People who want to immigrate to Saudi Arabia from South Africa can apply for various types of visas, in accordance with the duration of stay. The simplest to obtain is the electronic (eVisa), however, this can be used mainly for tourism purposes or family visits.
If you plan to relocate to Saudi Arabia from South Africa, below you can explore some of the most popular options among immigrants from all over the world. Once you decide the type of visa you want to apply for, you can rely on our immigration lawyers in Saudi Arabia for support with the application.
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Popular ways to move to Saudi Arabia from South Africa
The first step to take, if you are interested in immigration to Saudi Arabia, is to decide whether you want to do that on a temporary or permanent basis. In terms of temporary relocation, you can choose:
- employment;
- study.
If you decide for permanent residency in Saudi Arabia, you can opt for:
- employment;
- family reunion;
- investment.
Most scenarios enable you to apply for temporary residence followed by permanent one. The exception is investment through the Premium Residency Scheme which addresses several types of investors.
Our local consultants can guide you in obtaining a residence permit or Saudi Iqama based on all the options presented above.
Employment as a means to immigrate to Saudi Arabia from South Africa
One of the most employed pathways to secure residency in Saudi Arabia as a South African is obtaining a job, which comes with a work permit and temporary Iqama. For this purpose, you must first secure a labor contract, following which you can move to Saudi Arabia and stay here for minimum 6 months. Usually, the validity of the two documents (work and residence permits) is the same.
You can use our relocation services if you choose this type of immigration solution.
Relocate to Saudi Arabia from South Africa as an investor
The Premium Residency Scheme is one of the most attractive ways to immigrate to Saudi Arabia from South Africa. This option is flexible in terms of investment options and residency availability. You can obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit, depending on the amount you decide to inject into the economy. Please note that to be accepted into the program, you must be at least 21 years old at the time of the application.
The minimum amount to invest under this program ranges from SAR 100,000 to SAR 800,000 (USD 27,000, respectively USD 210,000 to approximate) and you can choose to:
- open a company in Saudi Arabia;
- buy real estate in this country.
Our team comprises Saudi company formation agents who can assist with the business registration procedure, should you decide on this variant. Also, our lawyers can help you buy a property, if this is the option that suits you better.
Document preparation support when moving to Saudi Arabia from South Africa
Paperwork drafting is perhaps the most important step to successful immigration to Saudi Arabia from South Africa. This is why our local specialists can help you:
- gather the documents;
- translate and authenticate the papers issued in your foreign country;
- file them with the relevant authorities.
After successful relocation, you can also rely on our accountants in Saudi Arabia if you want to register for taxation.
How many African citizens live in Saudi Arabia?
According to the data here which compiles information from the last 2022 census:
- there was a total of 715,000 people of African descent living in Saudi Arabia;
- the largest group of immigrants – 128,000 – was from Uganda;
- there were also 4,800 South Africans living in the country at the time.
If you decide to immigrate to Saudi Arabia from South Africa and need support, please contact us.