudi Arabia
Work Visa & Iqama From the UK
Planning to start a new career in Saudi Arabia? Our London-based consultancy manages the full work visa and Iqama application process — including FCDO attestation, QVP qualification verification, Mosadaqa, an approved medical examination, and biometric enrolment with Tasheer.
- Full End-to-End Service
- Transparent Fixed Fees
- ICO Registered · ZC091062
Overview
What Is a Saudi Arabia Work Visa & Iqama?
A Saudi Arabia work visa is an entry visa issued by the Saudi Embassy in London that permits foreign nationals to enter the Kingdom for employment purposes. Once you arrive, your sponsoring employer converts this visa into an Iqama — a residence permit that authorises you to legally live, work, and access services in Saudi Arabia for the duration of your contract (typically one to two years, renewable).
You cannot work in Saudi Arabia on a tourist or business visit visa. Without an Iqama, you also cannot:
- Open a Saudi bank account
- Lease accommodation in your own name
- Bring family members on a Family Residency Visa
- Apply for a Saudi driving licence
- Travel in and out of the Kingdom freely
The Iqama is therefore the foundation of any long-term move to Saudi Arabia for employment purposes.
Who Needs a Saudi Arabia Work Visa From the UK?
A Saudi Arabia work visa is required if you are:
- A UK citizen or UK resident taking up paid employment in Saudi Arabia
- A professional (healthcare worker, engineer, teacher, technical specialist, manager) being sponsored by a Saudi company
- A skilled tradesperson moving to the Kingdom for contracted work
- An expatriate worker returning to Saudi Arabia under a new sponsor
Your application must be sponsored by a licensed Saudi employer holding a valid Visa Block Number issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
Required Documents
Saudi Arabia Work Visa Requirements 2026
The following documents are required for a complete work visa application from the UK. Your Saudi sponsor provides the first three; we manage the preparation and attestation of the remaining UK-side documents.
Visa Block Number
Issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to your sponsoring employer, authorising your visa application and confirming your job category.
Provided by sponsor
E-Wakala (Power of Attorney)
Electronic Power of Attorney issued by your Saudi sponsor. Must be registered under Tasheer for your biometric appointment to be
processed.
Provided by sponsor
Attested Employment Contract
Contract of employment with your Saudi sponsor, attested by the Chamber of Commerce (CoC) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in Saudi Arabia.
Provided by sponsor
QVP & Mosadaqa Verification
One attested degree is required. QVP verifies your qualification + experience; Mosadaqa authenticates your Bachelor's degree via the Saudi Cultural Bureau.
We arrange
ACRO Police Certificate
UK Police Clearance Certificate from the ACRO Criminal Records Office, apostilled by the FCDO and attested by the Saudi Embassy. We can also arrange the ACRO certificate on your behalf at an additional cost.
We arrange
Saudi-Approved Medical Report
Medical examination conducted by a licensed UK physician and attested by the FCDO. We arrange this on your behalf at an approved
centre.
We arrange
Valid Passport
At least six months' validity remaining from your intended date of travel, with two blank visa pages.
We arrange
Biometric Appointment (Tasheer)
Attended in person with your original passport and two passport-sized photographs (white background, biometric standard).
We Book
2026 QVP Update: For most professions, QVP now requires an experience letter (reference letter) from your previous employer — typically covering 2 to 6 years depending on your job role. For some professions, QVP can also be processed on the basis of experience alone without a degree. Learn more about QVP →
Required Documents for QVP Application
- Colour scan of your passport identification page
- Scanned copy of your selected academic certificate (the one being attested)
- Scanned copy of your academic transcript
- Experience letter from your previous employer (2–6 years typically required, depending on your job category)
- Copy of your Saudi job offer or employment contract
- Profession confirmation on the visa block number
- Completed and signed QVP consent form (we provide this)
- Completed QVP application form (we provide this)
Required Documents for Mosadaqa Application
- Colour scan of your passport identification page
- Scanned Bachelor’s degree certificate (Mosadaqa attests the Bachelor’s only)
- Scanned copy of your academic transcript
- Completed and signed Mosadaqa consent form (we provide this)
Mosadaqa — Key Points
- Distance learning and online degrees are not accepted by Mosadaqa
- If you hold a non-UK degree, we can still arrange Mosadaqa attestation — or, where appropriate, legalisation from the country of issue
- Mosadaqa is not mandatory if your degree has previously been verified by the Saudi Cultural Office through another route
Important 2026 Update
Skills Verification Program (SVP) — For Skilled & Technical Professions
From 4 May 2026, Saudi Arabia introduced the Skills Verification Program (SVP) — a government requirement that ensures skilled workers meet the professional standards needed for a Saudi work visa. The programme launched with 103 skilled and technical occupations in its initial phase and is expanding in stages.
Key point — SVP replaces QVP and Mosadaqa for the professions it covers. If your occupation is on the SVP list, you do not need to complete QVP qualification verification or Mosadaqa degree attestation. Instead, you complete the SVP assessment. For all other professions, the QVP and Mosadaqa requirements described above still apply. Continental Visa checks your occupation code and confirms exactly which route you need before you begin.
How the SVP Works
SVP verification uses a Direct Assessment — a theoretical test sat in person at a designated test centre. The process runs through the official Skills Verification Program portal:
- Registration & account creation on the Professional Verification Portal
- Apply for SVP — your profession must match the occupation stated on your work visa, verified through the official Occupation Code (Job Code)
- Book & sit the test — select a test date and city, then attend the test centre in person with your original passport
- Professional Accreditation Certificate issued on success, with the result reflected automatically in MOFA systems for visa processing
Which route applies to you? The verification route for a Saudi work visa now depends on your profession — SVP for listed occupations, or QVP and Mosadaqa for the rest. Getting this right from the start avoids weeks of delay. Learn more about the SVP → or contact us with your job title and occupation code, and we'll confirm your route in writing.
Our Process
How to Apply for a Saudi Work Visa From the UK
From eligibility assessment through to visa issuance, we manage the entire process for you. Here is what to expect.
Eligibility Check & Document Review
Share details of your profession, qualifications, and intended Saudi employer. We confirm in writing whether your application is viable and what documents you'll need.
Document Preparation
We prepare your full document set, source any missing items (ACRO, medical report), and verify everything is in the correct format for FCDO and Saudi Embassy acceptance.
QVP & Mosadaqa Submission
We submit your degree and experience letter to the QVP system and your Bachelor's degree to Mosadaqa for verification. Standard processing: 4–6 weeks.
FCDO Attestation
Your ACRO certificate and medical report are submitted to the FCDO in Milton Keynes for apostille — typically 3–5 working days (standard) or next working day (priority).
Tasheer Biometric Appointment
We book your biometric appointment at the Tasheer visa application centre and provide pre-appointment guidance. We can also meet you outside the centre for added support.
Visa Issuance & Iqama Conversion
The Saudi Embassy reviews your complete application and issues your work visa. Once you arrive in Saudi Arabia, your sponsor converts it into an Iqama within 90 days.
Service & Pricing
Saudi Arabia Work Visa Fees & Services (2026)
We offer flexible service tiers depending on whether you need full end-to-end management or individual elements only. All fees are listed in GBP and inclusive of our consultancy charges.
| Service | Description | Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Continental Visa Service Charge | Per visa application | £175 |
| Medical Examination | Saudi-approved medical with designated UK doctor | £310 |
| FCDO Apostille / Stamping | Per document (when arranged by us) | £85 |
| QVP Verification | Degree verification (+£70 per additional experience letter) | £250 |
| Mosadaqa Attestation | Bachelor's degree authentication via Saudi Cultural Bureau | £250 |
| Full Work Visa Service | End-to-end managed service — see inclusions below | £1,065 |
Note on multiple employers: If you have worked at more than one company in the past six years, additional experience letter verifications are charged at +£70 per company.
What's Included in the Full Work Visa Service (£1,065)
- Medical examination at an approved UK centre
- ACRO certificate procurement & processing
- FCDO attestation of ACRO & medical report
- QVP verification (one degree + one experience letter)
- Mosadaqa attestation
- Tasheer biometric appointment booking
- Meet & greet outside the visa centre on appointment day
- Saudi Embassy visa fee payment on your behalf
- Real-time updates by phone, email & WhatsApp
- Dedicated case handler throughout the process
Timeline
How Long Does a Saudi Work Visa Take?
The complete process typically takes 6–10 weeks depending on your profession, document readiness, and embassy processing times.
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| QVP & Mosadaqa Verification | 4–6 weeks |
| FCDO Attestation (Standard Service) | 3–5 working days |
| Medical Examination | 1–3 working days |
| Tasheer Biometric Appointment Booking | 3–7 working days |
| Saudi Embassy Final Visa Issuance | 5–10 working days |
We provide indicative timelines at your initial consultation based on your specific case.
Why Continental Visa
Specialist Saudi Visa Consultancy You Can Trust
Saudi Arabia is our principal area of focus. Our team has deep, hands-on knowledge of QVP, Mosadaqa, MoFA attestation, and Tasheer procedures — resulting in faster processing and fewer rejections.
Complete End-to-End Service
From eligibility assessment through to visa issuance and pre-departure preparation, we manage every step.
Saudi Specialism
Deep, current knowledge of QVP, Mosadaqa, MoFA attestation, and Tasheer procedures.
Personalised Support
A dedicated case handler reachable by phone, email, and WhatsApp during working hours.
Reliable Processing
Documents prepared to exact specifications, minimising the most common cause of delays.
Nationwide Reach
Based in central London, we accept submissions from across the UK by post or courier.
ICO Registered & Established
UK-registered consultancy (Co. No. 16149984) and ICO Registered (ZC091062). Full GDPR compliance.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions — Saudi Work Visa
Answers to common queries about Saudi Arabia work visa applications, QVP, Mosadaqa, and the Iqama process. For specific questions about your case, please contact us directly.
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Can I work in Saudi Arabia without an Iqama?
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How long is a Saudi Arabia work visa valid for?
The initial work visa is typically a single-entry visa valid for 90 days from issuance. Once you arrive in Saudi Arabia, your sponsor converts it into an Iqama valid for 1 to 2 years, which is renewable.
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Can I apply for a Saudi work visa without a degree?
For certain professions — including skilled trades, technical roles, senior management, and specialist positions — QVP can be processed on the basis of professional experience alone, without a formal degree. We assess each case individually. Learn more about experience-based QVP →
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Do I need to attend a biometric appointment in person?
Yes. All Saudi work visa applicants must attend a biometric appointment at the Tasheer visa application centre in person, with their original passport and two passport-sized photographs.
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Can I bring my family to Saudi Arabia on a work visa?
Yes — once your Iqama is issued, you can sponsor your spouse and children for Family Residency Visas. Learn more about Saudi Family Residency Visas →
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What is the difference between QVP and Mosadaqa?
QVP verifies your academic qualification AND your professional experience (via experience letters) for use by the Saudi government. Mosadaqa is the separate official authentication of your Bachelor's degree by the Saudi Cultural Bureau in London. Most Saudi work visa applications require both.
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Do I need SVP, or QVP and Mosadaqa?
It depends on your profession. From 4 May 2026, Saudi Arabia introduced the Skills Verification Program (SVP) for skilled and technical occupations — 103 in the initial phase, expanding in stages. If your occupation is on the SVP list, SVP replaces QVP and Mosadaqa — you complete the SVP assessment instead. For all other professions, QVP and Mosadaqa still apply. Continental Visa checks your occupation code and confirms your route before you begin.
-
Do I need SVP, or QVP and Mosadaqa?
It depends on your profession. From 4 May 2026, Saudi Arabia introduced the Skills Verification Program (SVP) for skilled and technical occupations — 103 in the initial phase, expanding in stages. If your occupation is on the SVP list, SVP replaces QVP and Mosadaqa — you complete the SVP assessment instead. For all other professions, QVP and Mosadaqa still apply. Continental Visa checks your occupation code and confirms your route before you begin.
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Do I need a Saudi-approved medical examination?
Yes. All Saudi work visa applicants must complete a medical examination at an approved UK medical centre. We arrange this on your behalf and ensure the certificate is accepted by the Saudi Embassy.
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My degree is not from the UK — can I still apply?
Yes. We can arrange Mosadaqa attestation for non-UK degrees, or — where appropriate — legalisation through the country where your degree was issued. Contact us with details of your qualification for case-specific advice.
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What is Tasheer and where is it located?
Tasheer is the official Saudi Arabia visa application centre that handles biometric enrolment and is responsible for forwarding your application to the Saudi Embassy in the UK. We book your appointment and provide guidance on what to bring.
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How much does the total Saudi work visa process cost?
Our Full Work Visa Service is £1,065 and includes all UK-side processing (medical, ACRO, FCDO, QVP, Mosadaqa, Tasheer booking, embassy fees). Individual services can also be purchased separately if you only need certain elements.
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Do you offer same-day or urgent processing?
Some elements of the process — such as FCDO attestation — are available as next-day services. However, QVP and Mosadaqa verification cannot be expedited beyond standard timelines, as they are managed by external authorities. Contact us to discuss your timeline.
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Can you handle my application if I'm not based in London?
Yes. We accept document submissions from across the UK by Royal Mail Special Delivery, courier, or DHL. Visa processing is managed remotely with regular updates by phone, email, and WhatsApp.
Ready to Start Your Saudi Work Visa Application?
Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation. We'll review your case, confirm your eligibility, and provide a tailored timeline and fee estimate within one working day.
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