Saudi Arabia Visa for Pakistani Citizens - Complete Guide 2026

Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 2.7 million Pakistani workers and is the largest destination for Pakistani labour migration. This guide covers all Saudi visa types including work, visit, Umrah, and the Iqama (residence permit) system.

Saudi Visa Types Overview

Visa TypeDurationFeeSponsor Required
Tourist eVisa1 year, 90 days per visitSAR 300 (~$80)No (if eligible)
Visit Visa (Family)30-90 daysSAR 300-500Saudi resident
Work Visa1-2 years (renewable)Employer paysSaudi employer
Umrah VisaUp to 90 daysFree-SAR 300Licensed agent or eVisa
Hajj VisaHajj season onlyIncluded in packageLicensed Hajj operator
Business Visit30-90 daysSAR 300Saudi company
Student VisaDuration of studiesFree (government scholarship)Saudi university

Saudi Tourist eVisa

Saudi Arabia now offers an electronic visa for tourism, which also covers Umrah (outside Hajj season).

Eligibility for Pakistani Citizens
  • Pakistani passport holders with a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa/residence permit can apply for eVisa
  • Pakistani passport holders with valid residence in GCC countries may also be eligible
  • Apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com
Without US/UK/Schengen Visa

Pakistani passport holders without qualifying visas must apply through:

  • Saudi embassy/consulate in Pakistan
  • Licensed Saudi travel agent
  • Saudi host (invitation/sponsor)

Work Visa and Employment

Work Visa Process
  1. Job offer: Receive offer from a Saudi employer (directly or through a licensed recruitment agency)
  2. Labour contract: Signed contract registered with MOHR (Ministry of Human Resources)
  3. Visa block number: Employer obtains a visa block from MOFA Saudi Arabia
  4. Medical test: Complete medical examination at an approved centre in Pakistan (GAMCA medical)
  5. Visa stamping: Visa stamped in passport at Saudi embassy in Islamabad or consulate in Karachi
  6. Travel: Fly to Saudi Arabia within 90 days of visa issuance
  7. Iqama: Employer processes your Iqama (residence/work permit) within 90 days of arrival
GAMCA Medical
  • Mandatory for all Gulf employment visas
  • Register online at gcchmc.org
  • Tests: blood tests (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, syphilis), chest X-ray, general physical
  • Approved centres in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and other cities
  • Valid for 3 months

Iqama (Residence Permit)

The Iqama is your residence and work permit in Saudi Arabia. It is the most important document for any expatriate living in the Kingdom.

Key Facts
  • Validity: 1 or 2 years (renewable by employer)
  • Tied to employer: Your Iqama is linked to your sponsoring employer (Kafeel)
  • Must carry at all times: Required for all transactions including banking, renting, driving licence
  • Renewal: Employer must renew before expiry, penalty of SAR 500 for first late renewal
  • Transfer: Can be transferred to a new employer under specific conditions
What Iqama Enables
  • Open bank account (Al Rajhi, NCB, Riyad Bank)
  • Obtain driving licence
  • Rent accommodation
  • Sponsor family members
  • Exit and re-entry to Saudi Arabia
  • Access Absher (government e-services platform)

Family Visit and Joining Visa

Family Visit Visa
  • Saudi residents can apply through Absher platform
  • Duration: 30-90 days (single or multiple entry)
  • Fee: SAR 300 per person
  • Required: sponsor's valid Iqama, relationship proof (attested marriage/birth certificate)
Family Joining (Dependant Visa)
  • For permanent family residence in Saudi Arabia
  • Minimum salary requirement: SAR 5,000-6,000/month (varies by profession)
  • Sponsor must have suitable accommodation
  • Documents: attested marriage certificate, children's birth certificates, MOFA attested from Pakistan

Labour Rights and Safety

  • Never pay for a job: Legitimate employers and agents do not charge workers for visas or jobs
  • Verify the agent: Use only licensed recruitment agencies registered with Pakistan's Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment
  • Keep your passport: Your employer cannot legally confiscate your passport
  • Know your contract: Ensure your contract terms match what was promised
  • Emergency contacts: Pakistan Embassy Riyadh: +966-11-401-5150, Consulate Jeddah: +966-12-671-0508
  • Musaned platform: Use musaned.com.sa for verified domestic worker contracts
Pakistan Mission in Saudi Arabia
  • Embassy Riyadh: Diplomatic Quarter
  • Consulate Jeddah: Al-Hamra District
  • Community Welfare Attachés in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar
Related Pages