Saudi Arabia Saudi Work Visa (Iqama) for Indians
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; there is no self-sponsored route. Your Saudi employer secures a block visa quota through the Qiwa platform before you can apply. On the India side the decisive question is your passport status: if it is stamped ECR (Emigration Check Required), you must obtain emigration clearance through the eMigrate portal because Saudi Arabia is one of the 18 notified ECR countries — travelling for work without it means being stopped at immigration. If you passed Class 10 you are normally eligible for a non-ECR passport, which removes this step entirely and is worth doing before you start. You will also need a Wafid/GAMCA medical at an approved centre and MEA attestation of your degree and contract. Your employer converts the entry visa into an Iqama within 90 days of arrival.
This page covers Indians. For every nationality we track, see the Saudi Arabia Work Visa (Iqama) overview.
Requirements for Indians
| 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
- Check whether your passport is ECR or non-ECRAn ECR stamp means emigration clearance is needed for Saudi employment.
- Verify the recruiting agent is registered on eMigrateOnly MEA-registered recruiting agents may place workers in ECR countries.
- Secure the job offer and employment contractContract must state salary, job title, hours and duration, and be registered on eMigrate for ECR clearance.
- Employer obtains block visa authorisation on QiwaHandled by your Saudi employer through the Ministry of Human Resources.
- Renew your passport if validity is under 2 yearsA new passport number invalidates completed attestations.
- Attest your degree and experience certificatesState HRD or university verification, MEA apostille or attestation, then Saudi Embassy legalisation.
- Obtain a police clearance certificateIssued by the Regional Passport Office or via Passport Seva, then attested through the MEA and Embassy chain.
- Complete the Wafid (GAMCA) medical examinationRegistered at wafid.com; only GCC-approved centres count and the certificate has limited validity.
- Employer applies for visa stamping via EnjazThe visa is stamped at the Saudi mission in India.
- Obtain emigration clearance on eMigrate if ECRClearance is linked digitally to your passport and checked at the immigration counter.
- Register on eMigrate and with the Indian EmbassyRegistration enables consular assistance in wage or contract disputes.
- Obtain your Iqama within 90 days and keep your passportEmployer must convert the entry visa into an Iqama within 90 days.
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 Indians?
- 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 Indians 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 Indians
Other destinations for Indians
Saudi Arabia visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.