Hello! Zara here, sharing my experience of the Saudi visa process and some top tips along the way. Let’s face it, paperwork isn’t exactly anyone’s favourite pastime, but getting your visa sorted is the first hurdle we must all overcome to starting your expat life in Saudi!
So, grab a comfy spot, pour yourself a coffee (or a date smoothie if you’re feeling fancy), and let’s break it down.
My Saudi Work Visa Timeline
First things first, let’s talk timelines. From the moment I accepted my job offer in Saudi Arabia to the day my visa was granted, it took about 4 months.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: FOUR MONTHS?! But before you start panicking, remember that every experience is different. Factors like your nationality, profession, and your employer’s specific requirements can all impact the process.
A Breakdown of My KSA Visa Process
MAY: Offer Accepted and Contract Signed
You will need a scanned copy of the signed contract document.
I accepted my offer in May 2024.
MAY: Degree Verification and Attestation
One of the first hurdles you’ll likely encounter is getting your university degree verified and attested. This step can be a bit of a waiting game, as the attestation system can sometimes experience delays.
In my case, my degree verification docs were ready to submit in May, but there was a hold-up due to a system outage, which added a bit of extra time to the process. But after a lot of back and forth emailing with SACB, I got my attested degree back in August via email.
I had to submit a scan of the following docs to to the Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau (SACB) in the UK:
- My degree certificate
- A Prospects Hedd Degree Verification consent form
- A signed letter from my employer requesting degree verification and confirming that I have signed an employment contract
- My passport
I believe the attestation application process now happens via an online portal called Mosadaqa which confirms authenticity and then sends a digitial version of your degree with a stamp of their official seal of approval.
JUNE: Police Certificate
Next up, you’ll need to obtain a police certificate (ACRO in the UK) to confirm that you don’t have a police record. I believe the validity of this is 3 months from date of issue.
I opted for the premium two-day turnaround service, which cost £115.
JULY: Medical Examination
To ensure you’re in tip-top shape for Saudi, you’ll need to undergo a medical examination.
This usually involves blood tests, X-rays, and a general check-up to ensure you meet the health requirements for entry. You also need to take your passport and passport-sized photos to be signed and dated by the doctor.
I paid £450 for my Visa Medical in my home city. Do make sure that the doctor you use is registered with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) as I had to pay an extra £115 to get a solicitor’s signature on my health forms as my doc’s signature wasn’t registered with them.
AUG: FCDO Document Attestation
All your docs need to be legalised by the Foreign Office before submitting your visa application, adding another layer of paperwork and fees to the mix.
My visa agent handled this and stamping fees came to to over £1.2k for both my docs and my husbands.
SEPT: Visa Application
With all your documents prepped and ready, it’s time to submit your application for a work visa and, if applicable, a family residency visa. I don’t think you can DIY this part and you have to go through an embassy-approved agent.
Again, my visa agency handled this part, resulting in a hefty handling fee of approx £600 for my work visa.
SEPT: Biometrics Submission
Get ready for your close-up, you’ll need to book an appointment to submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at a Tasheer Saudi Visa Center in London.
Our agent handled the booking of the appt. You need your visa application number for booking. We had to wait over 2 hours in the waiting area despite having an appointment slot. It’s a long wait so take a book or magazine!
They were also strict about photography, taking phone calls, using laptops and who is actually allowed inside the centre. Our agent had to meet us outside the building and handed us all of our original attested documents to present inside at our appointment.
SEPT: Visa Granted
Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Once your application has been processed and approved, you’ll receive your KSA visa. Mine arrived via email the following day with a unique visa number.
NOV: Arrived in KSA!
After a long 10 hour journey, I arrived in KSA with my husband and 2 cats.
PS my husband came to KSA with me on the same flight (as opposed to a few months after me as per normal visa protocol) due to my employer and visa agent pulling some backdoor strings.
Tips for your Visa Journey
Now that you’ve got a grasp of the steps involved, let’s talk about how to make your visa process as painless as possible for you. Here are a few tried-and-true tips from a seasoned visa veteran:
- Start Early: The visa process takes time, so don’t procrastinate! Start gathering your documents and completing the necessary steps as soon as possible.
- Be Organised: Keep all your docs organised and accessible. Use Google Drive to store everything.
- Save Money: Get the legalisations done yourself. Visa agents charge wayyy more to handle this.
- Double-Check Everything: Mistakes can happen, so double-check all your forms and documents before submitting them. A simple error can lead to delays.
- Stay Patient: The visa process can test your patience, but try to stay calm and persistent. Keep in regular contact with your employer and your agent to track your application’s progress.
So there you have it! The Saudi visa process may not be a walk in the park, but with a little preparation, organisation, and a HEALTHY dose of patience, you’ll be well on your way to living your best expat life in the Kingdom.
Stay tuned for more adventures, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for daily doses of expat life, Saudi style!
Remember: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa requirements and processes can change, so it’s always best to consult with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.
because expat life ain’t the same without your cat If you’re anything like me, your cat
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