If you want to immigrate to Saudi Arabia from Canada, there are various formalities to go through, depending on your duration of stay. For short-term periods, electronic and multiple-entry visas enable Canadians to remain in the country for up to 90 days at a time.
If you want to move to Saudi Arabia from Canada for medium and long term, the options described below will suit you better. So, we invite you to discover the immigration options you have from our local consultants.
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Medium and long-term immigration options for Canadians in Saudi Arabia
If you want to relocate to Saudi Arabia from Canada and remain here for more than 3 months, you have the following options:
- employment, by obtaining a labor contract with a local enterprise or through intra-company transfer;
- Saudi company formation;
- studentship;
- family reunification;
- investment.
Our specialists in immigration to Saudi Arabia can help with the procedures for each type of relocation option. On the other hand, our company registration agents in Saudi Arabia can assist with the incorporation of a business in or outside the investment visa program.
How to immigrate to Saudi Arabia from Canada based on employment
Employment is definitely a great way to move to Saudi Arabia from Canada, as it comes with lots of work opportunities doubled by good wages. However, the procedure to obtain a work permit can be quite lengthy and implies a complex procedure.
Here are the main aspects to consider when applying for a work visa for Saudi Arabia:
- you need to prepare various documents, which must be translated from Canadian to Arabic;
- you must also undergo a physical examination to determine you have a good health;
- you must also have an employment contract drafted at the time of the application.
The procedure to obtain a work visa takes between 2 and 3 months. However, at the end of the process, you will also obtain a Saudi residence permit or Iqama.
How to relocate to Saudi Arabia from Canada as a businessperson
Obtaining a business visa, setting up a Saudi company, or accessing the investor visa program are 3 of the ways through which you can immigrate to Saudi Arabia as an entrepreneur.
Each option has its requirements which can be presented in detail by our Saudi company formation specialists. What differentiates them is:
- the activities to undertake in the case of a business visa;
- the amount of money required to obtain residency by investment, if you choose this option.
No matter the option you decide, we have a complex team made up of lawyers and accountants in Saudi Arabia who can advise and help you in all areas of running a business.
Access to permanent residency in Saudi Arabia
Long-term relocation usually implies immigrating to Saudi Arabia from Canada indefinitely. This option enables you to become eligible for permanent residency. Here are the timeframes to live in the country to secure this document:
- the investment visa scheme enables you to obtain permanent residency after one year, however, this is conditioned by the amount you invest in Saudi Arabia;
- marriage makes you eligible for permanent residency after 5 years;
- ordinary residency will also lead to a permanent Iqama after 5 years.
You can rely on our Saudi lawyers to complete the formalities for permanent residency.
Economic relations between Saudi Arabia and Canada
Saudi Arabia and Canada have a good economic cooperation, according to recent data that indicates:
- Saudi Arabia was Canada’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in 2022;
- the goods traded by the two countries in 2022 amounted to USD 5.1 billion;
- the value of imported goods from Canada was USD 1.3 billion, while exports to Canada from Saudi Arabia accounted for USD 3.8 billion.
No matter the way you decide to immigrate to Saudi Arabia from Canada, please contact us for support.