Expat on Iqama taking freelance projects
I am on my employer's Iqama. Can I take freelance projects on the side?
The situation
An expat's Iqama and work permit link him to his sponsoring employer. Independent work outside that employer needs a separate legal basis, such as owning a registered company or holding premium residency.
The law
- MHRSD Freelance Document rules: Individuals register approved independent activities on the Freelance platform
- Investment Law (Royal Decree M/19, 11 August 2024): Foreign investors register with MISA before investing; licensing replaced by registration
What it means for you
We could not confirm in public sources that non-Saudis can obtain the MHRSD freelance document, so treat it as unavailable until checked on freelance.sa. Options are forming your own MISA-registered LLC, moving to premium residency or doing the work through your employer. Check your contract for side work limits.
What to do
- Read your employment contract.
- Check freelance.sa eligibility.
- Choose a legal route before invoicing.
Working outside your sponsor without a legal basis can lead to fines and loss of status.
We can do this for youFreelancers in Saudi Arabia: freelance document for Saudis, legal routes for expats, VAT and tax: SAR 1,500