Saudi Arabia Caps Expat Hires for New Startups
Saudi Arabia has capped expat hires for startups under two years old to five visas to boost national employment under Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia has introduced a significant new restriction on the labor market, targeting the recruitment capabilities of young companies. Through the Qiwa platform, the Kingdom has implemented a cap that limits businesses with less than two years of operation to a maximum of just five expatriate work visas.
This regulatory shift, which was documented by Fragomen and other sources during June and August 2026, is designed to align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals. The initiative seeks to enhance national employment by prioritizing the integration of Saudi nationals into the workforce.
Visa Limits Based on Company Age
The new rules create a tiered system for hiring foreign talent based on the age and performance of a business. While new startups face strict limitations, established entities have more flexibility:
- Startups (under 2 years): Limited to a maximum of 5 expatriate visas.
- Established firms (over 2 years): May obtain up to 50 visas, provided they maintain a medium green Nitaqat status or higher.
Reports specifically highlighting these caps for young startups were noted by November 2, 2026.
Increased Saudization in Accounting
The tightening of labor regulations also extends to specific professional sectors. As of October 2026, the Saudization requirements for the accounting sector have been increased to 50%.
Impact on Expatriate Job Seekers
The policy shift is expected to create hurdles for new companies that require specialized foreign talent to scale. It also directly impacts expatriate job seekers, particularly those from South Asian countries such as India, as startups are now compelled to prioritize local talent during their recruitment processes.
Immigration experts suggest that the policy ties visa accessibility directly to company age and performance, creating challenges for new entities requiring specialized foreign talent while benefiting Saudi nationals entering the workforce.