The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Saudi Arabia introduced the second phase of its “Visiting Investor” scheme. The scheme of the business visit visa, which currently covers 60 nations, will now include all countries around the world.
The e-visa offered allows multiple entries and remains valid for up to one year. Certain beneficiaries may even gain immediate access, allowing them to explore investment opportunities within the Kingdom firsthand, VisaGuide.World reports.
Such an initiative is a crucial component of the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to align with the Vision 2030 initiative, which prioritizes enhancing the investment climate and streamlining the commencement of business activities.
“Apply now for a #BusinessVisitVisa (Visitor Investor) to benefit from the exceptional investment opportunities offered by the Kingdom in various diverse and promising sectors, and to learn about the Kingdom with its strategic geographical location between the three continents of the world,” the Ministry of Investment (MISA) wrote on X, former Twitter.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Investment has increased the eligibility criteria for the instant e-visa, including individuals from countries listed on the Ministry of Investment’s “Invest Saudi” platform. However, it now extends to those with a valid tourist or commercial visa from the United States, United Kingdom, or any Schengen country who have visited these nations at least once.
Furthermore, the initiative benefits permanent residents of the US, UK, or EU countries and individuals with valid residency of at least three months in any GCC country. Those licensed by the Ministry of Investment are also eligible, with each facility entitled to three instant visas per year.
The move not only enhances the investment climate in the kingdom but also streamlines the establishment of new enterprises, attracting substantial investments that will play an important role in boosting the economy.
In this regard, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment for Integrated Investor Services, Mohammed Abahussain, pointed out that the “Visiting Investor” business visit visa is expected to entice foreign investors to seek an e-visa via the Ministry of Investment’s affiliated platform, “Invest Saudi.”
According to the same, the application will be processed through this platform, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will digitally issue the visa.
Last month, Saudi Arabia also expanded its e-tourist visa program to encompass nationals from an additional six countries, bringing the total number of eligible nations to 63. As a result, the Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia said that the E-visa program will now include citizens of Türkiye, Thailand, Mauritius, Seychelles, Panama, and Saint Kitts and Nevis.
