Saudi Arabia Skilled Worker Visa — Occupations List & Salary Bands
Saudi Arabia Skilled Worker Visa Occupations has become one of the most in-demand pathways for foreign professionals, especially from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and African countries. With the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 megaprojects, international companies are expanding rapidly, creating thousands of high-paying jobs across engineering, healthcare, construction, IT, aviation, hospitality, and technical trades. This guide explains the Skilled Worker Visa, official occupations list, salary bands, eligibility rules, employer requirements, documentation, application steps, and job sectors currently hiring.
Saudi Arabia is investing billions of dollars in NEOM, The Line, Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, Diriyah Gate, King Salman Park, Makkah Route, and Oil & Gas expansion. Because of these megaprojects, the demand for highly skilled and semi-skilled foreign professionals is rising significantly, giving overseas talent a great opportunity to secure well-paid jobs under the Skilled Worker Visa 2025 category.
What Is the Saudi Arabia Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker Visa (also known as Professional Work Visa) is issued to foreign nationals who have specialized qualifications, work experience, and employer-backed sponsorship in Saudi Arabia. This visa is processed under the Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development (MHRSD) and requires:
- A valid job offer from a Saudi-registered company
- Verified academic or technical qualifications
- Work experience in the advertised job role
- Profession must match the official MLSD Occupations List
- Medical examination clearance
- Employer-issued work permit (Iqama after arrival)
The Skilled Worker Visa falls under the Saudi Work Permit system and is part of the Kingdom’s labor market reforms for 2025, which aim to attract high-quality international talent.
Why Skilled Workers Are in High Demand in Saudi Arabia (2025):
Saudi Arabia is undergoing massive transformation under Vision 2030. Because of this:
- New cities are being built from scratch
- National infrastructure is expanding rapidly
- Digital transformation is accelerating
- Tourism and hospitality are opening at historic scale
- Healthcare and education sectors are being upgraded
- Construction and oil & gas industries are expanding
All of this creates high demand for skilled foreign workers in:
- Engineering
- IT & Cybersecurity
- Healthcare & Medical
- Construction & Infrastructure
- Finance & Accounting
- Skilled Trades & Technicians
- Tourism & Hotel Management
- Aviation & Airport Services
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Saudi Arabia Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must meet the following eligibility standards:
1. Valid Job Offer
A Saudi employer must issue an official work contract with job title, duties, salary, benefits, and contract duration.
2. Occupation Must Be on the Approved List
The job role must match the official Skilled Occupations List of Saudi Arabia.
3. Minimum Qualifications
Typically required:
- Bachelor or Master degree (for professionals)
- Diploma or Technical Certificate (for technicians and skilled trades)
- Relevant experience from 2–10 years depending on job level
4. Age Requirements
Most companies prefer 21–45 years old, though some technical roles allow up to 50.
5. Clean Background
No criminal or security issues.
6. Medical Requirements
GAMCA medical fitness certificate, blood tests, X-ray, hepatitis screening, etc.
Saudi Arabia Skilled Worker Visa — Occupations List (2025 Updated):
Below is the most demanded Skilled Worker Occupations List based on Saudi Labor Market Forecasts, Vision 2030 projects, and employer hiring trends for 2025.
1. Engineering Occupations (High Demand)
- Civil Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Safety Engineer
- HVAC Engineer
- Planning / Scheduling Engineer
- QA/QC Engineer
- Welding Engineer
- MEP Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
2. Healthcare & Medical Occupations
- Doctors (All Specialties)
- General Practitioners
- Nurses (BSN and Diploma)
- Laboratory Technicians
- Radiographers
- Pharmacists
- Physiotherapists
- Medical Assistants
- Dental Technicians
3. IT & Digital Technology Occupations
- Software Engineers
- Cybersecurity Specialists
- Network Engineers
- Cloud Engineers
- IT Technicians
- Data Analysts
- System Administrators
- AI & Machine Learning Specialists
- Web Developers
- Mobile App Developers
4. Construction & Infrastructure Occupations
- Site Supervisors
- Construction Managers
- Land Surveyors
- Quantity Surveyors
- Draftsmen (AutoCAD, Revit)
- Heavy Machinery Operators
- Scaffolders
- Steel Fixers
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Masons
- Carpenters
- Welders
- Fabricators
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5. Oil & Gas / Petrochemical Occupations
- Petroleum Engineers
- Drilling Engineers
- Process Technicians
- Instrument Technicians
- Rig Operators
- NDT Technicians
- Safety Officers
- Pipeline Technicians
6. Aviation & Airport Service Occupations
- Aircraft Technicians
- Ground Handling Staff
- Baggage Handling Crew
- Cabin Services Staff
- Flight Operations Coordinators
7. Hospitality & Tourism Occupations
- Hotel Managers
- Front Desk Officers
- Chefs & Cooks
- Housekeeping Supervisors
- Baristas
- Restaurant Managers
- Customer Service Staff
8. Finance, Business & Administrative Occupations
- Accountants
- Auditors
- Financial Analysts
- HR Executives
- Supply Chain Officers
- Sales & Marketing Executives
- Procurement Officers
- Administrative Assistants
Saudi Arabia Skilled Worker Visa — Salary Bands (2025 Updated):
Saudi Arabia Skilled Worker Visa Occupations by qualification, industry, employer, and city (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam offer higher pay). Below are updated salary bands:
1. Engineering Salary Bands
| Job Role | Monthly Salary (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Junior Engineer | 5,500 – 8,000 |
| Mid-Level Engineer | 8,000 – 15,000 |
| Senior Engineer | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Project Engineer | 12,000 – 22,000 |
| QA/QC Engineer | 10,000 – 18,000 |
2. Healthcare Salary Bands
| Occupation | Salary Range (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Nurses (BSN) | 4,000 – 7,000 |
| General Physicians | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Specialists | 25,000 – 45,000 |
| Lab Technicians | 4,000 – 6,500 |
| Pharmacists | 6,000 – 12,000 |
3. IT & Digital Salary Bands
| Occupation | Salary Range (SAR) |
|---|---|
| IT Technician | 4,000 – 7,000 |
| Software Engineer | 10,000 – 18,000 |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | 12,000 – 20,000 |
| Network Engineer | 7,000 – 12,000 |
| Data Analyst | 8,000 – 14,000 |
4. Construction & Skilled Trades Salary Bands
| Occupation | Salary Range (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Electricians | 2,500 – 4,500 |
| Plumbers | 2,500 – 4,500 |
| Masons / Carpenters | 2,000 – 4,000 |
| Welders (Certified) | 3,000 – 6,000 |
| Heavy Equipment Operators | 3,000 – 6,500 |
| Supervisors | 6,000 – 10,000 |
5. Oil & Gas Salary Bands
| Occupation | Salary Range (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Process Technicians | 6,000 – 12,000 |
| Instrument Technicians | 6,000 – 10,000 |
| Drilling Crew | 8,000 – 20,000 |
| Safety Officers | 6,000 – 12,000 |
6. Hospitality & Tourism Salary Bands
| Occupation | Salary Range (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Hotel Staff | 2,000 – 4,500 |
| Chefs | 3,000 – 7,000 |
| Restaurant Supervisors | 3,500 – 6,500 |
| Front Desk Officers | 2,800 – 5,000 |
Documents Required for Saudi Skilled Worker Visa:
Applicant Documents
- Passport (minimum 2 years validity)
- CNIC copy
- Passport-size photos (blue background)
- Educational certificates (attested by HEC + MOFA)
- Experience letters
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical (GAMCA)
Employer Documents
- Work contract
- Visa authorization
- Block visa / quota approval
- Company registration papers
- Insurance registration (medical coverage)
Saudi Arabia Skilled Worker Visa Application Process (Step-by-Step):
Step 1: Receive a Job Offer
The employer issues a job contract mentioning job role, salary, benefits, and Visa category.
Step 2: Qualification & Experience Verification
Degrees must be attested by:
- HEC
- Foreign Affairs Ministry
- Saudi Embassy
Step 3: Visa Authorization by Employer
Employer submits your details to:
- Ministry of Labor
- Ministry of Interior
- Visa Issuance System
Step 4: GAMCA Medical
You undergo medical tests in an approved GCC medical center.
Step 5: Biometrics (Etimad Centre)
Fingerprints and visa file submission.
Step 6: Visa Stamping
Saudi Embassy stamps the final visa after:
- Verification
- Medical approval
- Employer request
Step 7: Travel & Iqama Processing
After arrival:
- Employer processes Iqama (residence/work permit)
- Medical insurance is activated
- Bank account opening and work start
Benefits of Saudi Skilled Worker Visa (2025):
- High salary packages
- Free accommodation (in many jobs)
- Free medical insurance
- Annual vacation + return ticket
- Chance for family visa (depending on salary)
- Long-term employment security
- Tax-free income
- Opportunity to work on global megaprojects
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FAQs — Saudi Arabia Skilled Worker Visa 2025:
Q1: What qualifications are required for the Saudi Arabia Skilled Worker Visa?
Applicants must have verified educational qualifications (Bachelor, Master, or Technical Diploma), relevant experience, and a job offer that matches the official Skilled Occupations List.
Q2: What are the salary ranges for skilled workers in Saudi Arabia?
Salary bands vary by sector, but skilled professionals typically earn between SAR 4,000 and SAR 25,000, depending on experience and job category.
Q3: Do skilled workers need a GAMCA medical test?
Yes. All skilled worker visa applicants must pass the GAMCA medical examination before visa stamping.
Q4: Can skilled workers bring their families to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, if their salary meets the minimum threshold (usually SAR 4,500–5,000) and the employer allows family sponsorship.
Q5: How long does the Saudi Skilled Worker Visa remain valid?
The visa is generally valid for 1 to 2 years, with the option to renew through the employer.
