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Saudi Work Visa & Iqama Renewal, Transfer & Cancellation: Nepali Worker's Guide

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Saudi Work Visa & Iqama Renewal, Transfer & Cancellation: Nepali Worker's Guide
TL;DR

Saudi Arabia work visa, Nepali passport (2026): processing 15–30 working days (after Saudi-side approvals are complete), stay Up to 90 days on entry; thereafter governed by the Iqama issued in Saudi Arabia. Apply through Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia — Kathmandu / Tasheer Saudi Visa Centre — Kathma…

Key takeaways

  • Fee varies by visa class — confirm on the official portal.
  • Processing time: 15–30 working days (after Saudi-side approvals are complete).
  • Allowed stay: Up to 90 days on entry; thereafter governed by the Iqama issued in Saudi Arabia.
  • Apply at: Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia — Kathmandu (Tasheer Saudi Visa Centre — Kathmandu).
  • Certified English translations are mandatory for Nepali-language documents.
The Saudi Arabia work visa for Nepali citizens has a fee that depends on the visa class and takes 15–30 working days (after Saudi-side approvals are complete) to process, allowing a stay of Up to 90 days on entry; thereafter governed by the Iqama issued in Saudi Arabia. Apply Saudi employer obtains…

Saudi Arabia work visa for Nepali citizens (2026). Saudi Work Visa & Iqama Renewal, Transfer & Cancellation: Nepali Worker's Guide — verified against Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia — Kathmandu and updated when the rules change. processing 15–30 working days (after Saudi-side approvals are complete); allowed stay Up to 90 days on entry; thereafter governed by the Iqama issued in Saudi Arabia. Below: the official figures, the document checklist, proof-of-funds guidance, the embassy contact, and the mistakes that get Nepali files refused.

How to apply for the Saudi Arabia work visa from Nepal — step by step

  1. Confirm the route — Saudi employer obtains a Block Visa from the Ministry of Human Resources, transfers the visa to the applicant via Enjaz, then the applicant attests documents and books a Tasheer appointment.
  2. Assemble documents — gather the checklist below, with certified English translations.
  3. Book & pay — submit the application and pay the fee (Varies by visa class — confirm on the official portal); give biometrics if asked.
  4. Track — processing runs 15–30 working days (after Saudi-side approvals are complete); collect the passport or download the e-visa on approval.

Work Visa (Temporary Work / Employment) — key facts

Visa classWork Visa (Temporary Work / Employment)
Government feeVaries by visa class — confirm on the official portal
Processing time15–30 working days (after Saudi-side approvals are complete)
Allowed stayUp to 90 days on entry; thereafter governed by the Iqama issued in Saudi Arabia
ValiditySingle entry, 90 days from issuance
EntriesSingle (work entry permit); Resident multi-entry available for existing Iqama holders
How to applySaudi employer obtains a Block Visa from the Ministry of Human Resources, transfers the visa to the applicant via Enjaz, then the applicant attests documents and books a Tasheer appointment

Documents Saudi Arabia asks Nepali applicants for

  • Original passport — Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended entry date, with at least 2 blank visa pages.
  • Passport bio-page copy — Clear colour photocopy of the data page.
  • Passport-size photograph (51 × 51 mm) — Recent, white or light-grey background, head straight, both ears visible.
  • Visa application form — Filled in English via the Enjaz portal (visa.mofa.gov.sa) and printed for submission.
  • Citizenship copy — Photocopy of Nepali citizenship certificate.
  • Original work contract — Attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal and the Saudi Embassy.
  • Educational certificates — Apostilled / attested by MoFA Nepal and the Saudi Embassy.
  • Medical fitness certificate (GAMCA / Wafid) — From a GAMCA-approved Nepal clinic, valid for 3 months.
  • Police clearance certificate — From Nepal Police, attested by MoFA Nepal.
  • Power of attorney / authorisation (if applicable) — Where a Saudi employer or local recruiter handles the submission.
  • CHI-approved medical insurance — Premium auto-calculated by Tasheer at submission; covers the full visa validity.

Proof of funds for the Saudi Arabia work visa

As a Nepali applicant, show a 3–6 month bank statement plus income proof matched to your source: salary slips and an employer/leave letter if you're employed, business registration (PAN/VAT) and tax clearance if self-employed, or a sponsor's bank statement and a notarised sponsorship letter if someone funds your trip. Money that lands suddenly just before you apply is a common refusal trigger — keep the balance steady for months.

Processing time, validity & extension

Plan for 15–30 working days (after Saudi-side approvals are complete) once Saudi Arabia has a complete file. The visa is valid Single entry, 90 days from issuance and lets you stay Up to 90 days on entry; thereafter governed by the Iqama issued in Saudi Arabia (Single (work entry permit); Resident multi-entry available for existing Iqama holders). Apply at least 3–4 weeks before departure; festivals and embassy holidays in both countries can stretch the window. If you need longer in Saudi Arabia, ask about the in-country extension rule before your stay expires — overstaying jeopardises every future application.

Before you apply: the Nepal-side prep

Every Nepali-language document — citizenship certificate, birth or marriage certificate, property papers, income proof — must be submitted with a notary-certified English translation. Workers need the employer demand letter and, for many destinations, a Nepal-government labour approval plus a medical (GAMCA/Wafid) certificate. Carry the original plus one photocopy of each, and make sure your name is spelled identically everywhere: passport, ticket, hotel booking and bank statement. A single mismatch is enough to trigger a query.

Why Saudi Arabia files get refused — and how to avoid it

  • Inconsistent funds — a balance that jumps right before applying.
  • Missing translations — Nepali documents submitted without certified English versions.
  • Mismatched dates — the flight, hotel and itinerary don't line up.
  • Weak ties to Nepal — no job, study, property or family pull to return to.
  • Wrong visa class — applying as a tourist for a work or study purpose.

Where Nepalis apply

Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia — Kathmandu
Sumangal, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: +977 1 472 0892
Email: [email protected]
Official site: https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/missions/Pages/MissionDetails.aspx
Visa centre: Tasheer Saudi Visa Centre — Kathmandu, Koteshwor-32, Kathmandu, Nepal (inaugurated Jan 2024).

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Saudi Arabia work visa cost from Nepal?

The government fee varies by visa class — check the official portal, plus Nepal-side costs (photos, certified translations, bank statements, and any visa-centre charge).

How long does the Saudi Arabia work visa take for Nepali citizens?

Allow 15–30 working days (after Saudi-side approvals are complete) from a complete submission. Apply 3–4 weeks before travel to absorb peak-season and document-request delays.

What documents do Nepalis need for the Saudi Arabia work visa?

Passport (6+ months), photos, bank statements / proof of funds, a confirmed flight and hotel, and purpose-specific letters — with notary-certified English translations of Nepali-language documents.

Where do Nepali citizens apply for a Saudi Arabia visa?

Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia — Kathmandu, Sumangal, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal, or the visa centre Tasheer Saudi Visa Centre — Kathmandu. Online: https://vc.tasheer.com.

Get your supporting documents ready

Most Saudi Arabia visa files need a confirmed onward flight, a hotel reservation and, for tourist and visit classes, a day-by-day itinerary — with dates that match across all three. Generate embassy-ready documents in minutes:

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About Sandeep Kumar Chaudhary

Founder, Yatra For Fun Pvt Ltd

Sandeep Kumar Chaudhary founded Yatra For Fun in Kathmandu after a decade running visa applications for Nepali pilgrims, students, and business travellers. He writes the visa-document guides personally and verifies every fee and process before publication.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

  1. Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia — Kathmandu — official site
  2. Saudi Arabia official visa portal

Update log

  • factualInitial publication from embassy_infoSandeep Kumar Chaudhary