Step-by-Step Guide to Saudi Arabia’s Maid Visa Application Process

Getting a maid visa for Saudi Arabia can feel overwhelming, but the process is straightforward when you know what steps to take. This guide is for families, employers, and individuals who need to hire domestic help and want to navigate the Saudi Arabia maid visa application process correctly the first time.

We’ll walk you through the essential visa requirements you need to meet before applying, including income thresholds and documentation. You’ll also learn how to prepare and submit your application documents properly, plus get realistic timelines for processing and approval. Finally, we’ll cover the most common mistakes that lead to rejection so you can avoid costly delays and resubmissions.

Understanding Saudi Arabia’s Maid Visa Requirements

Essential eligibility criteria for domestic worker sponsorship

The Saudi government has specific requirements that both employers and domestic workers must meet before applying for a maid visa. As an employer, you need to be a Saudi national or a legal resident with valid iqama status. Your monthly income must be at least SAR 3,000, and you cannot sponsor more than one domestic worker per family unit.

Your family composition also matters. The Ministry of Human Resources typically approves applications for families with children, elderly family members requiring care, or households with specific care needs. Single individuals rarely qualify unless they can demonstrate exceptional circumstances requiring domestic assistance.

The property where the domestic worker will live must meet minimum space requirements. You need at least a two-bedroom residence, with separate accommodation space for the worker. The housing must comply with Saudi labor standards and provide basic amenities including proper ventilation, electricity, and water supply.

Required documentation from both employer and employee

Getting your paperwork right makes the difference between approval and rejection. As the sponsoring employer, you’ll need your original Saudi ID or valid iqama, family registration certificate (for Saudi nationals), and salary certificate from your employer showing monthly income. Bank statements covering the last three months prove your financial stability.

Property ownership documents or a valid rental agreement demonstrate suitable housing arrangements. A medical fitness certificate from an approved Saudi hospital confirms you can fulfill sponsorship responsibilities.

The domestic worker needs several documents from their home country. A valid passport with at least two years remaining validity starts the list. Educational certificates, even basic literacy proof, support the application. A police clearance certificate from their home country’s authorities must be recent, typically issued within the last six months.

Medical certificates including HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis tests from approved medical centers are mandatory. These tests must follow Saudi health ministry standards. Employment contracts signed by both parties outline job responsibilities, working hours, salary, and living conditions.

Age and nationality restrictions you need to know

Saudi Arabia maintains strict age limits for domestic worker visas. Female domestic workers must be between 25 and 50 years old at the time of application. Male domestic workers face similar restrictions, typically ranging from 25 to 45 years old. These age limits aim to ensure workers have sufficient maturity and experience while maintaining reasonable working years ahead.

Nationality plays a crucial role in the approval process. The Saudi government maintains a list of preferred countries for domestic worker recruitment. Currently, workers from the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya, and several other approved nations receive priority processing.

Recent policy changes have restricted or banned domestic worker recruitment from certain countries due to diplomatic issues or concerns about worker treatment. Always check the current approved nationality list before beginning the application process, as these restrictions change based on bilateral agreements and diplomatic relations.

Some nationalities face additional documentation requirements or longer processing times. Workers from certain countries might need additional security clearances or embassy endorsements before their applications receive consideration.

Financial obligations and salary requirements

The minimum monthly salary for domestic workers stands at SAR 1,500, though many employers offer higher amounts to attract quality candidates. This salary must be paid through the Saudi banking system using the Wage Protection System (WPS), ensuring transparent and timely payments.

Beyond the monthly salary, employers must budget for several additional costs. The visa application fee, medical insurance, and annual residence permit renewal add to your expenses. Emergency medical coverage is mandatory, typically costing between SAR 500 to SAR 1,000 annually depending on the coverage level.

You’re also responsible for providing suitable accommodation, food, and basic necessities. Many employers provide a separate room with private bathroom facilities, though shared arrangements are acceptable if they meet ministry standards. Transportation costs for the worker’s arrival and departure, including airport pickup and annual vacation travel, fall under employer responsibility.

A security deposit might be required in some cases, particularly for first-time sponsors. This refundable deposit ensures compliance with labor regulations and proper treatment of domestic workers. The amount varies but typically ranges from SAR 2,000 to SAR 5,000.

Preparing Your Application Documents

Obtaining Authenticated Employment Contracts

The employment contract serves as the foundation of your maid visa application and must meet specific Saudi Arabian standards. Your contract needs to be drafted in both Arabic and English, clearly outlining job responsibilities, salary details, working hours, and accommodation arrangements. The document must specify the employer’s full name, Saudi ID number, and contact information, along with the domestic worker’s personal details.

Authentication happens through a two-step process. First, get the contract notarized by a certified notary public in your home country. Then, submit it to the Saudi embassy or consulate for official authentication with their seal and signature. This process typically takes 5-10 business days and requires paying authentication fees that vary by location.

Pay attention to salary specifications – the contract must show a minimum monthly wage that complies with current Saudi labor regulations. Include clear terms about vacation time, overtime compensation, and termination conditions. Any amendments to the contract after authentication will require going through the entire process again.

Medical Examination and Health Certificate Requirements

Medical clearance is mandatory for all domestic workers entering Saudi Arabia. You must complete your medical examination at an approved medical center recognized by Saudi authorities. The examination includes blood tests for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and tuberculosis screening through chest X-rays.

The medical certificate must be issued within 90 days of your visa application submission. Pregnant women cannot obtain maid visas, so pregnancy tests are part of the standard examination. Age restrictions apply – applicants must be between 25 and 55 years old for most positions.

Additional health requirements include vaccinations for yellow fever if you’re traveling from endemic areas, and some employers may request specific vaccinations. Keep original medical reports and certificates, as you’ll need them both for the visa application and upon arrival in Saudi Arabia for final medical screening.

Educational Certificates and Background Verification Process

Educational documentation proves your qualifications for domestic work positions. While advanced degrees aren’t required, you need to provide certificates showing completion of primary education at minimum. Some employers prefer candidates with basic literacy and numeracy skills, so include any relevant training certificates.

Background verification involves obtaining a police clearance certificate from your home country’s authorities. This document must be recent (issued within six months) and show no criminal record. The certificate requires authentication through your country’s foreign affairs ministry and then by the Saudi embassy.

Character references from previous employers strengthen your application significantly. Include at least two reference letters detailing your work experience, reliability, and character. These letters should be on official letterhead with contact information for verification purposes. Translation into Arabic may be required depending on your embassy’s specific requirements.

Submitting Your Maid Visa Application

Online Portal Registration and Account Setup

Start by visiting the official Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) portal at their dedicated visa services website. You’ll need to create a new account if you’re applying for the first time. Click on the registration button and prepare your national ID or Iqama details, as these will be required for verification.

The registration process asks for basic information including your full name, national ID number, phone number, and email address. Make sure your email is active since you’ll receive important updates about your application through this channel. Create a strong password that meets the system requirements – typically including uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

Once you’ve filled out the registration form, you’ll receive a verification code via SMS and email. Enter these codes to activate your account. The system may take a few minutes to process your registration, so don’t panic if there’s a slight delay.

After successful registration, log into your new account and complete your profile information. Add your complete address, employer details if applicable, and any other required personal information. This profile completion step is mandatory before you can proceed with any visa application.

Document Upload Procedures and File Format Requirements

The document upload section requires careful attention to file specifications. All documents must be in PDF format with a maximum file size of 2MB per document. If your files are larger, you’ll need to compress them or use online PDF compression tools before uploading.

Scan all documents in high resolution (minimum 300 DPI) to ensure text remains clear and readable. Poor quality scans often lead to application delays or rejections. The system accepts only colored scans – black and white copies are not permitted for most documents.

Upload documents in the exact order specified on the portal. Start with your passport copy, followed by national ID, employment certificate, salary certificate, and housing contract. Each document has a specific upload slot, and mixing up the order can confuse the reviewing officers.

Name your files clearly before uploading. Use descriptive names like “passport_copy_john_smith” rather than generic names like “document1”. This helps both you and the processing officers identify documents quickly.

The portal includes a progress bar showing your upload status. Wait for each file to fully upload before proceeding to the next one. Interrupted uploads often result in corrupted files that won’t open during the review process.

Application Fee Payment Methods and Amounts

Maid visa application fees vary depending on the nationality of the domestic worker and the duration of the visa. Currently, fees range from SAR 2,000 to SAR 3,000 for most nationalities. Check the fee schedule on the portal as rates can change based on government policies.

The system accepts multiple payment methods including major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard), debit cards from Saudi banks, and the SADAD payment system. International cards work in most cases, but having a local bank account makes the process smoother.

Before making payment, review your application summary carefully. Once payment is processed, making changes becomes difficult and may require starting a new application. The payment page shows a breakdown of all charges including the visa fee, service charges, and any applicable taxes.

Keep your payment receipt and transaction ID safe. You’ll need these for future reference and tracking purposes. The system generates a unique reference number after successful payment – write this down or take a screenshot.

Payment processing usually takes 5-10 minutes. If your payment fails, check with your bank about international transaction restrictions. Some banks require prior notification for online international payments.

Tracking Your Application Status Effectively

After submitting your application, you’ll receive a unique tracking number via SMS and email. This number is your key to monitoring progress throughout the processing period. Log into your account regularly to check for status updates.

The tracking system shows different stages: “Application Received,” “Under Review,” “Additional Documents Required,” “Approved,” or “Rejected.” Each status change triggers an automatic notification to your registered phone number and email.

Set up mobile notifications if available in your account settings. This ensures you receive immediate alerts about any status changes or requests for additional information. Quick response to requests for extra documents can significantly speed up your application.

If your status shows “Additional Documents Required,” act fast. You typically have 7-14 days to submit the requested documents before your application gets automatically rejected. The system clearly specifies which documents are needed and the deadline for submission.

For applications taking longer than the standard processing time, you can submit an inquiry through the portal’s support section. Include your tracking number and a brief description of your concern. Response times for inquiries are usually 2-3 business days.

Processing Timeline and What to Expect

Average processing duration for different nationalities

The processing timeline for Saudi Arabia maid visas varies significantly based on the applicant’s nationality and existing bilateral agreements between countries. Typically, applications from the Philippines take 15-20 working days due to streamlined procedures under the labor cooperation agreement. Indonesian domestic worker visas usually process within 3-4 weeks, while applications from Sri Lanka and India generally require 4-6 weeks for completion.

Ethiopian and Bangladeshi applications often experience longer processing times, ranging from 6-8 weeks, primarily due to additional verification requirements. African nationalities like Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana may face extended timelines of 8-10 weeks, as Saudi authorities conduct thorough background checks and authentication procedures.

European and Western passport holders, though less common for domestic worker visas, typically see faster processing of 2-3 weeks. The variation stems from different security screening protocols, document verification processes, and the volume of applications from each country.

Peak seasons like Ramadan and summer months can add 1-2 additional weeks to standard processing times across all nationalities. Consulates often experience higher application volumes during these periods, creating natural bottlenecks in the review process.

Common delays and how to avoid them

Document authentication issues represent the primary cause of visa processing delays. Missing or incorrect attestation from relevant government departments frequently stalls applications for weeks. Ensure all educational certificates, police clearances, and medical reports carry proper authentication from your country’s foreign ministry and Saudi consulate.

Incomplete medical examinations create significant setbacks. Many applicants submit partial medical reports or use non-approved medical centers. Only use Saudi-approved medical facilities and complete all required tests, including HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis screening, and pregnancy tests for female applicants.

Bank statement inconsistencies often trigger additional scrutiny. Your financial documents must show consistent income patterns and sufficient funds to support the domestic worker’s salary. Avoid large, unexplained deposits or withdrawals close to your application date.

Contract discrepancies between the employment agreement and visa application frequently cause rejections. Ensure salary amounts, job descriptions, and employment terms match exactly across all documents. Any misalignment prompts immigration officers to request clarifications or additional documentation.

Sponsor documentation problems create unnecessary delays. Verify your Saudi residency status, ensure your iqama hasn’t expired, and confirm you haven’t exceeded the maximum number of domestic workers allowed based on your salary bracket.

Communication from immigration authorities during review

Saudi immigration authorities maintain limited direct communication with applicants during the review process. Most updates come through the Saudi consulate where you submitted your application or authorized recruitment agencies handling your case.

Consulates typically provide status updates only when specifically requested, usually through phone calls or in-person visits. Expect generic responses like “under review” or “pending decision” rather than detailed explanations about specific review stages.

The Enjaz platform (enjaz.sa) offers online tracking for applications submitted through certain channels, though information updates occur sporadically. Status changes may show “received,” “under processing,” or “decision made” without additional context about approval or rejection.

Immigration authorities may request additional documentation through your consulate or recruitment agency. These requests usually come via email or official letters, specifying exactly which documents need submission or clarification. Response deadlines typically range from 10-15 working days.

Approval notifications arrive through official channels first – either the consulate or recruitment agency receives the decision before informing applicants. Rejection notices include basic reasons but rarely provide detailed explanations for improvement in future applications.

Radio silence during processing is normal and doesn’t indicate problems with your application. Most successful applications receive no intermediate communication until final approval notification.

Post-Approval Steps and Visa Collection

Receiving your visa approval notification

You’ll get your visa approval notification through the Absher platform or via SMS to the mobile number you registered during application. The approval comes as a digital certificate with a unique reference number that you’ll need for all subsequent steps. Keep this notification safe and take screenshots as backup – you’ll reference this number multiple times.

The notification includes your domestic worker’s visa validity period, typically 90 days from the issue date. This window gives you enough time to coordinate travel arrangements and complete the remaining formalities. Double-check all personal details in the approval notice immediately, as any errors need correction before proceeding.

Collecting the physical visa and entry permits

Head to your nearest Jawazat office with the approval notification and your original documents. Bring your national ID, the worker’s passport copy, and the approval reference number. The physical visa gets printed and stamped directly into your domestic worker’s passport.

You’ll also receive the work permit (Iqama application) and entry visa simultaneously. These documents work together – the entry visa allows arrival into Saudi Arabia, while the work permit authorizes legal employment. Processing at Jawazat usually takes 1-2 hours during regular business hours.

Some regions offer express services for an additional fee, cutting waiting time to 30 minutes. Check the specific Jawazat office website for current fees and operating hours, as these vary by location.

Final preparations before domestic worker’s arrival

Book your domestic worker’s flight well in advance, ensuring arrival falls within the visa validity period. Coordinate with your recruitment agency to confirm departure details and provide them with visa copies for their records. The agency typically handles pre-departure medical checks and orientation sessions.

Prepare accommodation in your home with basic necessities like bedding, toiletries, and initial food supplies. Set up a dedicated phone line or mobile connection for emergency communication during the first weeks. Create a simple information sheet with your contact details, emergency numbers, and basic Arabic phrases.

Contact your bank to ensure salary transfer systems are ready, as you’ll need to demonstrate regular payment capability during the first Iqama renewal. Gather copies of utility bills and housing contracts, which prove suitable accommodation for labor office inspections.

Airport procedures and initial registration requirements

Your domestic worker must arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah or King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh for proper entry processing. Other airports may have limited facilities for domestic worker visa processing.

At immigration, they’ll present their passport with the entry visa and undergo biometric registration including fingerprints and photos. The process typically takes 30-45 minutes unless there are complications with documentation.

Within 24 hours of arrival, visit the nearest labor office to begin Iqama processing. Bring the worker’s passport, entry stamp, your national ID, housing contract, and medical insurance documentation. The initial registration establishes their legal status and starts the countdown for completing full residency documentation within 90 days.

Common Mistakes That Cause Application Rejection

Incomplete or incorrectly filled forms

The most common reason for maid visa application rejection is submitting incomplete or poorly filled forms. Saudi authorities are extremely particular about accuracy and completeness. Even a single missing signature, unchecked box, or blank field can result in immediate rejection.

Double-check every section of your application forms before submission. Pay special attention to:

• Personal information consistency: Ensure names, dates, and personal details match exactly across all documents
• Sponsor information: Verify all employer details are accurate and current
• Checkbox requirements: Don’t skip any mandatory selections or declarations
• Date formats: Use the DD/MM/YYYY format consistently throughout all forms
• Signatures: Every required signature field must be completed in blue or black ink

Many applicants make the mistake of rushing through forms or assuming certain fields are optional. Take time to read instructions carefully and complete each section methodically.

Invalid or expired supporting documents

Document validity is strictly enforced in Saudi Arabia’s visa process. Submitting expired or invalid documents guarantees rejection and delays your application by weeks or months.

Critical document requirements include:

Before submitting, create a checklist and verify each document’s expiration date. Get fresh copies of any documents approaching expiration, even if they’re technically still valid. The attestation process for educational and personal documents can take several weeks, so plan accordingly.

Insufficient financial proof from sponsors

Saudi authorities require sponsors to demonstrate adequate financial capacity to support their domestic worker. Many applications fail because sponsors underestimate these requirements or provide inadequate financial documentation.

Sponsors must typically provide:

• Bank statements: Last 6 months showing consistent income flow
• Salary certificates: Official documentation from employer with monthly earnings
• Property ownership: Real estate documents as additional financial proof
• Business licenses: If self-employed, current commercial registration
• Income tax returns: Previous year’s filed returns

The minimum required monthly income varies by region but generally ranges from SAR 8,000 to SAR 15,000. Don’t assume your current salary is sufficient without checking current requirements. Submit comprehensive financial documentation rather than minimal proof to avoid questioning your application’s credibility.

Getting your maid visa approved in Saudi Arabia doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you know what to expect. The key is having all your documents ready, understanding the specific requirements, and avoiding the common pitfalls that trip up many applicants. From gathering the right paperwork to submitting your application correctly, each step matters in getting that approval stamp.

Don’t let small mistakes derail your application after you’ve put in all that effort. Take your time with the documentation, double-check everything before submission, and be patient during the processing period. Once you get that approval, make sure to complete the final steps promptly to avoid any complications. Your household help is just a properly executed visa application away.

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