Temporary Work Visa in Saudi Arabia in 2026
Saudi Arabia's Temporary Work Visa is the official work-visa service for workers with short-term employment contracts, allowing work for a specified period.
Employer-side recruitment
MHRSD states that business employers can use Qiwa to issue permanent, temporary and certain seasonal work visas. Current conditions include an active establishment, valid commercial registration where applicable, valid work permits, wage-protection compliance, and applicable establishment/recruitment requirements.
The employer's ability to request a visa does not eliminate the worker's own visa, medical, biometric, profession or consular requirements.
Applicant-side process
The National Platform currently describes the Temporary Work Visa application through the Visa Platform. Published steps include entering passport and profession details, attaching a valid passport and photograph, submitting the application, completing medical examination and biometrics, obtaining Ministry of Foreign Affairs approval, completing procedures at the Saudi embassy or consulate, and traveling within the permitted visa period.
Choosing the right category
A temporary work visa is for actual short-term employment. It should not be replaced by a Business Visit Visa merely because the trip is short.
For a long-term Saudi employment contract, compare the Permanent Work Visa. For Premium Residency products independent of ordinary employer-side work-visa issuance, start with the Premium Residency overview.
See the Saudi Arabia immigration hub, methodology, and legal disclaimer.
Official and supporting sources
- National Platform — Temporary Work Visaofficial portal · accessed 2026-09-27
- MHRSD — Visa Application through Qiwagovernment · accessed 2026-09-27
- MHRSD — Instant Work Visasgovernment · accessed 2026-09-27