Saudi Arabia Launches Sponsor-Free Work Visa to Attract Global Talent

Saudi Arabia Launches Sponsor-Free Work Visa to Attract Global Talent
Published on: 14 June 2025

Saudi Arabia has officially launched a sponsor-free work visa as of May 26, 2025. This new policy aims to reshape the country’s labor system by giving skilled individuals more freedom and flexibility.

It’s part of the broader Vision 2030 plan that focuses on economic growth and attracting global talent.

The traditional sponsorship system, known as kafala, tied foreign workers to a single employer. Without a sponsor, it was not possible to live or work in Saudi Arabia. Now, the new model gives qualified professionals more control over their careers.

The sponsor-free visa program introduces several visa types designed for independent workers, investors, and long-term residents. These include:

Premium Residency

Offers full rights to live and work in Saudi Arabia without a sponsor.

Foreign Investor Visa

Gives business owners the ability to register and run their ventures under their own name.

Freelance Visa

Supports individuals in digital fields like design, programming, and media.

Self-Sponsorship Transfer

Allows current residents to become their own sponsors if they meet certain criteria.

To apply, applicants must choose the right visa type, register online through platforms such as the Unified National Platform or the Premium Residency Program site, and submit the necessary documents, like a valid passport, a clean criminal record, proof of income, and academic credentials.

Once documents are uploaded, the next steps include fee payment and waiting for approval, which usually takes between two and four weeks.

Saudi Arabia has laid out strict eligibility conditions. Applicants must have no criminal history, show a stable monthly income of at least 10,000 riyals, hold a recognized university degree, and, in many cases, have at least five years of professional experience.

Health insurance and compliance with past residency rules are also required.

The benefits of this visa are wide-ranging. Holders can switch jobs without employer approval, start businesses, purchase property, and apply for permanent residency.

They can also sponsor family members and access financial services within the country.

Still, there are challenges. Some visa types involve high application costs. Freelancers may face heavy competition, and economic changes might impact visa regulations or requirements.

Saudi Arabia’s decision to move away from the kafala system shows its commitment to building a modern, skills-based workforce. These new sponsor-free visa options open the door for international professionals and entrepreneurs looking to work and grow in the Kingdom.

  • Share