Work Permits in Saudi Arabia 2026: New Requirements for Premium Residence Holders

Saudi Arabia has changed its employment regulations for foreigners with premium residency status. Now, in order to work legally as an employee, you must complete an additional registration process through the government platform. Learn more about the new requirements for work permits in Saudi Arabia in 2026

Saudi Arabia continues to reform its immigration and labor laws. Recently, the country’s authorities made significant changes to the employment rules for foreigners with “Premium Resident” status. Travelobiz reports on this. From now on, this status no longer exempts individuals from the requirement to obtain a separate work permit.

We’ll explain exactly what has changed, how to go about the employment process now, and what employers can expect in the article below.

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The practical guide from the Visit World portal provides step-by-step instructions on obtaining work permits, registering employment contracts, and enrolling in social insurance in various countries.

What has changed in the employment rules for Premium Residents in Saudi Arabia?

Previously, foreigners who had obtained “Premium Resident” status were entitled to work in Saudi Arabia without obtaining an additional work permit. This benefit made the Premium Resident program particularly attractive to international professionals.

Now, the Saudi authorities have revoked this exemption. All “Premium Resident” status holders who plan to work as employees are required to go through the standard procedure for obtaining a work permit—just like other categories of foreign workers.

How to obtain a residence permit abroad without investment in 2026— we explain in this article.

How to obtain a work permit through the Qiwa platform?

The procedure for securing employment for Premium Residents now involves several mandatory steps:

1. Submit an application for a work permit via the Qiwa platform before starting work.
2. Register the employment contract with the employer on the Qiwa platform.
3. Register with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI).

None of these steps is optional. It is prohibited to begin work without completing all the necessary formalities.

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Unresolved question: What should those who are already working do?

Saudi authorities have not yet provided clarification regarding foreigners who are already employed under a premium residency status without a separate work permit. It remains unclear whether the new requirements apply to this category and what timeframe has been set for bringing documents into compliance with the updated rules.

Until official clarifications are issued, both employees and employers should monitor announcements from Saudi regulatory authorities.

What do the new rules mean for employers in Saudi Arabia?

Companies that hire or plan to hire specialists with “Premium Resident” status must review their internal procedures for onboarding staff. The main rule is that no new employee may begin performing their duties without a valid work permit. Violating this requirement creates risks of non-compliance with labor laws for both the company and the employee.

Which European countries will have the most job openings in 2026?— Find out here.

General trend: tighter labor controls in the Gulf states

Changes in Saudi Arabia are part of a broader trend among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. States in the region are simultaneously developing long-term residency programs to attract international specialists and tightening enforcement of labor laws. For foreign specialists, this means paying closer attention to documentation at every stage of the employment process.

Planning to work abroad?

The Visit World portal offers a practical guide to help you navigate the requirements for work migration in various countries, from work permits to registration in social security systems.

Order the guide to prepare for your move without unnecessary risks!

Reminder! In our previous article, we discussed where in the world you can earn $1,000 the fastest.

Photo: Magnific

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