Saudi Arabia Business Visa for Indian Citizens: Complete Application Guide 2026

Saudi Arabia Business Visa for Indian Citizens: Complete Application Guide 2026

Learn how Indian nationals can obtain a Saudi business visa including required documents, application process, fees and step by step guidelines.

Why Saudi Arabia Matters for Indian Business

Well, here's the straight talk: Saudi Arabia isn't just another Middle Eastern market—it's a $1 trillion economy undergoing unprecedented transformation. For Indian businesses, this represents both opportunity and urgency.

The India-Saudi bilateral trade reached approximately $52.76 billion in 2022-23, making the Kingdom one of India's top trading partners. But here's what makes this particularly compelling: the Saudi government has committed over $500 billion to Vision 2030 projects, creating massive opportunities across technology, infrastructure, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors.

Following the temporary visa restrictions that affected Indian nationals from mid-April through June 30, 2025, all limitations have been lifted as of January 2026. Normal visa issuance has fully resumed, including the restoration of multiple-entry business visa options that were briefly suspended during the 2025 Hajj season. This normalization reflects strengthened bilateral relations, evidenced by the December 2025 agreement exempting diplomatic passport holders from visa requirements.

The Strategic Advantage

Quick Scenario: Imagine you're an Indian IT consultant who just received an invitation to present a digital transformation proposal to a major Saudi company. Your competitor applies for their visa incorrectly and faces delays. You, armed with proper knowledge, secure your visa smoothly and arrive on time. That timing advantage could mean the difference between winning and losing a multi-million dollar contract.

Key sectors with high demand for Indian expertise:

• Information Technology & Digital Transformation: With NEOM and smart city projects
• Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals: Supporting the Kingdom's healthcare modernization
• Construction & Infrastructure: Massive development projects underway
• Financial Services: Supporting economic diversification initiatives
• Education & Training: Capacity building for local workforce

The upcoming "Visa by Profile" system launching in early 2026 promises further streamlining for frequent business travelers, while the confirmed GCC Unified Visa implementation in 2026 will allow single-visa travel between Gulf Cooperation Council countries, similar to the Schengen system.

Understanding Saudi Business Visa Categories

The Saudi business visa landscape has evolved significantly since 2019. Let's demystify the options available to Indian nationals as of January 2026.

Primary Business Visa Types

1. Commercial Visit Visa (B Visa)

This serves as the standard option for business meetings, negotiations, conferences, trade shows, and client visits. This visa does not permit any employment or paid work. Single-entry versions offer 90-day validity from issuance with stays up to 30 days, while multiple-entry variants extend to 1-year or 5-year validity with 90 days maximum per entry. Fees remain identical at SAR 791 (approximately ₹7,000-8,500) for both single and multiple-entry options up to one year.

Important distinction: Commercial Visit Visas are reserved for administrative and managerial positions including managers, directors, and business executives. If you're in a technical profession, you'll need a different visa category.

2. Work Visit Visa

This visa targets professionals performing short-term technical assignments. The Saudi Embassy explicitly states that individuals with professional characters including technicians, engineers, teachers, advocates, doctors, IT specialists, programmers, and mechanics should request Work Visit Visas rather than standard Commercial Visas. This visa permits stays up to 180 days with multiple entries within 12 months.

Getting this classification right is critical: applying for a Commercial Visit Visa when your profession requires a Work Visit Visa is a common cause of rejection.

3. Multiple-Entry Business Visa

Valid for one year or five years, permitting multiple entries with stays up to 90 days per visit. Perfect for professionals with ongoing business relationships or frequent project requirements. The five-year multiple-entry option costs SAR 1,085 (approximately ₹9,500-11,000).

Pro Tip: The multiple-entry visa typically offers better value if you anticipate more than two visits within a year. Calculate your travel frequency before deciding—it's about strategic planning, not just immediate needs. Note that multiple-entry visas generally cannot be extended; you must exit and re-enter.

4. E-Visa for Business

Since late 2024, business visa categories are now included in e-visa processing for Indians with pre-approved sponsors. This processes applications in 24-72 hours when Saudi sponsors submit pre-approval through the Muqeem or Enjaz platform. Indian citizens cannot apply directly for e-visas but gain access through sponsor-initiated requests. The entire application completes online without visiting VFS centers.

The e-visa costs SAR 791 (approximately ₹7,000-8,500) with one-year validity.

5. Premium Residency (Golden Visa)

This is Saudi Arabia's self-sponsored option for investors and entrepreneurs, introduced as part of Vision 2030. It's the only pathway not requiring Saudi sponsorship. Investor residency requires minimum SAR 7 million (approximately $1.86 million) investment with job creation requirements. Entrepreneur residency starts at SAR 400,000 (approximately $107,000) from accredited investors with 20% minimum ownership. While expensive, this offers long-term residency and business establishment rights unavailable through standard business visas.

Eligibility Requirements and Documentation

Ready to transform paperwork from obstacle to opportunity? Here's your comprehensive checklist, updated for January 2026.

Essential Documentation

Eligibility hinges on purpose, profession, and having a qualified Saudi sponsor. General requirements apply across all business visa categories:

Passport Requirements

Original passport valid minimum 6 months beyond intended entry with 2 or more consecutive blank pages in pristine condition. Include photocopies of all visa and stamp pages. Critical note: Passports containing any Israeli visas or stamps are not accepted and result in automatic rejection.

Photographs

Two recent photos required: 35mm × 45mm dimensions, white background only, face covering 70-80% of frame, neutral expression, taken within past 6 months. Digital uploads require 200 × 200 pixels, 5-100 KB file size in JPG, PNG, or GIF format. This specification is strict; incorrect photos are a common cause of delays.

Invitation Letter

This is the cornerstone document from your Saudi sponsor. The invitation letter must be issued on Saudi company letterhead, dated within the last 30 days, attested by Saudi Chamber of Commerce, contain MOFA stamp or QR code, and specify your full name, passport number, visit purpose, duration, and sponsor guarantee. A missing or improperly attested letter causes the majority of rejections.

Company Documents

You'll need Saudi sponsor's Commercial Registration with MOFA stamp, Indian company registration certificate, GST registration certificate, company cover letter on letterhead, employment or designation proof, and bank statements from last 3 months showing minimum ₹1 lakh balance.

Travel Insurance

Mandatory since 2024 and strictly enforced as of 2026. Coverage must include medical emergencies and hospitalization, remain valid throughout your stay, and be recognized in Saudi Arabia. Expect to pay approximately ₹1,500-2,500. Don't skip this; immigration officers check at entry.

Additional Requirements by Age

Applicants must be 18 years or older; minors need legal guardians. Clean criminal record required. No history of Saudi visa overstays or GCC country violations.

The Sponsorship Requirement

Here's where many applicants stumble: Every Saudi business visa requires a Saudi sponsor. This isn't bureaucratic red tape—it's a legal requirement ensuring accountability. Your sponsor could be:

• A registered Saudi company you're conducting business with
• A Saudi government ministry or department (for government-related business)
• A chamber of commerce authorized to sponsor business visitors
• An exhibition or conference organizer (for event attendance)

Qualified sponsors must include registered Saudi companies with active commercial operations, Saudi government ministries, authorized Chambers of Commerce, or exhibition organizers. Critically, sponsors must comply with Saudization employment quotas. Non-compliant sponsors may cause visa delays or rejections, so verify your sponsor's standing before starting your application.

Real-World Example: Priya Sharma, founder of a Mumbai-based fintech startup, initially struggled with sponsorship. After connecting with the Saudi-Indian Business Council, she secured sponsorship through a Saudi financial services company interested in her payment solutions. Her application was approved within 5 business days—proof that the right connections accelerate the process significantly.

Document Attestation Chain

Document attestation follows a specific hierarchy that differs by document type. As of January 2026, the process remains unchanged:

Commercial documents require Indian Chamber of Commerce attestation, then MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) attestation, followed by Saudi Embassy attestation. Cost ranges from ₹1,000-3,000 per document with 3-7 working days processing.

Educational documents (if required) follow: University verification, State HRD Department, MEA attestation, Saudi Culture Attaché (SACA) verification, and finally Saudi Embassy attestation.

Personal documents require: Notary Public, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, State Home Department, MEA attestation, and Saudi Embassy attestation.

MEA attestation centers operate in New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Guwahati, and Kolkata. Non-English or non-Arabic documents require certified translation at ₹500-2,000 per document.

The Step-by-Step Application Process

Let's break down the journey from documentation to departure. The process differs slightly based on whether you're applying through traditional channels or the newer electronic system. As of January 2026, the application process spans four phases over 3-4 weeks for standard processing.

Traditional Application Route

Step 1: Pre-Application (1-2 weeks)

Begin by securing your Saudi sponsor and confirming their MOFA registration status. This verification prevents downstream problems. Gather all documents from the checklist above, complete attestations through the proper chain, and purchase travel insurance covering your entire stay.

Step 2: Sponsor Submission (1-2 weeks)

Your Saudi sponsor initiates the visa process by submitting the invitation request through the MOFA portal at visa.mofa.gov.sa or Muqeem platform at muqeem.sa. For e-visa routes, sponsors submit directly through Muqeem or Enjaz. Upon MOFA approval, sponsors receive confirmation with the business visa authorization number required for your application. This generates a visa authorization number—not your visa, but approval to proceed.

Step 3: Application Submission (1-2 days)

Complete your online application at visa.mofa.gov.sa. Fill forms in English or Arabic with passport details, business visit information, and sponsor details. Upload clear document scans in PDF, JPG, or PNG format, typically 5MB limit per file. Pay visa fees online via Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.

Note the platform transition: The Enjaz platform previously handled visa payments and registration but has migrated services to the MOFA website. The enjazit.com.sa domain now redirects to official MOFA services.

Step 4: Biometric Data Collection

Visit your nearest VFS Global center for fingerprint collection (all 10 fingers), digital photograph, and signature capture. This is mandatory for all applicants aged 6-60 years. VFS Global operates centers across India in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kochi, and Calicut.

Bring your original passport and application confirmation. Processing takes 15-30 minutes. You can check locations and book appointments at services.vfsglobal.com/sau/en/ind.

Step 5: Processing and Collection

Embassy processing takes 5-10 business days standard or 2-3 days with express processing. E-visa applications complete in 24-72 hours. You'll receive email notification upon approval. Collect your passport from VFS or opt for courier delivery at ₹500-800 additional.

Electronic Visa System (E-Visa Route)

For eligible applicants with pre-approved sponsorship, the e-visa process offers significant time savings:

First, your sponsor submits the request through Muqeem or Enjaz platform. You receive notification via email with your application number. Complete the online form at visa.mofa.gov.sa portal, upload documents as scanned copies per specifications, pay fees online using international credit or debit card, and receive your e-visa for download and print. No passport stamping required, and the entire process completes in 24-72 hours.

Case Study: Rajesh Kumar, an engineer from Pune, needed urgent travel for emergency equipment installation. Using the e-visa route with his established Saudi client's sponsorship, he received approval within 48 hours. Compare this to the traditional 7-10 day timeline—the e-visa system proved invaluable for time-sensitive business needs.

Application Platforms Explained

Understanding which platform serves what purpose prevents confusion:

The MOFA Portal at visa.mofa.gov.sa serves as the primary application hub following Enjaz platform migration. Use it for visa applications, invitation letter requests, document uploads, and status tracking.

Muqeem at muqeem.sa operates as the sponsor-facing portal managed by Saudi Ministry of Interior. Sponsors use Muqeem to submit business visa invitations and manage employee visas. Applicants can check visa validity using Iqama or visa numbers without registration.

Costs and Processing Timelines

Let's talk money—because understanding costs helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. All fees are updated for January 2026.

Fee Structure Breakdown

Single-Entry or Multiple-Entry (1 year) Visa

SAR 791, which equals approximately ₹7,000-8,500 depending on exchange rates. Interestingly, both single-entry and one-year multiple-entry visas cost the same, making the multiple-entry option better value if you plan more than one visit.

Multiple-Entry (5 years) Visa

SAR 1,085, approximately ₹9,500-11,000.

E-Visa (1 year)

SAR 791, approximately ₹7,000-8,500.

Mandatory Additional Charges

Every application includes ICWF (Indian Community Welfare Fund) at SAR 12 (approximately ₹100), VFS processing fee at SAR 60 (approximately ₹500), and SMS notification at SAR 1 (approximately ₹22).

Optional Charges

Express processing adds ₹5,000-6,000 to your total, reducing processing time from 5-10 days to 2-3 days. Courier delivery of your passport costs ₹500-800.

Total Budget Estimates

Standard single-entry visa totals approximately ₹11,600-12,600 including all mandatory fees. Multiple-entry one-year visa costs approximately ₹12,800-14,300. With express processing, expect ₹17,800-20,300. Using agency services typically runs ₹15,000-22,000 due to service markups and convenience fees.

Document attestation adds ₹1,000-3,000 per document, translation services ₹500-2,000 per document, and mandatory travel insurance ₹1,500-2,500. Factor in travel to VFS centers and any medical fitness certificates if requested (₹500-1,500).

Note: Fees are approximate and subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Always verify current rates with VFS Global or official sources before applying.

Processing Timeline Reality Check

Standard processing takes 5-10 business days after complete submission, with total timeline of 3-4 weeks including document preparation and sponsor approval. This is the most common experience for applicants.

Express processing reduces this to 2-3 business days at additional cost of ₹5,000-6,000, with total timeline of 1-2 weeks.

E-Visa processing completes in 24-72 hours for pre-approved sponsorships, with total timeline of 5-7 days including sponsor submission.

Recommended Application Timeline

Apply 4-6 weeks before travel for standard processing, minimum 2-3 weeks if everything is prepared, and 1-2 weeks for express or e-visa routes.

Important: Processing times don't include sponsor preparation time. Always add 1-2 weeks for your Saudi sponsor to process the visa authorization on their end. Plan accordingly!

Peak Seasons to Consider

January-March and September-November experience higher application volumes, potentially adding 2-3 days to processing times. The Hajj season (typically April-July) historically saw restrictions—the February-June 2025 restrictions affecting Indian nationals have been permanently lifted as of June 30, 2025, but remain aware of possible future adjustments during religious periods.

Validity and Stay Limits

Single-entry visas remain valid 90 days from issuance with maximum stay of 30 days. The visa is extendable within Saudi Arabia but becomes void after your first exit.

Multiple-entry visas offer 6-month to 5-year validity with 90 days maximum per entry. You must exit before day 90 regardless of total validity remaining. Unlimited entries are permitted within the validity period, but these visas generally cannot be extended; you must exit and re-enter.

Extension options exist for single-entry visa holders through the Absher platform at absher.sa or by visiting a Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports) office. Submit requests at least 7 days before expiry. Extension fee is SAR 100 (approximately ₹2,250-2,700). Late applications incur SAR 500 fines.

A 30-day grace period introduced in June 2025 allows one-time departure window for expired visit visas without overstay fines. Request through Absher's Tawasul service and exit within 30 days of expiry.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Let's tackle the challenges that trip up even experienced business travelers. Prevention beats problem-solving every time.

Challenge #1: Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation

The Problem: Approximately 30% of initial visa applications face rejection or delay due to documentation issues. A missing signature, incorrect photograph dimensions, or expired document can derail your entire timeline. As of January 2026, documentation standards remain strict with automated screening systems flagging errors instantly.

The Solution:

Create a document checklist and verify twice before submission. Use VFS's document checking service (additional fee but worth it for high-stakes travel). Ensure all documents are current—"current" means issued within specified validity periods. For example, invitation letters dated beyond 30 days old will be rejected, bank statements beyond 3 months are insufficient. Keep digital backups of everything in cloud storage accessible from your phone in case originals are requested at entry.

Pay special attention to passport condition; damaged passports with torn pages or water damage are rejected. Israeli stamps result in automatic rejection without appeal.

Challenge #2: Sponsorship Letter Deficiencies

The Problem: The invitation letter from your Saudi sponsor is scrutinized heavily. Vague purpose statements, missing company stamps, or incomplete guarantees lead to automatic rejections. This remains the single most common cause of delays even in 2026.

The Solution:

Your sponsorship letter must include full legal name as per passport, passport number and nationality, precise travel dates and duration, detailed business purpose (meetings with specific departments, project discussions, training sessions—not just "business meeting"), sponsor's commercial registration number, authorized signatory's name, position, and contact details, official company stamp or seal, and statement of financial responsibility.

Pro tip: Request a draft from your sponsor and review it before they submit. It's easier to correct mistakes before submission than to reapply. Verify your sponsor's MOFA registration, Saudization compliance, and active business status before beginning your application. Request complete sponsor documentation upfront.

Challenge #3: Professional Classification Errors

The Problem: This is increasingly common and represents a significant percentage of rejections in 2026. Technical professionals including engineers, doctors, programmers, technicians, teachers, and IT specialists applying for Commercial Visit Visas instead of Work Visit Visas face automatic rejection. The distinction matters legally and for Saudi labor compliance.

The Solution:

Match your visa category to your actual profession, not your trip purpose. If you're an engineer visiting for business meetings, you still need a Work Visit Visa because of your professional classification. Consult with your Saudi sponsor about which category applies to your profession. When in doubt, err toward the Work Visit Visa for technical roles.

Challenge #4: Timing Miscalculations

Real-World Scenario: Amit booked his flight for a conference starting November 15th. He applied for his visa on November 8th, assuming "5-7 days" meant he'd receive it by the 13th. But the 5-7 days was processing time after sponsor approval, which took another week. He missed his conference and lost his non-refundable flight.

The Solution:

Apply minimum 3-4 weeks before intended travel date. Factor in sponsor processing time, which is often the longest part of the timeline and frequently underestimated. Consider express processing for time-critical travel, adding ₹5,000-6,000 to your costs but potentially saving much more in travel change fees. Don't book non-refundable tickets until visa is physically in hand or e-visa is downloaded and confirmed.

Challenge #5: Previous Violations

The Problem: Any GCC country overstays, deportations, or working on incorrect visa types create lasting problems affecting future applications. Saudi Arabia shares immigration databases with other Gulf states, so violations anywhere in the GCC impact Saudi visa eligibility.

The Solution:

If you have any previous issues, disclose them upfront and provide explanation letters. Hiding past violations that appear in database checks guarantees rejection. Consider consulting with immigration lawyers for complex violation histories before applying.

Your Strategic Roadmap Forward

Well, here's the straight talk one more time: Securing a Saudi business visa from India isn't rocket science—it's about methodical preparation and strategic timing. The Kingdom's doors are increasingly open to Indian business professionals, especially following the complete lifting of 2025 restrictions, but entry still requires navigation through established protocols.

Your Immediate Action Plan:

Week 1: Foundation Building

Confirm your business purpose and identify Saudi sponsors or partners. Verify passport validity (minimum 6 months remaining) and check for any Israeli stamps that would cause automatic rejection. Research which visa type aligns with your travel frequency and professional classification—remember, technical professions require Work Visit Visas, not Commercial Visas. Contact your Saudi counterpart to initiate sponsorship discussions and verify their MOFA registration and Saudization compliance.

Week 2: Documentation Phase

Gather all required documents using the checklist provided above. Obtain company NOC and supporting business documents with proper attestations. Get professional photographs taken to exact specifications: 35mm × 45mm, white background, 70-80% face coverage, taken within past 6 months. Arrange travel insurance with adequate coverage (minimum $50,000) valid for your entire stay. Begin document attestation process through appropriate channels.

Week 3: Application Submission

Receive visa authorization number from your sponsor after their MOFA portal submission. Book VFS Global appointment at your nearest center through services.vfsglobal.com/sau/en/ind. Submit application with complete documentation, ensuring all documents are within validity periods. Complete biometric data collection (fingerprints and photograph). Pay all fees including visa fee, VFS service charge, and ICWF contribution.

Week 4: Final Preparations

Track application status through VFS portal or via email notifications. Collect passport with visa stamp from VFS or receive via courier. Confirm travel arrangements and accommodation—have hotel bookings and return flight details ready for immigration at entry. Review Saudi business etiquette and cultural considerations; your visa gets you in, but cultural competency gets you results.

Key Takeaways You Can't Afford to Miss:

Sponsorship is non-negotiable: Build relationships with Saudi partners before you need urgent travel. The sponsor relationship often takes longer to establish than the visa processing itself.

Documentation precision matters more than speed: One missing element causes more delay than careful preparation takes. Triple-check that invitation letters are under 30 days old and bank statements are within 3 months.

Professional classification is critical: Match your visa type to your profession, not just your trip purpose. Technical roles need Work Visit Visas; administrative roles need Commercial Visit Visas.

Multiple-entry visas offer better ROI: If you'll visit twice in a year, invest in the annual multiple-entry visa upfront. The fees are identical for single-entry and one-year multiple-entry options.

E-visa systems are expanding: Stay updated on new streamlined processes through official channels. The 24-72 hour e-visa processing through sponsor portals represents the fastest route when available.

2026 improvements are coming: The "Visa by Profile" system launching early 2026 will streamline processing for frequent travelers. The GCC Unified Visa later in 2026 will allow single-visa travel across Gulf states, similar to Schengen in Europe.

Cultural preparation equals business success: Your visa gets you in; cultural competency gets you results. Invest time understanding Saudi business protocols, prayer time considerations, and professional dress codes.

As Saudi Arabia continues its ambitious transformation under Vision 2030, Indian businesses have unprecedented access to opportunities worth billions. The visa process, while structured, is becoming increasingly streamlined with the 2025 restrictions now fully lifted and new digital systems launching throughout 2026. Your competitive advantage lies not just in getting there, but in getting there prepared, on time, and ready to capitalize on opportunities.

What strategic advantage could timely Saudi market entry create for your business in the next 12 months? The answer to that question determines how urgently you should begin this visa process. Don't wait for perfect conditions—start building your Saudi business bridge today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert a Saudi business visa to a work visa after arriving in the Kingdom?

No, this is a common misconception that causes serious legal complications. A business visa is strictly for short-term commercial activities—meetings, negotiations, site visits, conferences. It does not permit employment or long-term work. Converting to a work visa requires returning to India and applying through proper employment sponsorship channels with an Iqama (residence permit) process. Attempting to work on a business visa can result in deportation, fines, and future entry bans. If your trip reveals employment opportunities, discuss work visa sponsorship with your Saudi employer and complete the process properly through official channels. The Saudi government has strict labor regulations tied to Saudization quotas, making unauthorized work particularly problematic.

What happens if my Saudi business visa application gets rejected?

Rejection rates for properly prepared applications are relatively low (estimated 5-8%), but rejections do occur. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, security concerns, sponsor issues, or professional classification errors (technical professionals applying for Commercial instead of Work Visit Visas). If rejected, you'll receive your passport back without a visa stamp, and visa fees are generally non-refundable. You can reapply immediately after addressing the rejection reason—VFS or the embassy sometimes provides brief explanations. Key steps: First, contact your Saudi sponsor to verify if the issue originated from their submission. Second, meticulously review all documentation for errors, particularly invitation letter dates, attestations, and photograph specifications. Third, consider consulting with a visa specialist for complex cases. Most rejections are technical rather than absolute bars to entry, so correction and reapplication usually succeed.

Do I need to show proof of accommodation and return tickets when applying for a Saudi business visa from India?

While not always mandatory at the application stage, having proof of accommodation (hotel booking confirmation) and return flight itinerary significantly strengthens your application and demonstrates genuine intent. Immigration officers at Saudi ports of entry frequently request these documents upon arrival as of 2026, making them practically essential even if not required during application. The best approach: Obtain refundable hotel bookings and hold flight reservations (many airlines offer 24-48 hour holds) for your visa application. Once visa is approved, confirm or adjust bookings as needed. Your sponsorship letter should indicate accommodation arrangements, particularly if your Saudi host is providing lodging. Having these documents ready prevents arrival complications and demonstrates professional trip planning—both to visa officers and Saudi immigration authorities.

How do I check my Saudi visa status after applying?

You can track your application through multiple channels as of January 2026. Use the VFS Global portal at services.vfsglobal.com/sau/en/ind with your application reference number. Check via the MOFA website at visa.mofa.gov.sa using your application number. For e-visas processed through sponsor channels, track via Muqeem at muqeem.sa using your visa number. VFS also sends SMS notifications if you opted for that service during application (SAR 1 fee). Processing times are 5-10 business days for standard applications, so avoid checking daily; most status changes occur near the end of the processing window.

What are the current restrictions on Indian nationals for Saudi business visas in 2026?

As of January 2026, all temporary restrictions imposed on Indian nationals have been completely lifted. The restrictions that affected business, tourist, and family visit visas from mid-April through June 30, 2025 for Hajj season management are no longer in effect. Normal visa issuance has fully resumed, including multiple-entry visa options that were briefly unavailable during the restriction period. However, all standard requirements remain: you must have a Saudi sponsor, proper documentation, valid passport without Israeli stamps, and professional classification matching your visa category. The December 2025 India-Saudi bilateral agreement exempts diplomatic passport holders but does not apply to regular passport holders.

Can I apply for a Saudi business e-visa directly as an Indian citizen?

No, Indian citizens cannot apply directly for Saudi business e-visas. Unlike tourist e-visas which allow direct application, business e-visas require your Saudi sponsor to initiate the request through the Muqeem or Enjaz platform first. Once your sponsor submits and receives pre-approval, you'll receive notification with an application number to complete your portion online. This sponsor-initiated process maintains the legal requirement that all business visas have verified Saudi sponsorship. The advantage is processing time: sponsor-initiated e-visas are approved in 24-72 hours compared to 5-10 business days for traditional applications. Discuss e-visa eligibility with your Saudi sponsor when planning your trip.

What should I do if my visa expires while I'm in Saudi Arabia?

If your visa is approaching expiry while you're still in the Kingdom, you have options depending on your visa type. Single-entry business visas can be extended through the Absher platform at absher.sa or by visiting a Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports) office. Apply at least 7 days before expiry; the extension fee is SAR 100 (approximately ₹2,250-2,700). Late applications incur SAR 500 fines. Multiple-entry visas generally cannot be extended; you must exit before the 90-day per-entry limit and re-enter on a new entry. Since June 2025, Saudi Arabia offers a one-time 30-day grace period for expired visit visas through Absher's Tawasul service, allowing departure without overstay fines, but this is emergency relief, not standard practice. Never overstay without taking action; violations result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans affecting all GCC countries.