An increasing number of Latin American professionals are applying for work visas to Saudi Arabia, a country whose economy is expanding rapidly and positioning itself as a global hub for investment, energy, and innovation.
Behind this growing wave of professional migration is a strong economic context and a clear demand: Saudi Arabia needs qualified foreign talent to help execute its most ambitious national projects.
Why Saudi Arabia Is in High Demand for Foreign Professionals
Saudi Arabia’s economic expansion is driven by large-scale infrastructure and industrial developments under Vision 2030, with the country’s GDP currently
exceeding USD 700 billion. While the oil and gas sector remains a key driver, Saudi Arabia is also investing heavily in renewable energy, technology, tourism, and mega-projects such as NEOM.
But with a population of just over 35 million, Saudi Arabia does not yet have enough domestic workforce to meet the labor demands of its transformation. The result: a growing need for foreign professionals, especially those with technical and specialized skills.
Top Jobs in Demand in Saudi Arabia (2024)
Some of the most in-demand roles currently being filled by international talent include:
- Petroleum Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Project Managers in Infrastructure and Energy
- Health and Safety Experts (HSE)
- Welding and Industrial Inspectors
These positions are often filled by foreign professionals, many of them coming from Latin America, due to their technical expertise and adaptability in multicultural environments.
How to Apply for a Work Visa to Saudi Arabia
If you are a Latin American professional who has been offered a position by a company based in Saudi Arabia, you will need to apply for a Saudi Arabia work visa.
This type of visa allows you to enter and reside in Saudi Arabia for employment purposes and is typically issued for an initial period of 90 days, after which you must apply for a residency permit (Iqama) to continue working and living in the country.
Saudi Arabia Work Visa Requirements for Latin American Professionals
To apply for a Saudi work visa, you will need the following documents:
- A letter of employment issued by the sponsoring company in Saudi Arabia, certified by both the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
- A valid passport, covering the full duration of your employment contract.
- A signed medical report from an accredited health center.
- A signed copy of your employment contract.
- A certified copy of your university degree (translated and legalized if required).
It is important to note that visa procedures are handled independently by each Saudi embassy or consulate, and the process is highly detailed and specific to each case. Factors such as your country of origin, career background, and the nature of the position you will occupy are all thoroughly evaluated.
Why It’s Important to Get Expert Help
Saudi visa applications require precision and attention to detail. Even a minor oversight can cause your application to be delayed or rejected.
At Saudi Visa Connect, we understand how complex and stressful this process can be. With over 20 years of experience relocating Latin American professionals to Saudi Arabia, we offer:
- Detailed guidance on each step of the visa process
- Personalized case analysis and documentation support
- Coordination with consulates and embassies
- Legalization of academic and personal documents
Whether you’re a mechanical engineer in Colombia, a project manager in Mexico, or a technician in Argentina, we can help you make this transition smoother.
Take the First Step Toward Working in Saudi Arabia
Don’t let paperwork or procedural hurdles stop your next career move.
If you are a Latin American professional with an opportunity to work in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Visa Connect is here to assist you.
