Applying for a Saudi work visa? QVP in Saudi Arabia now verifies your foreign qualifications before your visa is stamped.
Here’s how it works in 2026 — who needs it, the documents, the steps, and the fee.
What Is QVP in Saudi Arabia?
The Qualification Verification Program (QVP) confirms that an expat’s degrees and professional credentials are genuine and match the job they were hired for. It is run by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD).
QVP sits within Saudi Arabia’s Professional Accreditation (PACC) framework, part of the Vision 2030 push to raise hiring standards and stop fake qualifications entering the labour market.
It works through primary source verification — your certificates are checked directly with the body that issued them. For most degrees, this has replaced the old Saudi cultural-mission attestation.
If your role is a technical trade rather than a graduate profession, you are routed to the Skill Verification Program (SVP) instead, which tests practical skills. This guide covers the QVP track.
Who Needs QVP in Saudi Arabia?
This is the biggest change. When QVP launched, only a few sectors — such as aviation, construction, health, media and tourism — required verification.
After an expansion announced in December 2024, QVP now applies to all industries. Most professionals applying for a Saudi work visa today must clear it, whatever their field.
The expansion also widened the nationalities covered, adding the UK, US, Canada, Germany, China, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, among others. Check your occupation on the PACC portal before you start.
You do not need to wait for a signed contract to begin, but the portal asks whether you already have a Saudi job offer. Regulated fields like engineering and healthcare may also need separate sector licensing on top of QVP.
Documents You Need
Have clear, complete scans ready before you begin. Most applicants are asked for the following:
- Passport copy (valid, matching your application details)
- Degree certificate and academic transcript
- Professional licences or certifications, if your field requires them
- Experience letters covering relevant roles
- Job offer or employment contract, where available
Documents not in Arabic or English usually need a certified translation. Make sure names, dates and spellings match your passport exactly.
How to Apply for QVP
The process runs entirely online through the official QVP portal and has three stages:
- Register on the QVP portal with your email and phone number, confirm the OTP, and set a password.
- Submit your details — upload your passport, enter your personal and education information, add your certificates, and state whether you have a Saudi job offer.
- Pay and track the fee by Visa or Mastercard, then follow your status under “Your Requests”, where you can preview or withdraw the application.
For questions, the QVP team can be reached at [email protected].
Fees and Processing Time
- Fee: around USD 93 (roughly SAR 349) per applicant, paid on the portal and non-refundable.
- Processing: usually about 15 working days, stretching to 21 if your university or licensing body is slow to confirm.
This step is added on top of your normal visa timeline, so start it as early as you can.
Common Reasons QVP Gets Delayed
Most hold-ups are avoidable. Watch for these before you submit:
- Experience-letter problems — missing signatures, stamps or dates are a frequent cause of rejection.
- Name or detail mismatches — spelling differences, a missing middle name, or a changed surname after marriage.
- Slow university response — verification cannot proceed until your institution confirms your records.
- Poor scans — unclear or incomplete documents get put on hold.
What Happens After Verification?
Once your certificates clear, the QVP platform forwards a request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for your entry visa. Your work visa cannot be stamped — and your Iqama cannot be issued — until QVP is cleared.
This is separate from Saudi contract verification, which checks your employment terms. You may need both.
With approval done, you can finalise travel. Compare flights to Riyadh or flights to Jeddah, and book hotels in Riyadh or hotels in Jeddah for your first nights.
Before you fly, check whether it is safe to travel to Saudi Arabia right now. Once settled, see where you can go with visa-free travel from Saudi Arabia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is QVP mandatory for every job now?
Since the December 2024 expansion, QVP applies across all industries. Most professionals applying for a Saudi work visa must clear it, regardless of sector.
Do I still need embassy attestation for my degree?
For most degrees, QVP’s primary source verification has replaced the old Saudi cultural-mission attestation. Some regulated professions still require separate sector licensing.
Can I start QVP before I have a job offer?
Yes. You can begin verification on the portal, which asks whether you already have a Saudi job offer. Many applicants start early to avoid visa delays.
How long does QVP take?
Usually about 15 working days, and up to 21 if your university or licensing body is slow to confirm your records.
Sources
- Qualification Verification Program — Official Portal
- Professional Accreditation (PACC), Saudi Arabia
- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
- Fragomen — Expansion of the Qualification Verification Program
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
