Hey there, fellow expats! Zara here, ready to share some real talk about the Saudi visa process. Let’s face it, paperwork isn’t exactly anyone’s favourite pastime, but getting your visa sorted is the golden ticket to starting your Saudi adventure! 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 Visa Timeline

First things first, let’s talk timelines. From the moment I gleefully accepted my job offer in Saudi Arabia to the glorious day my visa was granted, it took about four 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.

Your Visa Checklist

To help you navigate this bureaucratic maze, I’ve compiled a handy checklist of the key steps involved in the Saudi visa process. Consider this your trusty roadmap to visa victory!

• Offer Accepted and Contract Signed: This is where the excitement begins! Once you’ve snagged that dream job and signed on the dotted line, it’s time to kickstart the visa process.
• Degree Verification and Attestation: One of the first hurdles you’ll likely encounter is getting your educational qualifications verified and attested. This involves sending your degree certificates and transcripts to a designated agency, which confirms their authenticity and then stamps them with the official seal of approval. In my case, I had to request a replacement degree certificate, which cost me £65.
• Police Certificate: Next up, you’ll need to obtain a police certificate from your home country. This document confirms your clean criminal record and is another essential piece of the puzzle. I opted for the premium two-day turnaround service, which cost £115.
• Medical Examination: To ensure you’re in tip-top shape for your Saudi adventure, 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. My medical appointment set me back £450.
• Saudi Cultural Attaché Attestation: Once you’ve got your degree documents in order, they need to be attested by the Saudi Cultural Attaché in your home country. This step can be a bit of a waiting game, as the attestation system can sometimes experience delays. In my case, there was a hold-up due to a system outage, which added a bit of extra time to the process.
• Work Visa and Family Residency 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. This is where the big bucks come in, as you’ll need to pay the visa fees, which can vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you’re applying for. For me, this hefty sum came to £1057.
• Health Form and Marriage Certificate Attestation (if applicable): If you’re bringing your spouse along, you’ll also need to get your marriage certificate attested. Additionally, you’ll need to complete a health form that needs to be stamped by a solicitor, adding another layer of paperwork and fees to the mix. My solicitor stamping fees came to £70, while the health form and marriage certificate stamping cost an additional £185.
• Biometrics Submission: Get ready for your close-up, you’ll need to submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at a designated visa application center. I had to travel to London for my biometrics appointment, which cost me an additional £462 for train tickets and hotel accommodation.
• Visa Granted!: Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Once your application has been processed and approved, you’ll receive your shiny new visa. Mine arrived via email with a unique visa number.

Tips for a Smoother Visa Journey

Now that you’ve got a grasp of the steps involved, let’s talk about how to make this process as painless as possible. 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 Organized: Keep all your documents neatly organized and easily accessible. Create a dedicated folder or use a digital organization system (I used Google Drive) to keep track of everything.
• Double-Check Everything: Mistakes can happen, so double-check all your forms and documents before submitting them. A simple error can lead to delays, so it’s worth taking the extra time to ensure everything is accurate.
• Stay Patient: The visa process can test your patience, but try to stay calm and persistent. Keep in regular contact with your employer and the relevant authorities to track your application’s progress.
• Celebrate Your Success: Once that visa arrives, it’s time to pop the bubbly and celebrate! You’ve officially conquered the Kingdom’s visa process and are one step closer to your Saudi adventure!

So there you have it, ladies! 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.