RIYADH: Good news for investors coming to Saudi Arabia. Investors from any country in the world can now obtain a Saudi Arabia business e-visa. Earlier, e-visa was allowed only to investors from certain selected countries but now that decision has been reversed.

The Ministry of Investment and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia has launched the second phase of the Visiting Investor e-visa scheme. Investors who require an e-Visa can apply online. Earlier, it was necessary to apply through the embassy.

The concerned ministry has clarified that eligible foreign investors can apply for single-entry or multiple-entry e-visa. Another feature is that the investors can perform Umrah on this visa except during the Hajj season.

Who can apply for an e-Visa?

International visitors from all countries can apply for the Saudi Visiting Investor e-Visa. One can apply through the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs.

The e-Visa extension also includes the following categories

• Tourist and commercial visa holders of the UK, US or other Schengen countries can apply for Saudi Arabia e-Visa.
• Residents from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries with a minimum of three months validity.
• Companies licensed by the Ministry of Investment.

Saudi Arabia implemented the first phase of e-Visa in June 2023. The e-Visa scheme aims to attract foreign investors. The visa is for exploring investment opportunities only.

Also, the ministry is proposing that visitors arriving on e-visa should refrain from engaging in other jobs. Projects including e-visa are being implemented as part of Saudi Vision 2030, which envisions the future of Saudi Arabia.