Saudi Arabia Introduces Sponsor-Free Work Visa for Foreign Workers

On May 26, 2025, Saudi Arabia officially introduced a sponsor-free work visa, marking a major shift in its labor and visa policies. 

This new visa option allows skilled professionals to live and work in the Kingdom without a sponsor. It represents a major change from the traditional kafala system that had long tied foreign workers to individual employers.

The sponsor-free work visa is part of the country’s wider plan under Saudi Vision 2030. The aim is to modernize the labor market, support economic growth, and make the Kingdom more attractive to investors, freelancers, and professionals from around the world. 

With this move, the government focuses on long-term residency, self-employment, and foreign-owned businesses.

Several visa options are now available under this model. These include:

• Premium Residency Visa – Offers full rights to live and work in Saudi Arabia without a sponsor.
• Foreign Investor Visa – Allows individuals to start and run businesses under their own name.
• Freelance Visa – Supports independent workers in the field of technology, media, marketing, and design.
• Self-Sponsorship Transfer – Enables workers to become their own sponsor after fulfilling certain eligibility conditions.

To apply, candidates must use official Saudi platforms such as:

• The Unified National Platform
• The Premium Residency Program

The application process involves selecting the correct visa category, registering on the portal, and uploading documents, including a valid passport, proof of income, a clean criminal record, and any other required materials. 

After submission, applicants must pay the visa fee, which varies depending on the visa type. Approval typically takes between two weeks to one month. Once approved, the applicant receives their visa or residency permit.

Saudi Arabia has also defined clear conditions to make sure the visa attracts only serious and qualified applicants. General requirements include:

• A clean criminal record
• Proof of stable monthly income, usually above 10,000 SAR
• A recognized university degree
• Valid health insurance that works inside Saudi Arabia
• At least five years of relevant work experience for certain visa types
• No previous violations of Saudi residency rules

In addition to personal eligibility, the government has added company-level conditions to regulate the process further. These include:

• A valid commercial license related to the applicant’s field of work
• An active and up-to-date commercial register for the hiring company or institution
• A clean record of the recruiting company in the Wage Protection System
• The company must fall under the “green zone” classification, which reflects compliance with Saudi Arabia’s labor and legal standards

The sponsor-free work visa brings several benefits. Workers are no longer tied to a single employer and can move between jobs freely. They have the right to open a business, buy property, and bring their families to live in the Kingdom. 

Visa holders also gain access to banking, investment opportunities, and long-term residency options.

Despite the advantages, there are some challenges. Premium Residency visas carry high costs that may not be accessible to everyone. Freelancers face tough competition in crowded sectors. 

Some visas have strict qualification requirements. Economic changes could also lead to visa rules and eligibility updates.