Saudi Arabia has introduced tighter limits on instant work visas for newly established businesses, as authorities continue efforts to balance private-sector growth with workforce nationalisation goals.
- Older businesses can secure up to 50 instant visas
- Establishment Program firms begin with two visas
- Ten compliance requirements for hiring foreign workers
- Three visa categories available through Qiwa
- Permanent work visas
- Temporary work visas
- Hajj and Umrah temporary work visas
- Part of broader labour market reforms
The Qiwa platform, which operates under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), announced that businesses less than two years old can now obtain a maximum of five instant work visas.
The move aims to regulate foreign worker recruitment among newly established firms while encouraging higher levels of Saudization.
Older businesses can secure up to 50 instant visas
In contrast, companies that have operated for more than two years can obtain up to 50 instant visas.
According to Qiwa, eligible firms may receive these visas through a single application or through multiple applications submitted within the same week at the entity level.
The distinction creates a clear pathway for businesses to expand their hiring capacity as they mature and demonstrate compliance with labour market regulations.
Establishment Program firms begin with two visas
Qiwa also clarified the rules for companies enrolled in the Establishment Program.
Eligible businesses that meet the required conditions will initially receive two visas. However, the allocation can increase once the company improves its Saudization rate.
As a result, firms that invest in hiring Saudi nationals may gain access to additional recruitment opportunities from overseas.
Ten compliance requirements for hiring foreign workers
The platform outlined several conditions that businesses must satisfy before recruiting non-Saudi employees from outside the Kingdom.
To qualify, an establishment must:
- Remain active and operational.
- Maintain valid work permits for all employees.
- Hold a valid commercial registration, where applicable.
- Be classified within the Medium Green category or higher under Saudization rules.
- Comply with the Wage Protection System requirements.
- Have no outstanding compliance violations.
- Maintain sufficient balance on Ministry of Interior platforms, including Absher and Muqeem.
- Complete the annual self-assessment process if the company employs 10 or more workers.
- Assign employee work locations through Qiwa.
- Ensure the employer is at least 18 years old and has an available recruitment quota.
These requirements aim to strengthen labour market oversight while ensuring businesses meet regulatory obligations before hiring foreign talent.
Three visa categories available through Qiwa
The platform also highlighted the three main visa categories available to employers.
Permanent work visas
These visas support long-term employment contracts and allow companies to recruit non-Saudi workers for ongoing positions.
Temporary work visas
Temporary visas are available for short-term employment contracts lasting three months or less.
Hajj and Umrah temporary work visas
These seasonal visas support workforce needs during the Hajj and Umrah periods. Authorities issue them only after receiving approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Part of broader labour market reforms
The latest changes reflect Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to modernise labour market governance while supporting the objectives of Vision 2030.
By linking visa allocations to compliance standards and Saudization performance, policymakers seek to encourage sustainable business growth while increasing employment opportunities for Saudi nationals.
The updated framework also provides greater clarity for employers planning recruitment strategies in one of the region’s fastest-growing economies.
