Employer-Sponsored Work Visa + Iqama: Fees Breakdown for Nigerians ₦0
Below is the complete breakdown of Employer-Sponsored Work Visa + Iqama fees for Nigerian applicants moving to Saudi Arabia. Every line item is verified against the official immigration authority schedule — application fee, health surcharge, language test, credential evaluation, and other government fees.
Employer-Sponsored Work Visa + Iqama fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Not required | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 21 June 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
Expert tip
Employer-Sponsored Work Visa + Iqama
Under Saudi Labour Law Article 40, your employer must pay ALL visa costs — including the MOFA visa issuance fee (SAR 300–500), work permit/Maktab Amal levy (SAR 800/month or SAR 9,600/year), Iqama issuance (SAR 650), medical examination (SAR 300–800), and mandatory health insurance (SAR 1,200–5,000/year). It is illegal for employers to deduct these costs from your salary. Your personal out-of-pocket for the visa itself should be zero. Budget instead for flights from Lagos (₦700,000–₦750,000), initial accommodation, and personal expenses. The Kafala sponsorship system was officially abolished in June 2025 — you can now change employers without sponsor consent and leave the country without an exit visa. Employment contracts are managed digitally through the Qiwa platform. Always verify your employer is registered on Qiwa before accepting an offer.
Where Nigerians settle in Saudi Arabia
Once your Employer-Sponsored Work Visa + Iqama is approved, most Nigerians head to Riyadh or Jeddah. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- Riyadh: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,238,617/month · Lagos–Riyadh flights from ~$470 · Nigerian community: Large
- Jeddah: 1-bedroom rent ₦910,748/month · Lagos–Jeddah flights from ~$450 · Nigerian community: Large
- Dammam: 1-bedroom rent ₦648,817/month · Lagos–Dammam flights from ~$500 · Nigerian community: Small-Medium
Life in Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital and economic engine of Vision 2030, with the highest salaries and fastest job growth in the Kingdom. A 1-bed apartment averages SAR 3,136/month ($836 USD) outside the city centre and SAR 4,296/month ($1,145 USD) in the centre — blended average around SAR 3,700 ($990 USD). Riyadh is 52.7% more expensive than Lagos excluding rent. The Nigerian community is the largest in the Kingdom, estimated at several hundred thousand, concentrated in areas like Al Batha and Al Olaya. Summer heat is extreme — 45–50°C from June to September. The city is transforming rapidly with mega-projects like NEOM and The Line driving demand for engineers, tech workers, and healthcare professionals. No public transit historically, but the Riyadh Metro (6 lines) opened in 2024, reducing the need for a car. Entertainment options expanded significantly since 2019 — cinemas, concerts, and restaurants are now abundant.
3% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose Saudi Arabia as their destination. Average Japa Score: 65/100. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦500K–₦2M.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Employer-Sponsored Work Visa + Iqama cost for Nigerians moving to Saudi Arabia?
- Total government fees for the Employer-Sponsored Work Visa + Iqama are ₦0 (about $0). This covers the visa application fee, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Employer-Sponsored Work Visa + Iqama processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Employer-Sponsored Work Visa + Iqama is 3–8 weeks (employer-initiated; high-skilled visas may process in 1–3 weeks). Apply from the Saudi Arabia High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- What documents do I need to apply for the Employer-Sponsored Work Visa + Iqama from Nigeria?
- You will need a valid Nigerian international passport (at least 6 months validity beyond your intended travel date), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and supporting evidence of eligibility.
- Where do most Nigerians settle after relocating to Saudi Arabia?
- Riyadh is the most popular destination for Nigerians relocating to Saudi Arabia. Average 1-bedroom rent is ₦1,238,617 per month. The Nigerian community in Riyadh is smaller but active; diaspora associations and online groups help new arrivals settle quickly.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into Saudi Arabia.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 21 June 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-03