Saudi Arabia is in the midst of a historic transformation under its ambitious Vision 2030 plan, which is rapidly reshaping the country's economic and social landscape. A cornerstone of this vision is the diversification of the economy, driven heavily by increased international tourism and the attraction of high-skilled foreign talent. For Indian passport holders, who represent one of the largest expatriate communities in the Kingdom, this translates into a dramatically expanded and digitized visa ecosystem.
The previous restrictive visa landscape has given way to streamlined processes, new electronic platforms, and the introduction of specialized visas like the Freelancer permit. Moreover, the abolition of the restrictive Kafala system has ushered in a contractual employment model, promising greater rights and mobility for migrant workers. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the four primary visa services available to Indian citizens—from religious pilgrimage to professional engagement—reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to becoming a global hub.
1. Umrah Visa
The Umrah Visa is a dedicated Single Entry electronic visa (e-Visa) specifically created for the lesser pilgrimage. It offers a generous Stay Duration of up to 90 Days in the Kingdom, allowing pilgrims ample time to complete their religious rituals and perform Ziyarat (visits to holy sites) in Makkah and Madinah.
Purpose and Criteria: This visa is strictly for religious purposes and must be used by Muslim pilgrims. Applicants must hold a passport valid for at least six months upon arrival. While official rules often require pre-booked accommodation and transportation, these are typically integrated into the package provided by authorized agents before the visa file is submitted for electronic approval. The overall validity for a single-entry visa is generally 80-90 days from the date of issuance.
Documents Required: Essential documents required from the applicant are the Passport copy and a recent Passport size photo (with a white background). To facilitate the application process, documentation will also require an Iqama ID of any contact in Saudi and their Contact number in Saudi.
Procedure: The process is managed efficiently through authorized travel agents. Agents can apply on behalf of the pilgrim via email. We will then handles the entire process, submitting the application and required documentation to the concerned authorities. Once the e-Visa is approved, the pilgrim can travel to Saudi Arabia with a printed copy.
2. Business Visa (90 Days Single)
The Business Visa is issued as an e-Visa and is tailored for Indian professionals engaging in short-term commercial and investment activities, typically allowing a Stay Duration of up to 90 days. It may be granted as a Single-Entry or Multiple-Entry visa depending on the sponsor's request and purpose.
Purpose and Criteria: This visa is essential for professional activities such as attending meetings, conferences, trade exhibitions, negotiating contracts, and conducting market research. The key Official Criteria is that the Indian applicant must obtain sponsorship or an official electronic invitation letter (E-Wakala) from a registered Saudi company. This letter must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Chamber of Commerce, and the applicant's position and purpose of travel must be clearly stated. The passport must be valid for no less than six months.
Documents Required (Provided by the Applicant): Mandatory documents required from the applicant for the initial process are the Passport copy and a recent Passport size photo (with a white background).
Other Documents Provided by us: Before the client attends the VFS biometric appointment, we will provide them with a complete set of supporting documents necessary for the final submission. These documents, which are processed on behalf of the client, typically include:
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Electronic Invitation Letter (E-Wakala): The official invitation from the Saudi company.
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Company Letter: A letter from the Indian company (often attested by a Chamber of Commerce).
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Completed Visa Application Form: The fully completed and online-submitted application form.
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Supporting Documentation: Copies of the Saudi host company’s commercial registration.
Procedure (eVisa Roadmap): The business visa follows a structured roadmap: 1. Initiate Application: The client sends the required documents (Passport copy and Photo) via Mail or Upload on the travel portal. 2. Verify & Submission: The agency reviews documents and submits them to the authority (along with the required official business-related documents which the agency prepares/collects from the Saudi sponsor). 3. Appointment at VFS: The client is scheduled for a mandatory VFS Tasheer biometric appointment (for fingerprints and photo), carrying the original passport and the complete document file provided by the agency. 4. Delivery: VFS will courier the original passport (only) back to the provided address. 5. Visa Approval: After the final approval from MOFA, the agency provides the client with the approved e-Visa copy.
3. Tourist Visa (For Residence Holders)
This service is a crucial pathway for qualified Indian travelers to obtain a Saudi e-Visa for tourism, leisure, and even Umrah (outside of Hajj season), with a maximum Stay Duration of up to 90 Days. This option is sometimes informally referred to as a "Residence Holders" visa because eligibility is tied to holding certain foreign residency or visas.
Purpose and Criteria: This visa is primarily for tourism, visiting family/relatives, and attending non-religious events. Indian citizens are generally not eligible for the standard tourist e-visa. However, they become eligible if they possess a valid Residence Card or a valid visa from UAE, Schengen countries, US, or UK. Official Criteria specify that the US/UK/Schengen visa must be valid, categorized as a tourist or business visa, and must have been used at least once to enter the issuing country (evidenced by an entry stamp).
Documents Required: Mandatory documents required from the applicant are the Passport copy and a recent Passport size photo (with a white background). The essential document for eligibility is the valid Residence Card or the Used US, UK, or Schengen Visa copy.
Procedure: The procedure is the same as the Umrah Visa: Agents must apply on behalf of the passenger through email. Then we will handles the efficient processing and submission of all residency/visa eligibility evidence for the final e-visa approval.
4. Freelancer Visa (1 Year)
The Freelancer Visa, a recent development, caters to independent, skilled Indian professionals. It grants a potential Stay Duration of up to 1 Year, allowing individuals to work legally without a traditional employer-sponsor. This visa is part of Saudi Arabia's initiatives to support the growing gig economy.
Purpose and Criteria: The core purpose is to allow skilled independent professionals to legally offer their services and work with multiple clients in Saudi Arabia, supporting the growth of the gig economy under Vision 2030. It aligns closely with the long-term Employment Visa track. To qualify, applicants must typically be over 18, possess relevant professional qualifications and experience, and must secure the necessary electronic authorization for a freelance license. This process is reinforced by stricter verification rules, which now include mandatory pre-verification of professional and academic qualifications for Indian workers as part of the drive to ensure workforce quality.
Documents Required: Mandatory documents required from the applicant are the Passport copy and a Passport size photo (with a white background). Documentation is extensive, often requiring certified copies of university diplomas/professional certificates, a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) issued within the last six months, proof of professional experience (portfolio/references), and mandatory health insurance.
Procedure: The application follows the stringent Employment Visa process:
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Electronic Clearance: Securing the required electronic authorization or delegation (Wakala).
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Medical & Verification: Mandatory WAFID/GAMCA Medical Test, followed by the required skills assessment, either the Skill Verification Program (SVP) for trade professions or the Qualification Verification Program (QVP) for degree holders.
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Biometric Submission: Mandatory VFS Tasheel Biometric Appointment for processing.
Post-Arrival Services: Iqama and Visa Stamping
For long-term visas like the Freelancer Visa (following the employment track), the visa stamping procedure is crucial for legal entry and residence, a service we specialize in.
Iqama Card Provision: The employment/freelance visa granted is typically a work-entry visa with an initial validity. Once the applicant has successfully entered Saudi Arabia with their approved visa, the agency facilitates the final and most important step: the Iqama Card (Saudi Residence Permit) will be provided to the individual, formalizing their long-term residency status in the Kingdom.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) Eligibility for Indian Citizens
Indian passport holders are not automatically eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Saudi Arabia. However, VOA is available under one specific condition:
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Valid US, UK, or Schengen Visa: You are eligible for VOA if you hold a valid tourist or business visa from the United States, United Kingdom, or a Schengen country, and that visa has been used at least once to enter the issuing country (evidenced by an entry stamp). The passport must be valid for at least six months.
About Our Saudi Visa Stamping Service
We offer a dedicated, expert-guided Saudi Visa Stamping Service to manage the complex documentation and submission for all employment and long-term visas. Our service covers everything from initial electronic clearances (Wakala) and medical certification to the final biometric and consulate submission. This ensures a fast, reliable, and hassle-free transition for your clients. You can read more about this comprehensive service in our dedicated blog on Stamping.
