Saudi Arabia: Business Visit Visa for Investors Expanded to All Nationals

Effective immediately, the Business Visit Visa for investors has been expanded to all nationals, whereas previously it was limited to nationals of nearly 60 countries. The Business Visit Visa for investors offers a wholly online application process option for individuals who have: a valid tourist or business visa from the United Kingdom, United States, or any Schengen Area country (which must have been used at least once by the applicant); permanent residency in the United Kingdom, the United States, or any country in the European Union; or a Gulf Cooperation Council country residence permit which is valid for at least three months. Eligible individuals do not need to provide proof of a sponsor and can submit their visa applications online through Saudi Arabia’s online platform for visa applications. Individuals who do not satisfy the above eligibility requirements can still apply for the e-visa online but must submit their passport and required documents to a Saudi consular post to complete the process.

All holders of a Business Visit Visa for investors can engage in the following activities in Saudi Arabia: reviewing investment opportunities; attending meetings related to investment opportunities; and opening a bank account. Meanwhile, the following factors vary depending on the visa applicant’s nationality: fees, single- or multiple-entry rights, and the visa validity length, which can range from 180 to 3,650 days. Separately, the allowable duration of stay can vary between 14, 30, or 90 days for single-entry visas and up to 90 days for multiple-entry visas.

Business travelers seeking to enter Saudi Arabia for business purposes unrelated to investment must obtain a traditional Business Visit Visa through the appropriate channels. This requires the individual to have an invitation from a Saudi local company and attend an in-person appointment at a Saudi consular post.