Essential Information for Spanish and Swedish Citizens
Saudi Arabia welcomes tourists and business travelers from Spain and Sweden, offering a variety of visa options to facilitate their visits. Here's a breakdown of the main visa categories and their requirements for Spanish and Swedish citizens.
For those planning a leisurely trip, the Tourist eVisa or Visa on Arrival could be the perfect choice. Many Western countries, including Spain and Sweden, typically qualify for this electronic visa (eVisa) or a visa on arrival for tourism purposes. To apply, you'll need a valid passport with at least six months' validity remaining, and you'll need to complete an online application and pay the visa fee. The eVisa allows stays for tourism, business, or visiting family for up to 90 days, usually multiple entries.
For employment purposes or working in Saudi Arabia, a Work Visa (Employment Visa) is mandatory. This visa requires sponsorship by a Saudi employer who must apply for a block visa quota, obtain Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) approval, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) visa authorization. The candidate then applies for the visa at the Saudi embassy or consulate in their home country. After arrival, the worker must convert this visa into a residency permit known as an Iqama.
Saudi Arabia also offers an Investor or Premium Residency Visa for those with significant capital. This program grants permanent residency without requiring physical presence and has no path to citizenship but allows living and working in KSA without a sponsor. To be eligible, you'll need to invest a minimum of SAR 4 million (~US$1.1 million) in property or SAR 7 million (~US$1.9 million) in business.
Key requirements for Spanish and Swedish citizens include a valid passport with at least six months validity, as well as specific requirements for each visa type. For the Tourist eVisa, this involves an online application and payment. For the Work Visa, employer sponsorship, approvals from MHRSD and MOFA, an invitation letter, and visa stamping at the Saudi embassy are required. For the Investor Visa, proof of investment meeting the thresholds and no mortgage on real estate are necessary.
It is crucial for travelers to check with the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate for any country-specific instructions or updates. Regardless of nationality, understanding the key details of the visa application process is essential for a successful trip to Saudi Arabia.
| Visa Type | Eligibility & Key Requirements | Relevant for Spanish & Swedish Citizens | |--------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Tourist eVisa / Visa on arrival | Valid passport, online application, payment, up to 90 days stay | Available to both, straightforward application | | Work Visa | Employer sponsorship, MHRSD and MOFA approvals, invitation letter, embassy visa stamping, Iqama after arrival | Required for employment, employer must initiate process | | Premium Residency (Investor) | Minimum SAR 4m real estate or SAR 7m business investment, no physical presence required | Available to investors meeting investment criteria |
Whether you're planning a visit for leisure or business, make sure to research the specific requirements for your visa application to ensure a smooth entry into Saudi Arabia. Happy travels!
During a leisure trip to Saudi Arabia, consider applying for the Tourist eVisa or Visa on Arrival, which many Western countries, like Spain and Sweden, are eligible for. For a stress-free travel experience, ensure your passport has at least six months' validity and complete the online application followed by payment for the visa fee.
If you are planning a business trip or seeking employment in Saudi Arabia, it's essential to secure a Work Visa, as this visa requires sponsorship by a Saudi employer. The employer must take care of the necessary approvals from MHRSD and MOFA before applying at the Saudi embassy in the home country.
