Visa & residency
GCC Work Visas (2026): How to Get a Work Permit in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar & More
How employer-sponsored work visas and residence permits work in all six GCC countries - steps, documents, medical tests, family sponsorship and changing jobs.
Quick answer
- Saudi Arabia work visaIqama (resident ID)A foreign worker needs a Saudi employer who issues a work visa through the Qiwa platform. After you arrive, the employer issues your work permit on Qiwa and your iqama through Muqeem or Absher Business, and documents your contract on Qiwa. The employer pays the government fees for recruitment, work permits and residence.
- UAE work visaEmirates IDTo work legally in the UAE private sector, your employer must get you a MoHRE work permit and sponsor your residence visa. The standard work visa is valid for 2 years and can be renewed. Working on a visit or tourist visa is illegal.
- Qatar work visaQatar ID (QID)In Qatar your employer sponsors your work visa and handles the residence process. Workers from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka complete the medical, fingerprints and contract step at a Qatar Visa Centre at home before travelling. After arrival, the residence permit must be completed within 30 days, and you receive a Qatar ID.
- Kuwait work visaCivil ID (issued by PACI)Expatriates working for a private company in Kuwait need a work permit from the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) and an Article 18 residence permit from the Ministry of Interior, both arranged by the employer. Once residence is issued, you get a Civil ID from PACI. Residence rules are set by the new foreign residence law, Decree-Law No. 114 of 2024, and its executive regulations in force since 23 December 2025.
- Bahrain work visaCPR card (Bahrain ID)To work legally in Bahrain's private sector, your employer applies to the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) for a work permit through its online Expat Management System (EMS). After the permit is approved and you arrive, LMRA records your biometrics, your residence permit is issued, and you complete a medical test in Bahrain before getting your ID card.
- Oman work visaResident CardA foreign worker can only work in Oman for an employer that has Ministry of Labour authorisation to hire a non-Omani for that specific job. The employer gets the work permit, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) issues the employment visa, and after arrival you receive a Resident Card. Some jobs are reserved for Omanis, so check the job is open to expatriates first.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a Gulf work visa myself?
Usually not. GCC work visas are sponsored by the employer, who applies for you - except special routes such as golden or premium residency and freelance permits in some countries.
Should I pay for my work visa?
GCC labour laws bar employers from charging workers recruitment and visa costs - the employer pays. Be wary of any agent who asks you for money for a job or visa.
What is the difference between a work visa and residency?
The employment entry visa lets you travel in; the residence permit (and ID card) is issued after the medical test and biometrics, and it is what lets you live and work legally.
Know your rights at work
Compare labour laws, leave and notice periods across the GCC.