What Is a Saudi Temporary Work Visa and Who Needs It?

For professionals and businesses operating internationally, understanding Saudi Arabia’s work visa landscape is essential. Among the various categories available, the Saudi Temporary Work Visa plays a critical role in facilitating short-term assignments for foreign talent.

But what exactly is a temporary work visa in Saudi Arabia, and who should apply for it?

What Is a Saudi Temporary Work Visa?

The Saudi Temporary Work Visa is a short-term employment authorization issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, allowing foreign nationals to legally perform work for a Saudi-registered entity for a limited period. 

Unlike the standard Saudi work visa that involves longer stays and more extensive documentation, the temporary work visa is designed for time-sensitive projects and specialized tasks, often requiring expertise that may not be readily available within the local labor force.

The visa is typically valid for 90 days, with the option of a single extension for another 90 days. Some cases allow multiple entries depending on the type of business or project.

Who Needs a Saudi Temporary Work Visa?

The temporary work visa is ideal for:

• Specialists and Consultants: Experts providing short-term consultancy or advisory services.
• Project-Based Professionals: Engineers, technicians, and supervisors working on construction, oil & gas, or IT projects.
• Maintenance & Installation Teams: Workers brought in for equipment setup, machinery repairs, or software implementation.
• Short-Term Trainers and Auditors: Professionals conducting workshops, audits, or training sessions.

In essence, any foreign individual who needs to carry out hands-on work or technical support in the Kingdom for a short duration should consider applying for a temporary work visa.

Key Features of the Temporary Work Visa

• Sponsored by a Saudi Company: A local employer or host company must apply for the visa on behalf of the foreign worker.
• No Transferable Iqama: This visa does not lead to a residence permit (Iqama) and is strictly non-renewable beyond the permitted extension.
• Limited Duration: Valid for up to 180 days total (initial + extension).
• Quick Processing Time: Typically faster than long-term employment visas.

   

• Allows Multiple Entries (in some cases): Beneficial for consultants or technicians needing to travel in and out for phased project work.

Documentation and Process

To obtain a Saudi Temporary Work Visa, the following are generally required:

• Invitation letter from the Saudi sponsor (authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• A valid employment contract or service agreement
• Applicant’s passport (with minimum 6 months’ validity)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Medical insurance coverage
• Completed visa application form

Additional documents may be requested based on the nature of the assignment or the applicant’s nationality.

Is the Saudi Temporary Work Visa Right for You?

If you are planning to work in Saudi Arabia for a short-term project, or if your company needs to deploy skilled workers for installation, maintenance, or training, this visa may be the most efficient and cost-effective route.

It offers legal protection, faster onboarding, and a clear framework for short-duration employment—making it a strategic option for both employers and expatriates.

The Saudi Temporary Work Visa is a critical tool for facilitating international collaboration and fast-tracking project delivery in the Kingdom. As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its infrastructure, energy, tech, and manufacturing sectors under Vision 2030, the demand for foreign expertise is on the rise.

Need help with your Saudi visa processing? Contact our team of specialists for tailored support.