How to Get a Work Visa for Saudi Arabia as an Engineer (2025 Guide)

Saudi Arabia’s massive development drive under Vision 2030 has made it one of the top global destinations for engineers. From futuristic megaprojects like NEOM and The Red Sea Project to renewable energy and infrastructure expansion, opportunities for foreign engineers are booming.

However, before starting your career in the Kingdom, you must understand how to obtain a work visa for Saudi Arabia as an engineer — a process that involves both professional registration and employer sponsorship.

This guide will walk you through the full process step-by-step, including eligibility, documentation, Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) registration, and key updates for 2025.

For personalized support preparing your GCC-ready resume and relocation documents, visit Labeeb Writing & Designs Career Services.

Why Engineers Are in High Demand in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is transforming its economy through large-scale projects in construction, oil and gas, smart cities, transportation, and renewable energy.

According to GulfTalent’s 2025 Saudi Employment Outlook and Hays GCC Salary Guide 2025:

• Engineering roles are among the top 5 most recruited professions in the Kingdom.
• Demand is especially high for civil, mechanical, electrical, project, and renewable energy engineers.
• The government has simplified visa procedures for technical professionals to accelerate project timelines.

These trends make Saudi Arabia one of the most rewarding career destinations for engineers worldwide.

Types of Engineer Visas in Saudi Arabia

All foreign engineers work under the employment visa category, but within that, there are special subcategories based on job function and sponsorship:

1. Private Sector Employment Visa – For engineers hired by construction firms, consultancies, or industrial companies.
2. Government Contract Visa – For engineers working on public-sector or Vision 2030 projects.
3. Project-Based Visa – Issued for engineers hired temporarily under specific projects.
4. Transfer Visa (Iqama Transfer) – For those already in Saudi Arabia changing employers or job roles.

Every visa requires employer sponsorship and Saudi Council of Engineers registration before final approval.

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying for a work visa, engineers must meet the following criteria:

1. Educational Qualification – Bachelor’s degree or higher in an engineering discipline from a recognized university.
2. Professional Registration – Mandatory registration with the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE).
3. Job Offer – Employment contract from a Saudi company licensed to hire foreign professionals.
4. Passport Validity – Minimum of six months before application.
5. Medical Fitness – Health check from a GAMCA-approved medical center in your home country.
6. Clean Background – No criminal record or travel bans.

Meeting these requirements ensures eligibility for visa issuance under Saudi labour laws.

Step 1: Get a Valid Job Offer and Contract

The process begins once you secure a confirmed job offer from a Saudi employer.

Your employment contract must include:

• Job title and description (matching your degree)
• Salary and benefits
• Contract duration (usually one or two years)
• Visa sponsorship details

Ensure that your job title matches your engineering qualification, as mismatches can lead to rejection during SCE verification.

Once you sign the contract, your employer applies for a work visa authorization (also called the block visa) from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD).

Step 2: Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) Registration

Before the visa is stamped, all foreign engineers must register with the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) — this is a legal requirement for professional practice.

Here’s how to register:

1. Visit the SCE official portal and create an account.
2. Upload the following:

• Attested degree certificate (by the Saudi Embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Academic transcripts
• Passport copy and photo
• Iqama or temporary visa (if applicable)

1. Pay the registration fee (around SAR 500–800).
2. Wait for verification (typically 5–10 working days).

Once approved, you’ll receive an SCE membership number — mandatory for work visa processing.

Step 3: Attestation of Documents

All engineering degrees and professional certificates must be attested in your home country and then verified in Saudi Arabia.

Typical attestation chain includes:

• Ministry of Education (home country)
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (home country)
• Saudi Embassy or Consulate
• Saudi Cultural Mission

Ensure all documents are clear, consistent, and in English or Arabic. Missing or mismatched information is a common cause of visa delays.

Step 4: Medical Test and GAMCA Clearance

Medical tests are required to confirm your fitness to work in the Kingdom.

You must complete the test at an authorized GAMCA (Gulf Approved Medical Centers Association) facility in your country.

Tests include:

• Blood work (HIV, Hepatitis B/C)
• Chest X-ray
• Physical examination

Results are uploaded electronically to the Saudi visa system, valid for three months.

Step 5: Visa Stamping at Saudi Embassy

Once all documents are approved and medical results cleared, your employer will receive a visa authorization number.

You then submit your documents to the Saudi Embassy or authorized visa agent for stamping.

Required documents typically include:

• Original passport
• Visa authorization letter
• SCE membership proof
• Medical report
• Educational certificates (attested)
• Passport-sized photos

The visa stamping process usually takes 3–7 working days, depending on embassy workload.

Step 6: Travel to Saudi Arabia and Iqama Issuance

After receiving the stamped visa, you can travel to Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival:

1. Your employer arranges medical re-verification locally.
2. Within 90 days, they process your Iqama (residency permit) through the Ministry of Interior.
3. Once your Iqama is issued, you can open a bank account, rent accommodation, and sponsor dependents if eligible.

The Iqama remains valid for one or two years, renewable under the same employer.

Step 7: SCE Renewal and Compliance

Your SCE membership must be renewed periodically to maintain work authorization. Renewal is simple and can be done online by uploading updated documents and paying the renewal fee.

You must also ensure your Iqama job title remains consistent with your SCE-registered profession. Any title mismatch may cause renewal issues or penalties.

Estimated Visa Processing Time and Costs

Processing time varies depending on employer readiness, but typically:

• SCE registration: 5–10 days
• Visa authorization: 2–3 weeks
• Medical test and attestation: 1 week
• Embassy stamping: 1 week

Total estimated duration: 4–6 weeks.

Visa costs are usually covered by the employer, but you may need to pay for:

• Document attestation
• SCE registration
• Local transportation or courier services

Tips to Avoid Visa Delays

1. Ensure your degree title matches your job title exactly.
2. Submit clear, attested copies of all documents.
3. Verify your employer’s registration status with the Ministry of Human Resources.
4. Keep digital copies of all correspondence and approvals.
5. Stay proactive — follow up regularly with your HR contact or recruiter.

For hands-on help preparing visa documentation or contract reviews, explore Labeeb’s Expert Career Support Services.

Post-Arrival Advice for Engineers

Once you settle in Saudi Arabia:

• Register for the Absher portal to manage your visa and travel services.
• Keep your SCE and Iqama renewed before expiry.
• Learn basic Arabic phrases — it improves workplace communication.
• Join professional groups or LinkedIn communities for engineers in KSA.

To optimize your professional profile and attract future opportunities, check Labeeb’s LinkedIn Optimization Service.

How Labeeb Writing & Designs Helps Engineers in the GCC

At Labeeb Writing & Designs, we specialize in helping engineers and technical professionals secure jobs across the GCC — from the UAE and Qatar to Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Our expert services include:

• Professional CV Writing for Engineers
• ATS Resume Optimization for GCC Employers
• Cover Letter Writing Services
• Interview & Career Coaching
• LinkedIn Profile Enhancement
• Relocation and Visa Support Guidance

With Labeeb, you can confidently present your credentials, meet documentation standards, and fast-track your engineering career in the Kingdom.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s engineering sector is expanding at record speed, offering lucrative roles for qualified professionals across multiple disciplines.

Getting a work visa as an engineer requires a valid job offer, SCE registration, attested documents, and employer sponsorship — but once completed, it opens doors to high-paying and career-defining opportunities.

Take the first step by preparing your documents and professional profile with Labeeb Writing & Designs — your trusted GCC career partner for engineers and professionals.

FAQs

1. Is SCE registration mandatory for engineers in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. All foreign engineers must register with the Saudi Council of Engineers before their visa is approved.

2. How long does the visa process take?
The process usually takes 4–6 weeks, depending on document attestation and employer readiness.

3. Can I change my employer after arriving in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, but only after completing your contract term or obtaining employer transfer approval.

4. Does my employer cover visa and relocation costs?
In most cases, yes. Employers are legally required to handle work visa and sponsorship expenses.

Arabic Summary (خلاصة بالعربية)

تشهد المملكة العربية السعودية طلبًا متزايدًا على المهندسين في مجالات البناء والطاقة والبنية التحتية ضمن مشاريع رؤية 2030. للحصول على تأشيرة عمل كمهندس، يجب الحصول على عرض عمل من شركة سعودية، وتسجيل المؤهلات في الهيئة السعودية للمهندسين، واستكمال الفحوصات الطبية والتوثيقات الرسمية. يقدّم هذا الدليل شرحًا مفصلًا لكل خطوة لضمان عملية تأشيرة ناجحة. كما يساعدك فريق Labeeb.ae في إعداد سيرة ذاتية احترافية وتقديم دعم شامل للانتقال الوظيفي إلى المملكة.