How to Apply for a Freelance Visa in Saudi Arabia and What Are the Benefits?
Things are changing rapidly in Saudi Arabia. Vision 2030 took the country to being known mostly for oil to chasing big dreams. The aim of this plan is to build a strong economy with jobs in engineering, tourism, and the arts. Saudi leaders are making possible this by letting individuals from all over nations work there. A big step? The new freelance visa without a sponsor came out in May 2025. You don’t need a local boss to sponsor you any more. This could be your way to work legally in the Kingdom if you are a freelancer in design, coding, marketing, or media.
We’ll clarify it all in straightforward terms in this guide. We’ll talk about what the visa is, who can get it, how to apply for it step by step, how much it costs, and what the benefits are. Read on if you’re a digital nomad who wants to live out the excitement of Riyadh or a pro who wants steady work in the Gulf. Let’s keep it simple: no jargon, just plain talk.
What is the freelance visa for Saudi Arabia?
The freelance visa is like a golden key that lets you work on your own in Saudi Arabia. The program for work visas with no a sponsor began on May 26, 2025. In the past, you had to stick with one employer, but now you are able to work on projects for more than one client. You can live and work without a local sponsor, which gives you real freedom.
The visa is for individuals who have skills in “digital fields,” such as graphic design, programming, content creation, or even consulting. Saudi wants experts who can help their creative scene grow, so it’s not for everyone. You can work legitimately as soon as you get your visa. Is it valid? Usually lasts for one year, but you can renew it if you keep making money and following the rules. Vision 2030 is a winner since it promises jobs for 1 million people by 2030.
Why now? The economy of Saudi Arabia is doing very well. There is a lot of demand for competent employees in NEOM and Riyadh’s tech hubs. Freelancers can use that without having to deal with regular visas.
Who Can Apply? Basic Requirements for Eligibility
This visa isn’t accessible to just anyone. Saudi Arabia makes clear rules to get the right people. You need this:
Age: Most sources say among 21 and 55 years old. Some people say up to 60, but it’s best to stick to 21–55. People think you’re ready to help out because you’re not too young or too close to retirement.
Skills and Experience: You need to have worked in your field for at least five years. You can show it with a portfolio, testimonials from clients, or a history of jobs. IT, media, and design are all hot fields right now.
Education: A degree from a recognized university. No degree? Sorry, but most applicants have to do it.
Proof of income: At least 10,000 SAR (about $2,667 USD) in stable monthly income. Contracts or bank statements are fine.
No criminal record: clean record. Get a police clearance from the country where you live.
Health Check: Saudi Arabia calls for valid health insurance. Also, you have to pass a medical exam when you get there.
Other things: a valid passport (it has six months left), and no past visa violations in Saudi. It might be easier for those from the GCC.
It’s easier if you’re from a country that has strong ties to Saudi Arabia, like the US, UK, or EU. Others might need more paperwork. Check the approved list to see if your freelance niche is on it. Saudi updates it often.
How to Apply: Guide in Steps
Because of Saudi’s push for digital technology, most applications are online. No lines that go on and on. If your documents are good, it ought to take 2 to 4 weeks to get approval. This is the plan:
Choose Your Path: Choose either the Freelance Visa without a sponsor or the Premium Residency for longer stays. Freelance is faster for short-term pros.
Sign up online: Visit either the Unified National Platform (my.gov.sa) or the Premium Residency site (saprc.gov.sa). log up with your email and phone number. The Absher app, which is Saudi Arabia’s ID portal, is also useful.
Complete the Form: Pick “Self-Employment” or “Freelance Visa.” Fill out your personal information, job details, and upload files. Be honest; lies will get you turned backwards.
Upload Files: The list is in the next section. Make sure everything is clear. Translate from Arabic or English to Arabic (extra cost).
Pay the Fee: Use a debit card or a bank transfer. More on costs below.
Wait and Watch: Get a reference number to see what’s the status is. If you need to, go to a virtual interview about your job.
Get the OK: You will get an email. Print out your e-visa. Get your biometrics and medical done at the airport when you fly in.
Get settled: Within 90 days, open a bank account and get your Iqama (resID card).
Finished! If you’re stuck, you can email support by means of the portal or call hotlines like 19911.
What papers do you need?
It can be laborious to do paperwork, but it’s not difficult. Get these:
Copy of a valid passport (valid for six months).
Degree certificate and transcripts (if they are from a different nation, they need to be attested).
Portfolio, CV, client contracts, or letters of recommendation are all examples of proof of experience.
Bank statements from the last three months that show an income of 10,000 SAR per month.
A police clearance certificate from your country that was recently apostilled.
Health insurance policy which is effective in Saudi Arabia.
Two pictures for your passport.
Application form (from the website).
If you’re a freelancer, include a business plan or some work you have done. Any records that are not in Arabic need to be certified. Price? 100 to 500 SAR per page. Check the portal again for updates; the rules alter every year.
Prices: How Much Is It Cost?
Money is essential. The freelance visa takes up money, but it’s not as much as starting a business. Breakdown:
The application fee ranges from 2,000 and 3,000 SAR, which is about $533 to $800 USD.
When you arrive, you’ll have to pay 500 to 700 SAR for a medical exam.
Health insurance costs among 1,000 and 3,000 SAR a year, depending on the amount of coverage you get.
Total cost for translations and attestations: 500 to 2,000 SAR.
Cost of Iqama: About 650 SAR.
Total? From 5,000 and 10,000 SAR to start. Renewals cost 50% less. You don’t have to pay income tax on your freelance work yet, but if you reach certain thresholds, you do have to keep track of your expenses for GOSI (social insurance).
Plan your budget for living in addition; rents in Riyadh start at 2,000 SAR per month.
The Big Benefits: Why Bother?
This visa isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s an important one. This is why freelancers like it:
Freedom to Hustle: You can work with as many clients as you want. If you are without a sponsor, you can’t switch jobs. One week in Dubai, the next in Riyadh.
Legal Benefits: You can easily open a business account at any bank. No fines for “illegal” work.
Family-Friendly: Support your spouse and kids. They also get schools and health care.
Use Vision 2030 funds to boost growth. Go to events like the LEAP tech conference. Make relations with new businesses in Saudi Arabia.
Lifestyle Wins: Live in cities that are current with the date. Cheap flights back home. No income tax on personal income saves money.
Long-Term Play: A way to get permanent residency after a few years. Invest in stocks and buy property.
One freelancer said online, “I moved from India and now I make exactly as much money with Saudi clients.” It was real because of the visa. There is a lot of competition in digital fields, but there is also a lot of demand. For instance, freelance jobs grow by 20% every year.
Challenges and tips to make things go more effortlessly
Things aren’t always smooth. Problems? A lot of competition from locals, changes in culture (like work hours), and problems with paperwork. Freelancers who are women: Saudi Arabia is advancing forward, but some fields are still dominated by men. You can network through apps like LinkedIn.
Advice:
Apply three months before you move to get the process started.
Use X (Twitter) or Upwork to connect with people in Saudi Arabia.
Learn the basics of Islamic culture to show respect.
Use free tools like the Qiwa app to keep track of your visa.
If your request is denied, appeal with additional proof.
Visit hrsd.gov.sa to stay up to date.
Wrapping Up: The Next Step to Success in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi freelance visa is an important development for a Kingdom that is changing. It’s easier than ever for highly qualified individuals to do well with rules that don’t require sponsors. It’s tempting to have freedom, growth, and no taxes. If you meet the criteria, please apply today at my.gov.sa. Dream big; Saudi Arabia is waiting.