Very helpful breakdown of the work visa process. Clear and straight to the point!
Content:
Saudi Arabia remains a top destination for foreign workers, especially with Jeddah’s expanding economy and development. For many foreigners in 2025, how to get a job in Jeddah starts with understanding the paperwork.
The primary documents needed to get a job in Jeddah are a valid passport, a confirmed Saudi job offer/employment contract (with a sponsor), and an approved Saudi work visa (which requires a medical fitness certificate and a police clearance certificate).
As part of the job application documents for Saudi Arabia, every applicant needs a passport with ample validity (typically at least 6 months remaining) and a formal job offer (employment contract) from a registered Saudi employer. Saudi authorities mandate that your job offer matches the work visa category, so the profession/title in the contract must align with Saudi regulations.
Once a job is offered, you will sign a contract stating your position, salary, and employer details. This contract is the basis of your visa application. The employer (sponsor) uses it to obtain a work permit from Saudi labor authorities.
The employment visa process in Saudi Arabia in 2025 is the core of working legally in Jeddah, starting with obtaining a Saudi work visa (employment visa). After signing your contract, your employer applies for a work visa authorization through the Ministry of Human Resources (MHRSD/Qiwa) and the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Typical documents at submission include your passport, a completed visa application form, the employer’s approved work permit or visa authorization, and the signed employment contract.
A comprehensive medical exam is mandatory. You must obtain an official health certificate from an approved clinic. On arrival in Saudi Arabia, expatriates must also pass a follow-up medical screening to get the final Iqama (residence permit).
You must present a criminal record check (police clearance certificate) from your home country. This is often called an FBI check, NBI clearance, or similar, depending on nationality. Your police certificate should show no criminal record and is usually verified by the Saudi embassy or consulate.
The basic steps to get your Jeddah work visa are:
Secure a job offer. First, get a confirmed employment offer from a Saudi company, including a signed contract.
Employer obtains approval. Your Saudi employer applies to the Ministry of Human Resources to request a work visa quota (block visa number).
Attest the contract. Once approved, the contract and related documents (like degree certificates) are authenticated by Saudi authorities and your home country’s ministries (as needed).
Complete medical exam. Undergo the required health checks at approved centers. Obtain the sealed medical fitness certificate.
Submit visa application. With all paperwork ready (passport, visa form, contract, permit approval, medical report, etc.), you or the employer submit your visa application.
Wait for approval and stamping. The embassy processes the application (typically 2–4 weeks).
Travel to Jeddah. With your visa in hand, you can fly to Saudi Arabia.
The core document list is the same for all foreign workers: passport, contract, visa forms, medical certificate, and police clearance. However, some nationalities have extra formalities. For example, Philippine applicants must submit an NBI clearance, a college degree attested by CHED, DFA (foreign ministry), and the Saudi consulate, and a Training Certificate or OMA certificate in specific jobs (like domestic work). Indian and Pakistani workers likewise need police-clearance certificates (FBI or Police Verification Reports) legalized for Saudi use, plus attested educational credentials.
Notably, applicants from India, Pakistan, and the Philippines (as well as Bangladesh, Egypt, and others) must obtain a pre-departure medical clearance certificate from an approved clinic in their home country. In short, while the Jeddah job requirements (visa, contract, health, police checks) are broadly the same, the exact attestation process and extra docs (like training certificates or specific clearances) can differ by country.
Begin by organizing and legalizing all relevant papers. The issuing institution should attest to any degree, diploma, or professional license, your national foreign affairs ministry, and the Saudi embassy/consulate (since Saudi Arabia does not use simple apostilles). For instance, a Philippine nurse needs a university diploma attested by CHED, the DFA, and the Saudi mission.
Likewise, get your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and experience letters similarly legalized. If documents are not in English or Arabic, have them translated by a certified translator. Additionally, make multiple copies of everything (passport, contract, certificates) since you must submit them.
Schedule your medical exam at an embassy-approved clinic and collect the sealed report. Finally, apply for your police clearance in advance. In summary, legalize your diplomas, translate key documents, and obtain required clearances before submission so Saudi employers see a complete, compliant set of Saudi Arabia employment documents.
Secure a valid job offer. Obtain a written offer from a Saudi company.
Sign the employment contract. Carefully review and sign the contract provided by your employer.
Gather and translate documents. Collect your passport (with validity ≥6 months), diplomas, transcripts, experience certificates, CV, and passport photos. Have all non-English/Arabic documents translated and all certificates attested by your home country’s foreign ministry and the Saudi consulate.
Undergo the medical test. Schedule and complete the required health screenings at an approved medical center.
Obtain a police clearance certificate. Request a criminal background check (e.g., FBI, NBI, Police Clearance) from your government.
Submit visa application. With your employer’s help, apply online or at the Saudi embassy: pay any fees and submit the package (passport, visa form, contract, work permit, medical and police certificates).
Receive the visa and travel. After approval (usually 2–4 weeks), get the visa stamped in your passport.
Finally, all your preparation culminates in arriving in Jeddah.
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