Saudi Arabia Temporary Work Visa from United Kingdom
- Home
- Regions/Europe
- United Kingdom
- Saudi Arabia Temporary Work Visa from United Kingdom
Visa Support for Short-Term Projects in Saudi Arabia
Short-term work in Saudi Arabia is becoming increasingly common—with UK-based professionals travelling for projects, consultancy roles, and specialised assignments across sectors like engineering, energy, healthcare, and IT. But while contracts may be brief, the visa process can be complex, time-sensitive, and highly specific.
What is a Saudi Temporary Work Visa?
A Temporary Work Visa (also known as a Short-Term Work Visa) is issued to foreign nationals travelling to Saudi Arabia for project-based or contract-specific work lasting from 30 to 90 days. Unlike the long-term work permit (Iqama), this visa is ideal for:
Consultants on short-term contracts
Specialists and engineers on project-based assignments
Professionals sent for installation, supervision, or technical services
Workers involved in time-bound events or corporate engagements
This visa does not grant long-term residency or employment rights beyond the approved duration.
Who can Apply
- UK citizens contracted by Saudi-based companies
UK-based businesses sending staff for short-term assignments
Contractors and consultants working under third-party service agreements
Technicians and skilled professionals required on temporary projects
Applications are made in coordination with the inviting Saudi entity (sponsor), which must issue an electronic work authorisation through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
What We Provide
- Initial eligibility review and visa strategy
- Document checklist and compliance support
- Coordination with the Saudi sponsor for MOFA approval
- Attestation and legalisation of educational or experience documents (if required)
- Embassy submission through authorised channels (e.g. Tasheer)
- Ongoing updates and post-visa travel advisory
We manage each step of the process so you or your team can travel with confidence and compliance.
Processing Timeline
MOFA approval from sponsor: 3–5 working days
Visa stamping in UK: 7–10 working days after submission
We offer fast-track coordination where applicable, based on sponsor readiness.
Documents Required for Temporary Work Visa (UK Applicants)
The documents generally required include:
Validity not less than 6 months
At least 2 consecutive blank pages
The passport should not have any restrictions/conditions that prevents him/her from traveling.
2inch x 2inch (51 mm x 51 mm
Not older than 3 months
White background with frontal view
Copy of UK E Visa photo page for non-UK citizens
Letter of Visa Request issued by the applicants company on letterhead and addressed to the Chief of the Saudi Consulate in UK and attested by Saudi MOFA
- Police Clearance Certificate from ACRO should be attested by the FCDO. The status should be No Trace to be accepted by the Embassy; otherwise, an exemption letter from the company sponsor addressing any other status. This must be attested by Saudi MOFA.
- Medical Report is mandatory to be filled by the hospital which conducts medical for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Work and Resident visa in UK. The same needs to be attested by the FCDO.
- Copy of the Educational Certificate along with work experience.
- Copy of the empoyment contract signed by the applicant and employer, attested by Saudi MOFA and Riyadh Chamber of Commerce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Anyone travelling to Saudi Arabia for short-term work (usually up to 90 days), such as consultants, engineers, or technicians on limited-time projects.
A Temporary Work Visa is valid for short-term assignments only and doesn’t allow residency or long-term employment. A Work Visa (Iqama) is for permanent or long-term roles.
Once the MOFA approval is issued by the sponsor, visa processing usually takes 7–10 working days.
In most cases, no. It’s designed for short-term stays and must be reapplied for if needed again.
Yes, the Saudi company must issue a MOFA invitation. We coordinate with your sponsor to make sure this is done correctly.
It depends on the job role and consulate requirements. We’ll advise you based on your case.
No, this visa is for the applicant only. It doesn’t allow dependent or family sponsorship.
