✈️ Introduction
Applying for a Saudi visa from India can be a complex task. Whether you’re a professional worker, planning to relocate your family, or simply visiting relatives, each visa has its own set of steps. Here’s your go-to guide that covers every major visa type — including key processes like HRD attestation, apostille, Takamol (QVC) registration, and Dataflow for nurses.
🛠️ 1. Saudi Work Visa Process from India
Step-by-step process:
- Job offer from Saudi employer.
- HRD Attestation of degree from your state (mandatory for degree holders).
- MEA Apostille (Ministry of External Affairs) for educational and personal documents.
- Takamol (QVP) registration for professionals – biometric & verification required.
- GAMCA Medical Test and clearance certificate.
- Visa stamping via VFS or embassy-approved agents.
For Nurses & Medical Professionals:
- Must undergo Dataflow verification of degrees and experience.
- Must pass Prometric Exam (specific to Saudi).
- Saudi Council registration (can be initiated from India).
🏠 2. Saudi Resident Visa for Indian Dependents
Eligibility:
- Spouse, children, and parents (under certain conditions).
Process:
- Sponsor must have valid iqama and sufficient salary.
- Marriage & birth certificates need to be notarized, HRD attested, and apostilled.
- Submit documents to Saudi Embassy or VFS.
- After approval, dependents receive visa stamped passport and travel to KSA.
- Final iqama issued upon arrival.
👨👩👧 3. Saudi Family Visit Visa – Step-by-Step Guide
Who can apply?
- Parents, siblings, spouse, and children.
Process:
- Sponsor (family member in Saudi) applies via MOFA.
- Once approved, applicant in India completes:
- Translation & attestation of relationship proof (marriage/birth cert).
- Apostille from MEA.
- Medical test (if required based on duration/type of visa).
- Visa stamping at VFS center or Saudi embassy.
📜 4. Visa Rule Updates in 2025
What’s new this year?
- All work visa applications must go through Takamol (QVC) biometric and contract verification.
- Apostille is accepted in place of embassy attestation in most cases.
- Faster processing through integrated Enjaz and MOFA platforms.
- Dataflow now mandatory for all healthcare-related fields, not just nursing.
🔄 5. Work vs Resident vs Visit Visa – What’s the Difference?
| Visa Type | Duration | Purpose | Conversion Possible | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work Visa | 1-2 years | Employment | No | Sponsor, QVP, HRD Attestation, Apostille |
| Resident Visa | Long-term | Family Residency | N/A | Marriage certificate, Birth Certificate Apostille |
| Visit Visa | 90-365 days | Family Visits | No (usually) | MOFA approval |
