Understanding the General Manager Visa in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Guide for Investors

The General Manager Visa in Saudi Arabia is a specialized work visa (Iqama) designed for foreign investors or business owners who establish a company in the Kingdom and assume the role of General Manager. This visa facilitates residency and business operations without the need for a local sponsor, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to attract foreign investment and diversify its economy. Unlike the high-investment Premium Residency (Golden Visa), the General Manager Visa offers a more accessible pathway for entrepreneurs.

What is the General Manager Visa?

The General Manager Visa is a work permit issued under the sponsorship of a company registered in Saudi Arabia, allowing a foreign investor or business owner to reside and manage their business as the designated General Manager. It is tied to the company’s Commercial Registration (CR)  and investment license, issued by the Ministry of Investment (MISA). This visa enables investors to operate businesses in sectors open to foreign ownership, such as technology, tourism, or manufacturing, without relying on a Saudi sponsor, as the company itself acts as the sponsor. The visa is typically valid for 1–2 years and renewable, provided the company remains active and compliant with regulations like Nitaqat (Saudization), which mandates hiring a percentage of Saudi nationals.
Unlike standard employee visas, the General Manager Visa is tailored for those with ownership stakes or significant managerial roles, offering autonomy in business operations. It is a practical solution for investors seeking to establish a foothold in Saudi Arabia’s growing economy without the substantial financial commitments required for the Premium Residency Program.

Who is it For?

The General Manager Visa targets:

• Foreign Investors: Individuals investing in or establishing a business entity in Saudi Arabia, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), branch, or subsidiary.
• Business Owners: Entrepreneurs who own or co-own a company and are appointed as the General Manager in the company’s Articles of Association.
• Professionals in Key Sectors: Investors in sectors like technology, renewable energy, tourism, or logistics, where Saudi Arabia permits up to 100% foreign ownership under its Foreign Investment Law.
• High-Net-Worth Individuals: Those with the financial capacity to meet minimum capital requirements (e.g., SAR 500,000 for certain LLCs) and manage a business.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years old, provide a medical certificate (not older than six months), and demonstrate financial stability to sustain their investment. The visa also allows sponsorship of immediate family members (spouse and children under 21), making it appealing for investors relocating with families.

Why is it an Alternative to the Investor Visa?

The Investor Visa, part of the Premium Residency Program, offers permanent or temporary residency for significant investments, such as SAR 7 million (USD 1.9 million) in business activities or SAR 4 million (USD 1.1 million) in real estate, with benefits like job mobility and personal property ownership. However, its high financial threshold and one-time fee of *SAR 800,000* for permanent residency can be prohibitive.

The General Manager Visa, by contrast, is more accessible:

• Lower Investment Threshold: Requires a minimum capital investment (e.g., SAR 500,000 for some LLCs), making it suitable for small to medium-scale investors.
• Operational Flexibility: Allows investors to directly manage their company without a local sponsor, reducing dependency and costs.
• Market Entry: Ideal for testing the Saudi market or starting smaller ventures before committing to larger investments required for the Investor Visa.
• Residency Tied to Business: Offers renewable residency (1–2 years) as long as the company operates, unlike the Investor Visa’s permanent option.

However, the General Manager Visa has limitations:

• Residency is contingent on the company’s active status; if the business fails, the visa may be revoked.
  It does not offer the Investor Visa’s broader privileges, such as working in unrelated private-sector jobs or owning property in personal names.
• For investors prioritizing cost-effectiveness and operational control, the General Manager Visa is a practical alternative, especially for those in the early stages of market entry.

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How to Obtain the General Manager Visa

The process involves several steps, starting with company establishment and culminating in visa issuance:

1. Company Registration: 

Register a business entity with MISA, obtaining an investment license and Commercial Registration (CR).
Required documents include:

• Authenticated commercial registration from the investor’s home country (via a Saudi Embassy).
• Financial statements for the last year (authenticated).
• Proof of minimum capital (varies by sector, e.g., SAR 500,000 for service-based LLCs).
• Designate the investor as the General Manager in the company’s Articles of Association.

2. Visa Application:

The company applies for the General Manager’s work visa through the Qiwa platform or Muqeem portal.
Submit:

• Valid passport (minimum six months validity).
• Medical certificate (not older than six months).
• CR and investment license.
• Appointment letter as General Manager.
• Visa and Iqama fees (approximately SAR 2,000–7,000 annually, depending on company size and Saudization compliance).
• Documents must be in English or Arabic (or accompanied by certified translations).

3. Iqama Issuance:

Upon approval (typically 1–2 months), the General Manager receives an Iqama, granting legal residency.
The Iqama is renewable every 1–2 years, subject to the company’s compliance with regulations.

4. Saudization Compliance:

The company must adhere to Nitaqat requirements, hiring a mandated percentage of Saudi nationals based on the sector and company size.

Procedure Overview

The procedure begins with MISA’s streamlined company setup process, which has reduced bureaucratic hurdles under Vision 2030. After obtaining the CR and investment license, the company sponsors the visa application through government portals. Applicants must ensure compliance with health, financial, and legal requirements. The process, while straightforward, requires meticulous document preparation and adherence to Saudi regulations, making professional assistance valuable.

How Saudi Visa Agency (SVA) Can Help

Saudi Visa Agency (SVA), an authorized agency by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, specializes in processing General Manager Visas for investors. Operating through the Saudi Embassies in Delhi and Mumbai, SVA offers:

• Expert Guidance: SVA’s consultants navigate complex visa requirements, ensuring accurate document preparation and compliance with Saudi regulations.
• Efficient Processing: By coordinating directly with the Saudi Embassies, SVA minimizes delays, expediting visa approvals (typically within 1–2 months).
• Document Support: SVA assists with document authentication, translation, and submission, reducing the risk of errors or rejections.
• Tailored Solutions: For investors in Delhi or Mumbai, SVA provides personalized services, handling embassy appointments and follow-ups.
• Stress-Free Experience: SVA’s expertise transforms the often daunting visa process into a seamless, hassle-free journey, allowing investors to focus on their business ventures.

Why Choose Saudi Visa Agency (SVA)? 

Saudi Visa Agency (SVA)’s authorization by the Royal Embassy ensures trust and reliability. Their deep knowledge of Saudi visa protocols, combined with a proven track record, makes them the ideal partner for securing a General Manager Visa. With SVA, investors gain peace of mind, knowing their application is handled by professionals dedicated to success.