Detailed Guide: Applying for a Saudi Work Visa (Australia & New Zealand)
I am writing this detailed guide to explain the process of applying for a work visa within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) from Australia and New Zealand. Much of this process is similar for applicants from other countries, as the overall framework is the same. However, there are country-specific requirements that can make the process confusing if you are not already familiar with it.
There are several travel and visa agencies that offer end-to-end services, including document preparation, notarisation, certification, medical examinations, and visa submission. While this is certainly an option, I personally found the process through agencies to be expensive, slow, and unnecessarily cumbersome. I also found that agencies often imply they have “inside knowledge” or special access, when in reality they go through the same steps as everyone else—just while juggling many other clients.
Although doing it yourself can feel overwhelming at first, I found that once I understood the steps, the process moved much faster. I am sharing this guide to help others who may prefer to manage the process independently. That said, using an agency remains a valid option if you prefer additional assistance.
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Overview of the Process
Once you have a job offer in Saudi Arabia—congratulations—the first step is to begin preparing your documents. The Saudi work visa process is different from many other countries because most documents must be verified by official authorities. These additional verification steps are what often cause confusion.
You will apply for your work visa first. If your family will be joining you, you will apply for resident visas for them after your work visa has been issued.
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Sponsorship / Delegation Letter
After receiving your official job offer from your Saudi employer, request the visa sponsorship letter, also known as the delegation letter or QIWA letter. This letter is addressed to a specific Saudi embassy or consulate.
It is critical that the embassy or consulate you select during your visa application matches exactly what is stated in this letter.
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Tasheer Website – Visa Requirements
Your next step is to visit the Tasheer website:
[link under review]
At the top menu, go to “How to Apply” and then select “Documents Required”. Carefully review the requirements for your specific visa type and ensure you meet all of them before proceeding.
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Verification of Educational Qualifications
Educational qualifications must be verified in one of the following ways:
1. Qualification Verification Platform (QVP)
Some qualifications must be verified through the Saudi qualification verification platform:
[link under review]
You will need to register and follow the steps on that site. As of now, many healthcare and engineering qualifications do not require verification through this platform, but this can change.
2. Healthcare Professionals – DataFlow & SCFHS
If you are applying for a healthcare role (e.g., nurse, dietician, doctor):
• Your qualifications must be verified through DataFlow:
[link under review]
• The instructions on the website are clear, and their customer service is generally responsive.
• After dataflow verification You must also obtain professional registration with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS):
[link under review]
Your SCFHS registration must be completed and approved before you apply for the work visa, as it will be checked during the visa process.
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Medical Report: Suggest an appointment with a doctor who performs immigration medicals (does not have to be for KSA specifically but for any country as they are usually easy to work with and open to understanding some specific requirements by different givernments)
The Tasheer website provides an official Saudi visa medical report form, which you can download. Alternatively, searching “Saudi visa medical report form PDF” will usually find the same document.
Steps:
1. Complete your personal details and attach your photo.
2. Take the form to any immigration doctor or your GP.
3. Ask your doctor to perform the required examinations and tests as noted on the form.
4. Ensure:
o The doctor signs and stamps the form.
o There is a second stamp on your photo; overlapping both your photo and the form.
o The doctor writes their license number on the form.
There is a section for “State Authority” signature—this is generally not required. Simply ensure the doctor’s details and stamp are present.
Once completed:
• Make copies.
• Have the medical report certified by a Notary Public.
• Send it for Apostille through:
o DFAT (Australia)
o DIA (New Zealand)
Have this ready before your Tasheer appointment.
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Monkeypox Requirement
The medical form includes a section for a Monkeypox test. This test is often unavailable.
• If available:
Do the test and attach the result on a separate page. Ensure the separate page is stamped by the doctor. This also needs notarised, and apostilled.
• If test for Monkey Pox is not available (most common):
Ask the doctor to provide a separate signed letter stating that you have no signs or symptoms of Monkeypox.
This letter must include:
o Your full name (as per passport)
o Date of birth
o Passport number
This letter must also be notarised and apostilled and attached to the medical report.
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Notary Public and Apostille Requirements
All documents intended for use in Saudi Arabia must be notarised and apostilled.
Australia:
• Documents are certified by an Australian Notary Public.
• Apostille is issued by DFAT - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
New Zealand:
• Documents are certified by a Notary Public.
• Apostille is issued by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).
Documents requiring notarisation and Apostille typically include:
• Degrees and qualifications
• Medical report
• Police clearance / criminal record check
• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificates (self and dependents)
It is advisable to do all Apostille requests together to save time, especially if you plan to bring family later.
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Core Documents for the Work Visa
You will need the following for your work visa appointment:
1. Original passport (minimum 6 months validity; renewal recommended if less than 1 year remains)
2. Four passport-size photos with white background (take more)
3. Official job offer letter
4. Sponsorship / delegation (QIWA) letter
5. Original degree(s) with copies (apostilled)
6. DataFlow report (healthcare roles only)
7. SCFHS registration (healthcare roles only)
8. Medical report (apostilled)
9. Monkeypox test or declaration letter (apostilled)
10. Police clearance / criminal record check (apostilled)
11. Copies of all above.
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Booking the Tasheer Appointment
Once all documents are ready:
• Go to the Tasheer website and book an appointment for visa submission and biometrics.
• Select the correct embassy/consulate (must match your delegation letter).
• You will need:
o Your visa/application number
o Your sponsor number
Your employer or HR department will confirm which is which.
Attend the Tasheer office where your appointment is booked. Bring:
• All original documents
• Additional copies
• A prepaid courier envelope for sending your passport back (if required)
Your biometrics will be taken, and your application submitted.
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Receiving Your Visa & Applying for Family Visas
Your work visa will be issued electronically by email.
After receiving it, you can apply for resident visas for your family. Required documents include:
• Passports
• Passport sized photos with white background (at least 4 each)
• Marriage certificate (apostilled)
• Children’s birth certificates (apostilled)
• Medical report for spouse (apostilled)
Medical reports are usually not required for children under 12, but this may change and some medical may be required for all children. Always confirm with Tasheer directly via email or their online query form.
Book separate Tasheer appointments for your spouse and for each child (current practice). Use your work visa number and employer number during booking.
Attend appointments and follow the same process as for your work visa.
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Final Note
These procedures are current as of October 2025 and may change. Start preparing your documents early and contact Tasheer directly for confirmation if anything is unclear.
I hope this guide makes the process easier for others navigating the Saudi work visa system.
