Each year, more Colombian professionals receive job offers to work in Saudi Arabia, particularly in sectors such as oil & gas, engineering, construction, healthcare, and technology.
If you are a Colombian professional who has received a job offer in the Kingdom, or if you need to travel to Saudi Arabia for professional purposes, the next step is to begin the Saudi work visa process (KSA).
One key aspect to understand from the beginning is that the Saudi visa process for Colombians is not defined by the applicant’s location, but by the consulate specified in the Block Visa issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
For this reason, it is important to understand the Saudi visa process for Colombians, the required documents, and the steps necessary to prepare your application correctly.
How to Apply for a Saudi Visa from Colombia
The Saudi visa process for Colombians generally includes the following steps:
- The employer in Saudi Arabia obtains the Block Visa authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
- The visa applicant prepares academic, legal, and identity documents required for the Saudi work visa.
- The applicant completes QVP verification (Qualification Verification Program) if required.
- The applicant undergoes the required medical examinations for the Saudi visa.
- The visa application is registered through the Enjaz system, the official platform used by Saudi authorities.
- The visa application is submitted to the Saudi consulate indicated in the Block Visa for processing.
Preparing these steps correctly is essential to avoid delays in the Saudi visa application process for Colombians.
A Critical Factor: Which Consulate Processes Your Visa?
One of the most important aspects of the Saudi visa process for Colombians is understanding that the consulate is determined by the Block Visa issued by MOFA.
This means:
• The consulate is assigned by Saudi authorities
• It is explicitly indicated in the Block Visa
• All visa documents must match that consulate
Depending on the case, the application may be processed through:
• The Saudi Consulate in Bogotá, or
• Another Saudi consulate designated in the Block Visa
For this reason, verifying the assigned consulate before preparing any documentation is critical.
If you are unsure how to identify the correct consulate in your case, feel free to contact us for guidance.
Employer Responsibilities in Saudi Arabia (Sponsor Requirements)
Before the Colombian professional can begin the Saudi work visa process, the employer in Saudi Arabia — known as the Sponsor — must issue several official documents.
These documents allow the visa process to begin.
Block Visa (LOI)
The Block Visa (LOI) is issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and authorizes the hiring of foreign professionals.
This document includes:
- the applicant’s personal information
- the position offered
- the consulate responsible for processing the visa
Employment Contract
The employer must also issue the official employment contract, which must be:
- stamped by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce
- legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
This contract is a core requirement for the Saudi work visa application.
Documents Required from Colombian Applicants
Once the Sponsor issues the required documents, the Colombian professional must prepare a series of personal and professional documents.
These documents must comply with legalization and apostille requirements.
University Degree
Applicants must present their original university diploma or degree, which must be:
- legalized by the Ministry of Education
- apostilled
QVP Certificate (Qualification Verification Program)
One of the most important steps in the Saudi visa process for Colombians is completing QVP verification.
The Qualification Verification Program (QVP) verifies:
- academic degrees
- professional experience
This step is mandatory for many professionals applying for a Saudi work visa.
Work Experience Certificates
Applicants must also provide work experience letters that are:
- notarized
- apostilled
These documents allow Saudi authorities to validate the applicant’s professional experience.
Identity and Legal Documentation
Applicants must also provide the following documents.
Passport
The passport must:
- be valid for at least six months
- contain at least two blank pages
Police Clearance Certificate
Applicants must provide an apostilled police clearance certificate confirming they have no criminal record.
Visa Photograph
A digital photograph with a white background must be submitted according to the technical requirements of the visa application system.
Medical Examinations Required for Saudi Visas
Applicants must complete medical tests confirming they are free from diseases such as:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- HIV
In some cases, additional declarations related to Monkeypox may also be required.
Visa Application Through the Enjaz System
The visa application must be registered through the Enjaz system, the official Saudi visa processing platform.
Through this platform:
- the visa application is registered
- documents are uploaded
- the consular file is created
Conclusion
The Saudi visa process for Colombians requires coordination between the employer in Saudi Arabia and the visa applicant, as well as strict alignment with the consulate specified in the Block Visa.
Preparing documents correctly, completing QVP verification, and verifying the assigned consulate are essential steps to avoid delays or visa rejection.
At Saudi Visa Connect, we assist Latin American professionals and companies with the preparation and verification of Saudi visa documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saudi Visas for Colombians
Do Colombians apply for Saudi visas in Colombia or Peru?
The consulate where the visa is processed depends on the consulate specified in the Block Visa issued by MOFA. This may include Bogotá or another Saudi consulate depending on the case.
What is the Block Visa (LOI) for Saudi Arabia?
The Block Visa is an authorization issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs that allows companies to hire foreign professionals.
What is QVP verification for Saudi visas?
QVP verification is the process used by Saudi authorities to confirm academic credentials and professional experience for visa applicants.
How long does the Saudi visa process take?
The processing time varies depending on document preparation and consular workload, but it generally takes several weeks once all documents are complete.
Do You Need Help With Your Saudi Visa Process?
At Saudi Visa Connect, we support Colombian professionals and companies in the technical preparation of their Saudi visa applications, including:
• Sponsor document validation
• QVP registration
• Consular requirements verification
to prevent delays or visa rejections.
If you have questions about your case or want to verify that your application is correctly prepared before submission, you can contact us via WhatsApp.
Our team assists Latin American professionals applying for Saudi visas, ensuring that all documentation meets Saudi authorities’ requirements and the designated consulate.