Saudi Arabia Saudi Work Visa (Iqama) for Pakistanis
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 4–8 weeks
- Government fee
- about $600
- Start preparing
- about 4 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 4–8 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
Employer-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.
This page covers Pakistanis. For every nationality we track, see the Saudi Arabia Work Visa (Iqama) overview.
Requirements for Pakistanis
| 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 4–8 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $600. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Secure a job offer and signed Foreign Service AgreementThe contract must have final terms: salary, job title and duration.
- Employer obtains block visa authorisation on QiwaEmployer files via the MHRSD Qiwa platform; employer cost roughly SAR 2,000–7,000.
- Renew passport if under 2 years validitySaudi work visas need substantial remaining passport validity.
- Attest degree certificate (HEC → MOFA → Saudi Embassy)Chain: Higher Education Commission, then Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then Saudi Embassy legalisation.
- Attest experience certificates and police clearanceSame MOFA and Embassy chain as the degree; police certificate from your local station or the NADRA portal.
- Complete NAVTTC trade test (skilled trades only)Required for construction, technical and skilled-trade categories, not professional or office roles.
- Book and pass the Wafid (GAMCA) medical examinationRegister at wafid.com with your passport number; only GCC-approved accredited clinics count.
- Employer applies for visa issuance via Enjaz / MOFAFiled by your employer or their agent; MOFA issuance fee roughly SAR 300–500.
- Complete BEOE protector registration (e-Protector)Register at beoe.gov.pk; fee about PKR 9,200 via NBP QR; yields an Overseas Employment Certificate.
- Complete PakSoftSkills pre-departure orientationMandatory for Gulf-bound workers since November 2025; covers labour rights and workplace conduct.
- Fly and complete biometrics/Iqama within 90 daysIqama issuance runs SAR 650–1,000; entry visa must be converted within 90 days of arrival.
- Arrange family visas once your Iqama is issuedDependant visas depend on your salary meeting the threshold for your job category.
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 4 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 Pakistanis?
- Typical processing time is 4–8 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 Pakistanis 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 Pakistanis
Other destinations for Pakistanis
Saudi Arabia visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.