If you’re considering investing in Saudi Arabia, you’ll be pleased to know that a new ‘visiting investor’ eVisa has been introduced. This visa allows holders to stay in the country for up to 90 days without the need for a sponsor. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Ministry of Investment (MOI) collaborated to introduce this new visa on June 9.
Foreign investors who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for a single or multiple-entry eVisa. Additionally, they can perform Umrah, except during the Hajj season. To apply for the investor eVisa, simply visit MOFA’s official platform for visas – visa.mofa.gov.sa.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to invest in Saudi Arabia. Apply for the visiting investor eVisa today and take advantage of all the benefits it has to offer.
Who is eligible for Saudi Arabia’s investor eVisa?
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Saudi Arabia, the first phase of the ‘visiting investor’ eVisa is currently available to investors from specific countries. Unfortunately, the MOFA and the Ministry of Investment have not disclosed which countries are eligible. However, the ministry plans to extend this service to citizens from additional countries in the future. To determine if you qualify for the visa, please follow the steps outlined below.
Validity of the investor eVisa
The validity of a visa pertains to the duration during which it can be utilized. It is important to note that this is distinct from the ‘stay’, which pertains to the duration for which one can remain in Saudi Arabia on the visa.
For the visiting investor eVisa, the validity is contingent upon the type of entry, whether it is single or multiple, as well as your nationality.
It is worth noting that the minimum validity for the investor eVisa is consistent across all nationalities. For a single-entry visa, the validity is 90 days, while for a multiple-entry visa, it is valid for one year.
For how long can one stay in Saudi Arabia on a ‘visiting investor’ eVisa?
The duration of stay permitted on your visa will vary depending on the information you provide. Certain nationalities are allowed to stay in the country for up to 90 days on a single entry, while others are limited to a 30-day stay. To determine your options, simply begin filling out the application on our smart service platform. Our user-friendly system will guide you through the process and provide you with all the necessary information.
How to apply for the visa
Step 1: Create an account for the online visa platform
To apply for a visa to Saudi Arabia, you can easily access MOFA’s unified visa platform by visiting their official website at https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/. Once you’re on the website, click on the ‘Services for visitors’ category and select the ‘Visa Application from Saudi missions abroad’ service. Click on ‘Apply Now’ to proceed.
To register, click on ‘Register’ under the login details and enter your email address, create a password, and enter the captcha code. You will receive a confirmation email from MOFA’s unified national visa platform. Click on the link provided to activate your account.
Once your account is activated, log in by entering your email address, password, and captcha code. Click on the ‘Add a new Application’ button to start your visa application process. Before proceeding, make sure to read and agree to the terms and conditions of the visa platform.
By following these simple steps, you can easily apply for a visa to Saudi Arabia through MOFA’s unified visa platform.
Step 2: Find out if you are eligible for the visa:
After completing the initial steps of the visa application process, you will be directed to the visa application form. To determine if you are eligible for the eVisa, simply select the visa type as ‘Business Visit’ and choose your nationality from the drop-down menu.
If you are a national from one of the countries approved in the first phase of the investor eVisa initiative, you will be able to view investment opportunities as the purpose of your visit. This option will be available once you enter your nationality. The investor business visa does not require a sponsor, making it a convenient option for eligible applicants.
For those who do not qualify for the investor eVisa, a ‘Business Visit’ visa is still an option. However, this visa type does not offer the ‘view investment opportunities’ feature and requires a Saudi sponsor for approval.
Step 3: Select the visa validity
To proceed, please choose the number of entries you wish to apply for. You have the option of a single entry or a multiple entry visa. Additionally, please select the visa validity that aligns with the information you previously provided.
Step 4: Fill in personal information
When completing your profile, please ensure that you provide the following mandatory details:
- Full Name: Please enter your full name as it appears on your official identification documents.
- Passport Photo: We require a passport photo to be uploaded to your profile. Please ensure that the photo meets the following specifications:
– Dimensions: The photo should be 200 x 200 in width and height.
– Image Size: The file size should be between 5 to 100 Kb.
– Close-up: The photo should show a close-up of your face and shoulders.
– Face Size: Your face should take up between 70 to 80 percent of the photo.
– Background: The background should be white.
– Head Position: The head of the person photographed should not be at an angle or turned.
– Headwear: Headwear is acceptable for religious reasons.
Passport details:
• If you have a previous nationality – select yes or no. If you selected ‘yes’ enter the previous nationality.
• Passport Number
• Passport Type
• Issuing Country
• Date of Issue and expiry
• Place of Birth
• Date of Birth
Personal details:
• Religion
• Marital Status
• Gender
• Occupation
- Home address in Saudi Arabia – enter your hotel reservation details or address details of a residence in Saudi Arabia where you will be staying.
- Email address
Step 5: Enter business information
When filling out the investment application form, please provide the following information:
- Investor Company Name: Please enter the name of your company.
- Company Headquarters: Please select the country where your company is headquartered from the drop-down menu.
- Company Business: Please indicate the industry in which your company operates.
- Company Website: Please provide the website address of your company.
- Interested Business: Please enter the type of business or industry you are interested in investing in Saudi Arabia.
- Phone Number: Please provide the official contact number of your company.
- Job Position: Please indicate your position in the company.
Transportation Details:
- Select Transportation Mode: Please select the mode of transportation you will be using to enter Saudi Arabia – air, land, or sea.
- Enter Date of Entry: Please enter the date you plan to enter Saudi Arabia.
- Enter Port of Entry: Please indicate the port of entry you will be using to enter Saudi Arabia.
We appreciate your interest in investing in Saudi Arabia and look forward to working with you. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Step 6: Select if you want to perform Umrah
The investor eVisa is a versatile option that not only grants visitors access to the country but also allows them to perform Umrah. If you’re interested in this opportunity, simply select ‘yes’ during the application process. It’s worth noting that the visa platform has confirmed that performing Umrah under this visa does not require any additional requirements, and is permitted throughout the year, with the exception of the Hajj season.
To continue with your application, you’ll need to indicate whether you’ve traveled to other countries within the past five years. If you have, simply select ‘yes’ and provide the relevant information, including the country and dates of your visit.
Before submitting your application, be sure to carefully review and agree to the terms and conditions. Once you’ve done so, simply enter the captcha code and click the ‘Save’ button to complete the process.
Step 7: Confirm the application data and provide health details for medical insurance
To proceed, kindly provide the following information:
- Anticipated date of arrival in Saudi Arabia.
- PO Box number.
- Your current city of residence.
- Email address and mobile number.
Additionally, please indicate if you have any chronic health conditions by answering a few simple yes or no questions.
Step 8: Select your medical insurance
Once you have completed the previous steps, it is imperative that you select your medical insurance coverage. This will allow you to view the cost of the insurance and make an informed decision. Once you have made your selection, simply click the ‘Save’ button to finalize your choice.
Step 9: Pay for the eVisa
After completing the application process, you will be able to view the total cost of your eVisa. It’s important to note that the overall cost may vary based on the visa validity and medical insurance coverage. To proceed with payment, simply click the ‘Pay’ button. You will then be directed to the visa platform’s secure online payment channel where you can enter your credit or debit card details. Once payment has been successfully processed, you will receive a confirmation email indicating that your eVisa application is now being processed.
How long does it take to receive the investor eVisa
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), once an application has been submitted, it will be processed promptly and the visa will be issued electronically. This streamlined process ensures that applicants receive their visas in a timely and efficient manner.
Saudi investor eVisa cost
The cost of obtaining an eVisa varies depending on the duration, validity, and type of medical insurance coverage selected. For instance, a 30-day single entry eVisa, coupled with an insurance policy costing $6 (Dh22), may amount to approximately $108 (Dh396). This total cost encompasses the visa fee, online application fee, and medical insurance fee.
It is important to note that the cost of an eVisa may fluctuate based on the specific requirements of the applicant. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully review the visa application guidelines and select the appropriate options to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process.