How UK Residents in Saudi Arabia Can Bring Their Spouse and Children on a Family Residence Visa
December 1, 2025
How UK Companies Can Send Staff to Saudi Arabia on a Business Visit Visa
Saudi Arabia continues to be a strategic destination for UK companies expanding operations, attending high-level meetings, launching projects, or exploring commercial partnerships. With Vision 2030 driving foreign investment and international collaboration, business travel between the UK and Saudi Arabia has increased significantly.
However, short-term corporate travel still requires careful visa planning. Selecting the incorrect visa type—particularly confusing tourist and business routes—can result in delays, refusals, or compliance risks for both employers and travelling staff.
Understanding the correct visa category
Saudi tourist eVisa
Saudi Arabia offers an electronic tourist visa to eligible nationalities, including British passport holders. While this route is suitable for leisure travel and limited informal activities, it is not designed for structured corporate engagement or sponsor-based visits.
Using a tourist visa for formal business activities—especially where a Saudi company is involved—can expose both the traveller and employer to compliance concerns.
Saudi business visit visa
The business visit visa is the most appropriate route for UK companies sending staff for commercial purposes such as meetings, negotiations, conferences, and market exploration. This visa is typically supported by an official Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) invitation letter issued by a Saudi host company.
For most corporate trips involving Saudi partners, clients, or government-linked entities, the business visit visa remains the preferred and compliant option.
Permitted activities on a Saudi business visit visa
A Saudi business visit visa generally allows employees to undertake non-productive, non-operational business activities, including:
Business meetings and negotiations
Trade discussions and partnership development
Attendance at conferences, exhibitions, or forums
Exploratory visits linked to future projects or investments
Activities that are not permitted
A business visit visa does not authorise employment or hands-on work, even if the activity is unpaid or short-term. Activities such as technical implementation, on-site service delivery, operational management, or replacing local staff require a work-authorised visa.
Saudi authorities enforce this distinction strictly, and violations can lead to fines, deportation, or future entry bans.
The Importance of the Saudi MOFA Invitation Letter
In most cases, a Saudi business visit visa cannot proceed without a MOFA-issued invitation. This invitation is initiated by the Saudi host company through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ online portal.
The invitation includes:
Visitor’s full name (as per passport)
Passport number and nationality
Employer details
Purpose and duration of the visit
Accuracy is critical. Even minor discrepancies between the invitation and passport details can delay or invalidate an application.
UK-side documentation requirements
While requirements may vary slightly depending on nationality and application channel, UK companies are typically required to prepare the following:
Valid passport (usually minimum six months’ validity)
Passport-style photograph
Completed Saudi visa application form
UK employer support letter on company letterhead
MOFA invitation letter or invitation number
UK residency evidence (for non-UK passport holders)
Employer letter and chamber attestation
The UK employer support letter is a core document and must clearly outline:
Employee’s job title and employment status
Business purpose of the Saudi visit
Duration of travel
Confirmation of cost responsibility
In many cases, this letter must be attested by a recognised UK chamber of commerce, such as the Arab British Chamber of Commerce. Failure to complete this step is one of the most common causes of application delays.
Processing timelines and expectations (2025)
Saudi visa systems have become increasingly digital, and once documentation is correct, processing is often efficient. Typical timelines range from a few working days to one week, depending on:
Accuracy of the MOFA invitation
Completeness of UK documents
Applicant nationality and residency status
Volume of applications at the time of submission
For corporate travel planning, it is advisable to allow additional time for invitation issuance and chamber attestation rather than relying solely on visa issuance timelines.
Common compliance risks for UK employers
Using a tourist visa for sponsor-based business travel
Errors or inconsistencies in MOFA invitation details
Missing chamber attestation on employer letters
Describing operational “work” activities under a business visit visa
Assuming short duration removes the need for correct authorisation
Frequently asked questions
Can UK employees attend meetings in Saudi Arabia on a business visit visa?
Yes. Meetings, negotiations, and commercial discussions are standard activities permitted under a Saudi business visit visa when supported by a MOFA invitation.
Does a business visit visa allow paid or unpaid work?
No. Any form of productive or operational work requires a work-authorised visa.
Is a Saudi invitation letter mandatory?
In most business cases, yes. The MOFA invitation is a core requirement for business visit visa applications.
Is chamber attestation always required in the UK?
While requirements can vary, chamber attestation of the UK employer letter is frequently requested and should be planned for in advance.
How Our Team Supports UK Companies with Saudi Business Visit Visas
Our specialist team provides end-to-end support for UK companies arranging compliant business travel to Saudi Arabia, ensuring every stage of the process is handled accurately and efficiently.
Support services include:
Business activity and visa eligibility assessment
Review of employee role, visit scope, and compliance risk
Saudi MOFA business visit invitation coordination with local sponsors
Preparation and review of UK employer support letters
Chamber of Commerce attestation for UK-issued documents
Visa application submission and tracking
Travel readiness checks and pre-departure compliance briefing
Ongoing coordination with Saudi hosts and authorities
Each case is managed with a strong focus on regulatory compliance, documentation accuracy, and clear communication, reducing delays and minimising risk for both employers and travelling staff.
For professional support with Saudi Business Visit Visas for UK employees, please contact:
