Saudi Arabia has introduced a structured visa allocation framework for new businesses, with quotas varying according to their age and programme participation. According to immigration services firm Fragomen, the revised framework links visa availability to specific business characteristics, representing a departure from the previous system. Under the new rules, businesses that have been operating for less than two years can obtain up to five work visas, while companies that have been operating for more than two years can obtain up to 50 work visas. The framework, announced through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development's Qiwa platform, ties foreign recruitment capacity to Saudization performance from day one, marking a significant shift in how newly established businesses can access work visas. The requirements introduced under the revised framework are new and were not part of the previous system, as reported by Fragomen.
Businesses participating in the Establishment Programme will initially be allocated two work visas under the revised framework. As reported by Fragomen, their quota can subsequently increase as they progress through the programme and achieve a higher Nitaqat classification. The visas can be secured through either a single application or multiple applications submitted within the same week, providing flexibility for businesses at different stages of their operations. The revised framework requires employers to confirm their visa quota through the Qiwa platform and ensure all 10 recruitment conditions are met before applying for work visas.
To recruit non-Saudi workers from abroad, businesses must meet comprehensive requirements including maintaining active business status, holding valid work permits for all employees, and possessing valid commercial registration. According to the framework, companies must meet Saudisation requirements with a Medium Green category or above, comply with the Wage Protection System, and maintain sufficient balances on platforms such as Absher or Muqeem. Additional requirements include completing annual self-assessment for firms with 10+ employees, registering employee work locations on Qiwa, and ensuring the employer is at least 18 years old. The new framework means new businesses can no longer import a founding team and address Saudization later — the local hiring requirement now takes effect at company formation.
The Qiwa platform outlines three types of work visas under the revised framework. Permanent Work Visas are issued for long-term employment of non-Saudi workers under regular employment contracts, while Temporary Work Visas are available for short-term employment contracts lasting up to three months. Hajj & Umrah Work Visas are intended for workers during the Hajj and Umrah seasons and require MHRSD approval, as reported by Fragomen.
