Everything You Need to Know About Saudi Arabia Business Visa for Indians

As one of the world's largest economies with natural resources worth more than 30 trillion USD, Saudi Arabia has enormous business potential requiring skilled professionals from around the globe. Indian nationals have played a crucial role in Saudi Arabia's economic landscape by contributing with their skills and knowledge and by building strong business partnerships.

If you're an Indian national about to leave for a business trip to Saudi Arabia, read on for a guide to obtaining a Saudi Arabia Business Visa for Indians.

What is the Saudi Arabia Business Visa?

A Saudi Arabian business visa must be issued when visiting the country for business purposes. The business visa permits the traveller to take part in business activities such as attending business meetings, client meetings, taking part in business fairs, and setting up a business.

While some nationalities can acquire a visa upon arrival (VOA), India is presently not included on the list.

Types of Saudi Arabia Business Visa for Indians

The two main categories of Saudi Arabian Business Visas are:

1. Single Entry Visa: A single entry visa has a validity period of three months from the date of issuance, and the permissible period of stay in Saudi Arabia is 30 days. It is ideal for short business trips like attending a specific meeting, or conference, or conducting negotiations.
2. Multiple Entry Visa: Frequent business travellers who require multiple visits to The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will find the Multiple Entry Visa to be a more suitable option. This visa offers up to 12 months of validity allowing multiple visits within the time frame.

Eligibility for Saudi Arabia Business Visa for Indians

There are certain eligibility criteria to be kept in mind before applying for a Saudi Arabia Business Visa for Indians:

1. There are specific countries that are not required to obtain a visa to enter the country. Indian nationals, however, must have a visa to enter.
2. You must be an Indian national residing in India with a valid Indian passport or you must be an Indian national with a temporary residence permit in the foreign country you are applying from.
3. Your purpose of visit must be solely for legitimate business purposes. Professionals such as lawyers, doctors and teachers, for instance, going for work-related activities cannot be granted a business visa.
4. You must have a letter of invitation for a Saudi business visa from a company in Saudi Arabia stating your reason for the visit.

Documents Required to Apply for Saudi Arabia Business Visa for Indians

According to the requirements for obtaining a Saudi Arabia Business Visa for Indians, there is a list of documents that must be compiled to begin your visa application. The documents required are:

1. A valid passport with 2 blank pages which is valid up to 6 months from the intended date of travel along with old passports if there are any.
2. A duly signed and filled visa application form.
3. 2 recent passport photographs of the visa applicant with a white background (dimensions: 35mm x 45mm). Eyewear should be taken off for the picture while headwear may be worn if it is for religious reasons.
4. A company invitation letter consisting of the seal of the company, stating the purpose of your visit matching the details in the invitation letter.
5. A letter of invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Saudi Arabia (MOFA) in Arabic.
6. A registration copy of the company you are planning to do business-related activities within Saudi Arabia with a Saudi-based company.
7. Original letter from the Chamber of Commerce of India.
8. Original personal bank statement of the last 3 months along with the seal and sign of the bank.

How to Apply for a Saudi Arabia Business Visa for Indians

The process involved in the application of a Saudi Arabia Business Visa can be perplexing. However, we have compiled a step-by-step guide by breaking down the process.

Prior to your application process, you must determine the type of visa that you are applying for and gather all the necessary documents required as per the Saudi MOFA for the process.

1. MOFA account: The first step to beginning your visa application is to create an account on the Saudi MOFA website. Then enter your details on the web page as required. Recheck your details to make sure they're correct.
2. Visa Fees: Next, proceed with the visa fee payment. The payment has to be done by card since cash payment at the embassy is no longer permitted. The visa fees will depend on the visa type and duration of the stay along with extra charges for faster visa processing.
3. Download and Print: Download and Print your application copy with the MOFA reference number and attach your visa documents with the printout.
4. Send to the Saudi Embassy: Send the compiled documents to the nearest Saudi Embassy via a travel agent since the embassy requires that applicants do not submit the documents in person rather, they should assign a registered agent to do it for them.

After submission of the documents, the Saudi embassy will process your documents and contact you through the email address given by you in the contact details for any further information required. As per the verification, you will be issued a visa.

Business Visas are typically processed faster than tourist visas, within 4-5 working days. However certain factors can influence the processing time such as the time of submission of the documents by the visa applicant, and the location of the embassy it could take 8-12 days or so.

Points to Note After Successfully Obtaining your Saudi Arabia Business Visa

After a successful visa application, you will be granted your business visa. However, make sure to keep the following factors in mind to keep away from unnecessary hassles:

1. Pay attention to the number of visits allowed. A regular Saudi visa does not permit the traveller to exit and re-enter the country multiple times.
2. Keep note of the date of expiration. Residing in Saudi Arabia after the expiry of the visa is a major offence and will result in severe fines.
3. While the business visa allows business-related activities, it does not allow the applicant to work or reside in the country.
4. While arriving in the country, the traveller must abide by the rules and regulations of the Islamic country and respect is societal values and traditions.

Unsuccessful Application? Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

The following are a few common reasons that could have led to your visa rejection:

1. Past criminal record in India.
2. Previous rejection of entry into Saudi Arabia.
3. Insufficient proof of required funds for your stay.
4. Inaccurate completion and incorrect details on the visa application form.
5. Israeli stamp on the passport or previous travel to Israel.
6. Unclear communication on the purpose of visiting the country.

Conclusion

Acquiring a Saudi Arabia Business Visa for Indians, although slightly perplexing, can open doors to exciting opportunities in the Kingdom's thriving economy. By carefully considering the steps outlined in our guide and ensuring that you match all the eligibility criteria, you can increase your chances of being granted a business visa.

For the latest information and further updates on visa requirements and the application process, always refer to the website of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

With a valid visa and genuine respect for the country's cultural norms, you're on the right track for a prosperous business endeavour. We wish you all the best!

FAQs