Telephone Numbers
Telephone Numbers
For detailed information +90 542 381 3868'Call.
Saudi Arabia Launches 'Visitor Investor' E-visa to Streamline Entry Process
On June 7, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Investment announced the launch of a new 'Visitor Investor' e-visa, aimed at simplifying the entry process for investors looking to explore business opportunities in the Kingdom. This service is in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals, which aim to position the Kingdom as a leading global investment hub.
The permit, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is an electronic visa that can be obtained through the unified national visa platform. The process has been streamlined to assist potential investors. The application will be processed quickly, and the visa will be issued electronically.
In its initial phase, the 'Visitor Investor' e-visa will only be available to investors in certain, as-yet-unnamed countries. Saudi Arabia plans to expand the service's availability to citizens of other countries in future phases.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also announced that it would expand the instant tourist e-visa program to include holders of visas from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Schengen area countries, as well as permanent residents of the UK, US, and European Union member states.
The e-visa, which was introduced for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries last September, is a one-year, multiple-entry visa that allows tourists to stay in the country for up to 90 days. It permits visitors to engage in tourism-related activities such as events, family visits, and leisure, but does not cover other activities like studying.
Individuals with a visa from the UK, US, or Schengen area countries are required to have used that visa at least once to enter the issuing country or region before they can apply for the Saudi e-visa. First-degree relatives of the primary visa holder will also be granted entry into Saudi Arabia with a visa on arrival.
Last year, Saudi Arabia announced it would grant tourist visas on arrival to the same categories as part of its goal to reach 100 million tourism visits per year by 2030. It has committed USD 550 billion to tourist destinations.
Since opening to tourism in 2019, Saudi Arabia has become one of the fastest-growing tourism markets worldwide. In 2022, it reported 93.5 million visits, a 121% increase from pre-pandemic international tourism levels. The tourism sector currently contributes 4.45% to the country's gross domestic product, with a target of reaching 10%.
Saudi Arabia also announced the launch of a new 'Stopover Visa,' which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 96 hours. This free visa is available for passengers traveling with Saudia and Flynas and is open to more countries than the tourist e-visa.
The Saudi Ministry of Investment (MISA) has launched the dedicated "visiting investor" e-visa for foreign investors who want to explore business and investment opportunities in the Kingdom first-hand. Delivered jointly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this fully digital entry permit is obtained through the unified national visa platform. Its goal is to let investors enter Saudi Arabia quickly and with minimal bureaucracy for factory visits, partner meetings, free-zone tours and project assessments.
The visa is directly aligned with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives. As Saudi Arabia works to grow its non-oil economy and position itself as a leading global investment hub, it is streamlining entry procedures, and the visiting investor e-visa is a key instrument of that strategy. Applications are processed quickly and approvals are issued electronically.
In the first phase, the visiting investor e-visa is available to investors from selected countries, with the scope planned to expand in later stages. In general, the following profiles can benefit from this visa:
Saudi Arabia also offers visa-on-arrival and digital visa options for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and eligible nationals. Turkey is among the 66 eligible countries for the Saudi tourist e-visa.
Although both visas are electronic and multiple-entry, their purposes differ. The tourist e-visa covers tourism, family visits, events and Umrah (excluding Hajj), while the visiting investor e-visa is designed for exploring business opportunities and preparing investments. The comparison table below summarises both:
| Feature | Tourist e-Visa | Visiting Investor e-Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Tourism, family visits, Umrah | Exploring business & investment |
| Validity | 1 year, multiple entry | Per MISA/MoFA regulation |
| Length of Stay | Up to 90 days per visit | Based on investment visit |
| Application | visa.visitsaudi.com | MISA e-services platform |
| Key Benefit | Fast, online, insurance included | Fast access to the investment journey |
Preparing the following documents and details before applying speeds up the process:
On the official Saudi eVisa portal the process is completed in three main steps: fill in the application, pay the visa fee and receive the approved e-visa online. Investor e-visa applications are submitted through the MISA e-services platform.
The table below summarises current indicative amounts for Saudi visa and investment processes. The tourist e-visa fee also includes valid travel health insurance.
| Item | Indicative Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Online tourist e-visa | ~535 SAR | Travel health insurance included |
| Visa on arrival | ~480 SAR | Visa + insurance |
| Investor visa application fee | Variable | Depends on sector & regulation |
| MISA investment licence (annual) | Sector-dependent | Varies by activity |
| Corporate income tax | 20% (general) | On non-GCC shares; set by ZATCA |
| VAT | 15% | Standard rate (ZATCA) |
Saudi Arabia has placed tourism and investment at the heart of its economic diversification. The Kingdom aims to reach 100 million tourism visits per year by 2030 and is making large-scale commitments to tourism destinations. Since opening to tourism in 2019, the country has become one of the fastest-growing tourism markets in the world.
For investors, significant opportunities exist across sectors such as energy, technology, manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and tourism. The visiting investor e-visa accelerates investment decisions by simplifying the entry process for entrepreneurs who want to evaluate these opportunities on the ground. The Kingdom also offers complementary options such as the free "Stopover Visa," which allows transit stays of up to 96 hours.
Getting professional support across company formation, investment licensing and visa processes in Saudi Arabia saves time and helps you avoid costly mistakes. For detailed planning, reach us through our contact page or quickly request a quote.
Compared with traditional visa procedures, the visitor investor e-visa offers investors clear advantages. The biggest benefit is that the process is fully digital and fast; applicants can complete everything online without visiting a consulate, saving significant time and cost.
Other key benefits include the ability to evaluate investment opportunities on the ground and in person, to meet potential business partners face to face, and the flexibility to visit free zones and industrial facilities to carry out feasibility studies. Before committing, investors can closely observe the market, competition and supply chain. Because this visa represents a first step into Saudi Arabia's open and transparent investment environment, it also paves the way for a later transition to a full investment licence (MISA licence) and residence permit.
Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is focused on diversifying its economy beyond oil. As a result, several sectors stand out with attractive opportunities for investors. In energy, renewables and green hydrogen projects are advancing; in technology, artificial intelligence, data centres and fintech ventures are growing rapidly. The tourism and entertainment sector attracts global investors thanks to mega-projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project and Qiddiya.
In addition, logistics and transport, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and industry, and education are all areas supported by government incentives. The investor e-visa is an ideal starting point for entrepreneurs who want to examine opportunities in these sectors on site and make the right decision.
Understanding the tax and regulatory framework before investing in Saudi Arabia is critical. Tax matters are administered by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA). The standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate is 15%. For companies with foreign capital, the general corporate income tax rate of 20% applies to non-GCC shares; different rates may apply to certain natural-resource activities.
The investment licensing process is managed by the Ministry of Investment (MISA). Foreign investors can establish 100% foreign-owned companies by obtaining a MISA licence appropriate to their activity. Licence fees vary by sector and company type. Each investor is therefore advised to confirm the current costs and obligations relevant to their business model from official sources before applying.
Avoiding the common mistakes that lead to a rejected or delayed visa is the key to a smooth process. The most frequent errors are an insufficient passport validity period, application details that do not exactly match the passport, uploading a low-resolution or non-compliant photograph, and submitting incomplete documents demonstrating the investment purpose.
Card verification issues during payment or selecting the wrong visa category can also prolong the process. To prevent such mistakes, it is important to check all documents before applying and to seek professional guidance where needed. The World Company Setup team guides you through every step, from application preparation to approval.
Saudi Arabia's visa facilitations are not limited to the applicant. First-degree relatives of holders of a UK, US or Schengen visa may also be granted entry to the Kingdom, and in eligible cases a visa on arrival may be issued. This provides important flexibility for investors who wish to combine a business trip with a family visit. However, the family relationship must be proven with official documents, and current requirements should be confirmed before applying.
Travelling with family also plays a positive role in long-term settlement and investment decisions. Assessing living conditions, education and healthcare options on the ground makes it easier to form a realistic picture before relocating.
To facilitate short visits, Saudi Arabia also offers a free "Stopover Visa." It allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 96 hours and is especially advantageous for passengers transiting through Saudi Arabia. Because it is open to a wider range of countries than the tourism e-visa, it is a practical alternative for brief business contacts or preliminary scouting visits.
For investors, the stopover visa is a low-cost way to briefly observe the country and business environment before a comprehensive investment visit. This makes it possible to form first impressions before making a larger commitment. Speaking with an expert consultant to determine which visa type best fits your needs is the first step towards proper planning.
The Saudi Arabia visitor investor e-visa is the Kingdom's gateway to global investors. This visa provides a strong start for evaluating the opportunities offered by Vision 2030 on the ground, finding the right partners and making a sound investment decision. Thanks to its electronic and fast structure, bureaucracy is minimised while the investor can devote valuable time to examining opportunities in the field. Getting the right guidance throughout the process, from the visa application to company formation and from investment licensing to tax planning, is decisive for the success of your project. At World Company Setup, we are with you at every stage of your investment journey in Saudi Arabia.
In the section below you will find answers to the most common questions about the Saudi Arabia visitor investor e-visa, presented under accordion headings.
It is a fully digital entry permit introduced by the Ministry of Investment (MISA) so foreign investors can explore business opportunities in the Kingdom first-hand, obtained entirely online.
The online tourist e-visa is indicatively around 535 SAR and includes travel health insurance; visa on arrival is around 480 SAR. Investor visa fees vary by sector and regulation. Always check the official portals for current amounts.
Online tourist e-visa applications are usually processed within minutes, with approval delivered by email. Investor visa timelines may vary depending on the nature of the application.
The tourist e-visa is valid for 1 year, is multiple-entry and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. Investor visit durations are set by regulation.
Yes. Turkey is on the list of eligible countries for the Saudi tourist e-visa. The scope of the investor e-visa is being expanded in phases.
Tourist e-visa applications are made through the official Saudi eVisa portal, and investor e-visa applications through the MISA e-services platform. Professional support helps you avoid mistakes.
+90 542 381 3868
+971 58 5204103