Livida Sport: A Global Guide to Football Transfers - Second Edition - Manual / Resource - Page 76
SAR س.ر
Arabic
Immigration Rules
There are two visas available for professional sportspeople wishing to play in Saudi
Arabia. The Employment Visa involves a Saudi club sponsoring a player for a duration
equal to the employment contract and requires annual renewal. The Gifted Saudi
Premium Residence is for elite sportspeople wishing to live and work in Saudi Arabia,
permitting five years9 residence with an ability to change employers and other benefits
including simpler departure and re-entry to the Kingdom, sponsorship of visiting relatives,
rights to own property and to rights to conduct business.
Player Requirements
Employment Visas must be supported by a Work Permit issued by the Chamber of
Commerce, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (which is applied for by the club). An attested
contract, medical insurance and a medical exam are also required.
The Gifted Saudi Premium Residency programme is for athletes or sports specialists
with notable achievements in Saudi Arabia or internationally. Applications are
assessed on a case-by-case basis and require a recent medical certificate and
criminal clearance.
Dependents
Dependents are permitted to reside with the applicant.
Applications
Applications for either route must normally be made at a Saudi Embassy/Consulate of
the player9s country of residence. Processing for the employment visa can take up to
seven working days. Applications for the Gifted Saudi Premium Residence can take
several weeks, depending on the evidence requested and submitted.
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