🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia visas for Pakistanis
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Pakistanis moving to Saudi Arabia have 2 main visa routes: Saudi Work Visa (Iqama) and Premium Residency (Skilled Professional). The fastest is the Saudi Work Visa (Iqama) at 4–8 weeks. 1 of them needs no job offer. Every requirement below links to the official government source.
Compare Saudi Arabia visas
| Visa | Processing | Gov. fee | Job offer | Family | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Work Visa (Iqama)work | 4–8 weeks | $600 | Required | Yes | No |
| Premium Residency (Skilled Professional)work | 12–26 weeks | $27,000 | Not required | Yes | Yes |
Saudi Arabia visa guides for Pakistanis
Saudi Work Visa (Iqama)
workEmployer-sponsored work permit for Saudi Arabia. Your employer must first secure a block visa quota through the Qiwa platform before you can apply — there is no self-sponsored route. Most of the effort falls on the Pakistan side: a Wafid/GAMCA medical at an approved centre, BEOE protector registration, MOFA attestation of your degree and contract, and for skilled trades a NAVTTC trade test. Once you arrive, your employer converts the entry visa into an Iqama (residence permit) within 90 days.
Premium Residency (Skilled Professional)
workSaudi Arabia's sponsor-free long-term residency, often called the Saudi Green Card. The skilled-professional track needs at least a bachelor's degree, three or more years of relevant experience, and a recommendation from an approved Saudi employer, and targets executive leadership, healthcare, science and research. Note the 2026 rule change: Premium Residency holders must now obtain a separate work permit before starting any employment. Temporary permits start around SAR 100,000; the permanent permit is SAR 800,000.
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- What is the fastest Saudi Arabia visa for Pakistanis?
- The Saudi Work Visa (Iqama) typically processes in 4–8 weeks, the shortest of the 2 routes we track. Add time for gathering documents, translations, and apostilles.
- Can Pakistanis move to Saudi Arabia without a job offer?
- Yes. The Premium Residency (Skilled Professional) does not require a job offer from a Saudi Arabia employer.
- What is the cheapest Saudi Arabia visa for Pakistanis?
- The Saudi Work Visa (Iqama) has the lowest government fee at about $600. Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top of every route.
- Which Saudi Arabia visas let Pakistanis bring family?
- The Saudi Work Visa (Iqama) and the Premium Residency (Skilled Professional) allow accompanying family members with additional documentation.
- Which Saudi Arabia visas lead to permanent residency for Pakistanis?
- The Premium Residency (Skilled Professional) offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.