Saudi Arabia Saudi Work Visa (Iqama) for Bangladeshis
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 4–10 weeks
- Government fee
- about $600
- Start preparing
- about 5 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 12
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 4–10 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
Employer-sponsored work permit. Your Saudi employer must obtain approval through the Ministry of Human Resources (MHRSD/Qiwa) before any visa can issue — there is no self-sponsored route. On the Bangladesh side two steps are non-negotiable: a GAMCA-accredited medical, without which Saudi Arabia will not issue the visa at all, and BMET emigration clearance, without which airport immigration will stop you even holding a valid visa. Skilled trades must also pass the Saudi Skill Verification Programme trade test. Expect 4–10 weeks from MHRSD approval to departure.
This page covers Bangladeshis. For every nationality we track, see the Saudi Arabia Work Visa (Iqama) overview.
Requirements for Bangladeshis
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | Yes |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 4–10 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $600. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Verify the recruiting agency is BMET-licensedCheck the agency's licence number against the BMET register.
- Secure the job offer and employment contractMust state salary, job title, hours and duration, the terms BMET reviews.
- Employer obtains MHRSD/Qiwa visa authorisationHandled by your Saudi employer through MHRSD/Qiwa, producing a visa authorisation number.
- Renew passport if validity is under 2 years
- Attest educational and experience certificatesEducation Ministry check, Bangladesh Foreign Ministry attestation, then Saudi Embassy legalisation.
- Pass the Saudi Skill Verification Programme trade testRequired for skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers and welders.
- Complete the GAMCA medical examinationTaken at a GAMCA-accredited centre; results typically take 3-7 days.
- Employer completes visa stamping at the Saudi EmbassyStamped at the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka after the medical and attested documents are filed.
- Complete BMET registration and obtain the smart cardFee about BDT 7,500, with biometrics at your district BMET office; card issued in 7-14 working days.
- Attend the pre-departure orientation (PDOS)Covers Saudi labour law rights and the Musaned/Qiwa complaint routes.
- Fly and obtain your Iqama within 90 daysThe employer converts the entry visa into an Iqama residence permit within 90 days.
- Register with the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh or JeddahRegistration enables consular help in an employer dispute.
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The Saudi Work Visa (Iqama) takes about 5 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
Is the Saudi Work Visa (Iqama) right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Saudi Arabia Saudi Work Visa (Iqama) take for Bangladeshis?
- Typical processing time is 4–10 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Saudi Work Visa (Iqama) cost?
- The government fee is approximately $600. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Bangladeshis need a job offer for the Saudi Work Visa (Iqama)?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in Saudi Arabia is required before applying.
- Can I bring my family on the Saudi Work Visa (Iqama)?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
Other Saudi Arabia visas for Bangladeshis
Other destinations for Bangladeshis
Saudi Arabia visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.