Visas and Entering Saudi Arabia as an Investor:
You’ve successfully established your company in Saudi Arabia but don’t yet have residency—or maybe you entered on a tourist visa and now need to transition to an investor visa. The first critical step is obtaining a General Manager Visa.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
1. How to Get a General Manager Visa?
Prerequisites:
You cannot issue the visa yourself if you’re not already a resident.
You need a temporary Saudi manager (a friend or employee) to initiate the process.
Step-by-Step Process:
1️⃣ Register for Social Insurance (GOSI)
Required before accessing Qiwa.
Apply via the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) portal.
2️⃣ Register on Qiwa Platform
Qiwa is Saudi Arabia’s official labor platform for visa and employment management.
Your temporary Saudi manager must submit the General Manager Visa request on your behalf.
3️⃣ Visa Issuance in Your Home Country (Example: Egypt)
Once approved, the visa is stamped in your passport (in Egypt, this is done at the Saudi consulate/embassy).
You must appoint a specialized agency to handle paperwork before departure.
4️⃣ Medical Examination (Before Travel)
In Egypt (Example Process):
Visit Tahrir’s Central Government Hospital for blood tests.
Complete remaining medical checks at a designated hospital.
Submit fingerprints.
Professional Accreditation:
Pay a fee (in USD) for qualification verification (if applicable).
5️⃣ Additional Requirements (If Applicable)
Military Service Age? Obtain a travel permit if you’re in conscription age.
6️⃣ Travel to Saudi Arabia
Enter KSA with your newly issued General Manager Visa.
2. What’s Next After Arrival?
Once in Saudi Arabia:
✔ Convert your visa into a residency permit (Iqama).
✔ Apply for your investor business card.
✔ Begin hiring employees (Saudis/expats) via Qiwa.
Key Challenges & Solutions
No Saudi Manager? Hire a temporary proxy or use a law firm’s services.
Stuck in Qiwa’s "Red Zone"? Ministry of Investment (MISA) can provide temporary Saudization exemptions.
Medical Delays? Ensure all tests are done at approved centers.
Need Help?
If the process seems overwhelming, consult experts at elwaa.org for visa and residency support.
