Saudi Arabia (SA)

Apply for your Iqama (residence permit) within 90 days

Your employer is legally obligated to apply for your Iqama within 90 days of your work visa entry. The Iqama (إقامة) is your Saudi residence permit — without it you cannot open a bank account, sign a rental contract, get a driving licence, or access most government services. In 2026, Iqama applications are processed through ABSHER — your employer's PRO (public relations officer) typically handles this. Track progress via ABSHER.

Create an Iqama renewal calendar and never let it expire

Iqama must be renewed annually (or per the visa duration). Late renewal incurs SAR 200/month fine per person (you + each dependent). Expired Iqama is effectively illegal residence. Your employer's PRO is responsible for Iqama renewal but you must track it — do not rely solely on the PRO. Set ABSHER alerts. Renewal window: start 30 days before expiry. Fee: SAR 650 per person. In 2026, Iqama renewals are processed via ABSHER and do not require physical attendance in most cases.

Verify your salary is paid via WPS (Wage Protection System)

Saudi Arabia's Wage Protection System (WPS) mandates that all private sector employees receive salaries electronically by the 10th of each month. If your employer pays late or outside WPS, they face MHRSD penalties and restrictions on hiring new workers. Verify via ABSHER or Muqeem that your salary is being recorded in WPS. This protects your rights and provides a legal record if disputes arise.

Register family members on ABSHER and manage their status

Once family members have their Iqamas, register them on ABSHER under your sponsor account. This links their status to yours, allows you to apply for exit visas, track renewals, and manage dependent permissions. Female family members (wives, adult daughters) in 2026 have significantly expanded travel freedoms — adults over 21 can apply for exit visas independently. Children under 18 require sponsor's ABSHER approval for travel.

Verify your CCHI employer health insurance coverage

Employer-provided health insurance is mandatory in Saudi Arabia under the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) regulations. Employers must provide coverage from day one of employment — failure to do so is a legal violation. In 2026, verify your CCHI insurance card, policy number, covered hospitals network, and annual limit (typically SAR 250,000–500,000 for standard plans). Check via CCHI's "Naphies" portal or your insurer's app.

Register your rental contract on the Ejar platform

All rental contracts in Saudi Arabia must be registered on the Ejar (إيجار) platform. The Ejar contract is legally enforceable and protects both tenant and landlord. You need your Iqama, landlord's ID/CR, and agreed rental terms. The registered contract is also needed for Wasel address registration and some government service applications. Unregistered leases provide very limited legal protection in disputes.

Verify all mandatory insurances are active from day one

Saudi Arabia requires several mandatory insurances for expat residents: (1) CCHI Health Insurance — employer must provide from day one; (2) Motor Insurance (Tamin Al-Siarat) — mandatory third-party liability for any vehicle; (3) Home contents insurance is optional but strongly recommended. Verify each via the relevant app or document. In 2026, CCHI compliance is enforced — uninsured employees face visa renewal issues. Driving uninsured leads to SAR 500–1,000 fine plus vehicle impound.

Activate your ABSHER government portal account

ABSHER (absher.sa / ABSHER app) is Saudi Arabia's central government digital platform — the equivalent of an entire government office in your pocket. Used to track Iqama status, renew Iqama, manage exit/re-entry visas, update personal information, and access 200+ government services. Register as soon as you have your Iqama number. Foreign residents use the "ABSHER Afrad" (individuals) section.

Register your Wasel national address

Wasel (واصل) is Saudi Arabia's national address system — every residence gets a unique short address (e.g., RRJB1234 5678). Required for official correspondence, Iqama updates, utility bills, bank accounts, and government mail. Register your address via Saudi Post's website or app. Compound residents often have a compound address assigned — confirm with building management.

Research and apply to international schools for children

Saudi Arabia has a strong network of international schools for expat children — curricula include British (IGCSE/A-level), American (AP), IB, Indian (CBSE/ICSE), Pakistani, and Philippine systems. Top schools in Riyadh: British International School Riyadh, Riyadh International School, American International School, GEMS schools. In Jeddah: British School Jeddah, International Indian School. Waiting lists at top schools can be 6–18 months. Apply before arriving if possible. Annual fees in 2026: SAR 30,000–100,000+ per child.

File home country tax return if required (US, UK, AUS, and others)

Saudi Arabia has no personal income tax — but your home country may still require you to file. US citizens and permanent residents must file IRS returns and FBAR/FATCA reports regardless of residence (Foreign Earned Income Exclusion 2026: USD 132,900; FEIE requires Form 2555). UK residents who left mid-year file a split-year return; non-UK residents after a year abroad may have reduced UK obligations. Australian residents abroad may retain Australian tax residency. Confirm your tax residency status with a specialist expat tax advisor.

Get foreign documents attested and legalised for Saudi use

Foreign documents (degree certificates, marriage certificates, birth certificates, police clearance) must be attested by your home country government and then authenticated by the Saudi embassy before arriving — or legalised through an apostille chain followed by Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation in-country. In 2026, the MOFA attestation app (Tawtheeq) streamlines in-country steps. Documents in non-Arabic languages require a certified Arabic translation from a MOFA-approved Saudi translator.

Register with your home country embassy or consulate

Most countries operate embassies in Riyadh and consulates in Jeddah and Khobar. Registration ensures you receive emergency alerts, evacuation assistance, and consular support. Many countries also offer online registration (e.g., UK's FCDO LOCATE, US Smart Traveler Enrolment Program / STEP, Australian DFAT). Emergency support is limited if you are not registered.

Make digital backups of all critical documents

Keep certified digital copies of your Iqama, passport (data page + Saudi visa), employment contract, educational certificates, CCHI insurance card, and vehicle registration. Use encrypted cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive) and a secure email draft. Saudi authorities may request physical Iqama at any time — you can carry a laminated photocopy while the original is stored safely, though the original may be required at checkpoints.

Arrange power of attorney for home country matters

If you own property, have financial accounts, or have ongoing legal matters in your home country, arrange a notarised power of attorney (POA) before or shortly after departure. For use in Saudi Arabia, foreign POAs must be legalised — MOFA Tawtheeq handles in-country documents. Saudi attorneys (محامي) can draft Saudi-law POAs. Particularly important for property transactions, inheritance, and banking in your home country.

Open a Saudi bank account

A Saudi riyal (SAR) bank account is essential for receiving salary (required under WPS — Wage Protection System), paying rent, and daily transactions. Al Rajhi Bank, Saudi National Bank (SNB), and Riyad Bank are the most expat-friendly with English app interfaces and widespread ATM networks. In 2026, account opening is partially digital — Al Rajhi's "Raqamak" service allows opening via app with Iqama. Most banks require your Iqama to be fully active before account opening.

Set up international money transfer service

Saudi Arabia is one of the world's top remittance-sending countries. Major transfer corridors: SAR to INR/PKR/BDT (South Asia), SAR to PHP/IDR (Southeast Asia), SAR to EGP (Egypt), SAR to USD/GBP/EUR (Western). Al Rajhi, Western Union, and MoneyGram have physical agent networks. In 2026, STC Pay, PayTabs, and Wise offer competitive digital rates. Al Rajhi's remittance app (Al Rajhi Digital) charges SAR 10–20 per transfer with competitive rates.

Get a Saudi SIM card (STC, Mobily, or Zain)

A Saudi SIM card is essential — needed for ABSHER OTP verification, banking, and daily life. Three main operators in 2026: STC (stc.com.sa) has widest coverage including remote areas; Mobily (mobily.com.sa) is strong in cities; Zain (sa.zain.com) is competitive for international calls. Prepaid SIMs require Iqama registration within 90 days — after that, prepaid SIMs linked to your Iqama are the norm. Monthly postpaid plans SAR 50–200 with generous data.

Understand VoIP restrictions and app availability in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia regulates internet services — some VoIP apps are restricted or throttled by the Communications and Space Technology Commission (CST). In 2026: WhatsApp voice/video calls are fully functional; Facetime (audio over data) works; Skype audio calls may be throttled; some gaming VoIP apps may not work. Most standard social media (Twitter/X, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, LinkedIn) are accessible. Content critical of the government may be blocked. Pornographic content is blocked.

Learn prayer times and their impact on business and daily life

Five daily prayers (Salah) structure everyday life in Saudi Arabia — shops close, business meetings pause, and some government services halt during prayer times. In 2026, the government has relaxed mandatory shop closures in many retail settings (Vision 2030 reform) but traditional souqs, many local businesses, and government offices still close. Prayer times shift daily (tied to sunrise/sunset). Download a prayer time app (Athan, Muslim Pro, or the Saudi national app) to plan your day. Total prayer closure time: approximately 2–3 hours distributed across the day.

Explore all ABSHER government services available to you

ABSHER (absher.sa) is Saudi Arabia's central government digital platform with 200+ services. Key services for expats: Iqama renewal tracking, exit/re-entry visa management, family member management, traffic fine payment, driving licence renewal, and service request status tracking. ABSHER Afrad (individual section) is for residents; ABSHER Amal (business section) for employers. In 2026, ABSHER integrates with Tawakkalna (health), Muqeem (iqama/employment), and Qiwa (labour services).

Register on Sehaty health app and Tawakkalna

Two essential Saudi health and government apps in 2026: (1) Sehaty (سحاتي) — the MOH's digital health platform for appointment booking at government health centres, vaccination records, and health history. (2) Tawakkalna (تواكلنا) — the original COVID-19 tracking app, now evolved into a broad government services platform (vaccine records, health certifications, ABSHER integration, age verification for venues). Both require your Iqama and Saudi mobile number.

Plan for school fees and childcare costs

International school fees in Saudi Arabia range from SAR 20,000–100,000+ per year per child. Nurseries (for under-5s): SAR 1,500–5,000/month. School buses: SAR 3,000–8,000/year per child. Uniforms and books add SAR 2,000–5,000/year. Some employers provide a school fee allowance (بدل تعليم) — typically SAR 20,000–60,000 per child annually. Public Saudi schools are for Saudi nationals only. GEMS and Kuwaiti curriculum schools offer slightly lower fees at SAR 20,000–40,000.

Review your employment contract in both Arabic and English

Saudi employment contracts are legally required to be in Arabic — the Arabic version is the legally binding version in any dispute. Many employers provide bilingual contracts, but if yours is English-only, request an Arabic version and have it translated. Key clauses to check: salary (basic salary vs allowances), contract duration (fixed-term vs open-ended), probation period (max 90 days, extendable to 180 days by agreement), annual leave (minimum 21 days after 1 year), housing and transport allowances, and ESB (End of Service Benefit) terms.

Understand Nitaqat Saudization and how it affects your employer

Nitaqat (نطاقات) is Saudi Arabia's Saudization quota programme requiring private sector employers to employ a minimum percentage of Saudi nationals (varying by industry and company size). Companies are rated Platinum, Green, Yellow, or Red based on compliance. In 2026, Nitaqat enforcement is intensifying — companies in Yellow or Red zones face restrictions on Iqama renewals, new work visas, and government service access. As an expat employee, your employer's Nitaqat status directly affects your residence permit and career stability.

Calculate your End of Service Benefit (ESB) entitlement

End of Service Benefit (مكافأة نهاية الخدمة) is a mandatory gratuity payment under Saudi Labour Law. Calculation: half a month's salary per year for years 1–5; one month's salary per year for years 6–10; one and a half months per year for years 10+. "Salary" = basic salary only (not allowances) for ESB purposes. If you resign before 2 years, you forfeit ESB. Resignation after 2–5 years entitles you to 1/3 of ESB; after 5–10 years, 2/3; after 10+ years, full ESB.

Apply for dependent visas for spouse and children

Expats can sponsor family members (spouse and children under 18) on a Dependent Visa (تأشيرة مرافق). Your employer's PRO typically handles the application via ABSHER. Requirements: valid Iqama, marriage certificate (attested), birth certificates for children (attested), medical fitness certificates for dependents, and sponsor's salary confirmation. Dependent levy: SAR 400/month per dependent (government fee, paid by sponsor). Dependent spouses cannot work without a separate work permit.

Create a realistic Saudi Arabia monthly budget

Saudi Arabia offers high salaries but has distinct cost structures — some things are cheap (petrol SAR 0.93/L, utilities, eating out at local restaurants), others expensive (international schools, compound rentals, imported goods). 2026 monthly cost estimates for a single expat in Riyadh: accommodation SAR 4,000–12,000; food SAR 1,500–4,000; transport (car + petrol) SAR 1,500–3,000; health/personal SAR 500–1,500; entertainment/leisure SAR 500–2,000; total SAR 8,000–22,000. For families add school fees and dependent levy (SAR 400/dependent/month).

Build a savings strategy to maximise the Saudi tax-free opportunity

Working in Saudi Arabia with zero income tax is a rare financial opportunity — but only if you have a plan to save rather than lifestyle-inflate. Core strategy: automate transfers to a home-country savings or investment account on payday; maintain a SAR emergency fund (3–6 months expenses); invest surplus in tax-efficient vehicles in your home country. The median expat stint in Saudi Arabia is 3–7 years — with discipline, you can save the equivalent of 7–10 years of home-country savings.

Find an English-speaking doctor and register with a clinic

Saudi Arabia has a well-developed private healthcare system — major hospitals include King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib (HMG), Saudi German Hospital, Mouwasat, and Dallah Hospital. All major private hospitals have English-speaking staff. Register with a GP clinic before you are ill. Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar have the most expat-oriented clinics. Government hospitals (MOH) are primarily for Saudi nationals but treat emergencies for all.

Check medication legality — many medicines need Saudi prescriptions

Saudi Arabia has strict drug regulations — many medicines available OTC in Western countries require a prescription in Saudi Arabia, and some (especially controlled substances, certain painkillers, ADHD medications, anti-anxiety drugs, and sleeping tablets) are prohibited or heavily restricted. Import without proper documentation can result in detention. Always carry a doctor's letter for any medication in Arabic and English. Check via Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) before importing.

Find suitable accommodation — compound or city apartment

Expats in Saudi Arabia typically choose between: (1) Residential compounds — gated communities with Western amenities, pools, gyms, and mixed-gender socialising; popular with Western families; SAR 40,000–150,000/year for a villa. (2) City apartments — integrated in Saudi neighbourhoods; lower cost; SAR 20,000–60,000/year. In 2026, Riyadh's Northern Ring Road, Diplomatic Quarter, Al Nakheel, and Hittin districts are top expat areas. Major compound operators: Oasis Riyadh, Seder Village, Desert Village, Al Hamra.

Register electricity and water utilities

Electricity is provided by Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) — register a new account (نقل الخدمة) at SEC's app or absher.sa. Water is managed by the National Water Company (NWC) or regional utilities. Electricity in Saudi Arabia is heavily subsidised — residential rates are very low (SAR 0.05–0.32 per kWh tiered). Internet providers: STC Fibre, Mobily, Zain, and stc home broadband. Average utility bills: SAR 300–800/month including electricity, water, and internet.

Confirm your correct visa and Iqama category for your work

Your Iqama specifies your profession/category (مهنة) — this must match your actual job. Working outside your Iqama category is illegal and can result in deportation and ban. Common categories: Engineer, Doctor, Teacher, Accountant, IT Specialist, Manager, Technical Worker. Job title in Iqama is in Arabic — get it translated and confirm it matches your actual role. Nitaqat quota compliance also depends on your registered profession category.

Learn basic Arabic phrases and Saudi greeting customs

Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia and while English is widely spoken in business and major cities, learning basic phrases significantly improves daily life, builds rapport with Saudi colleagues, and shows cultural respect. Priority phrases: greetings (As-salamu alaykum, Marhaba), numbers 1–10, directional words, polite phrases (Shukran, Afwan, Min fadlak), and food/shopping vocabulary. Gulf Arabic dialect (Saudi) differs from Modern Standard Arabic — learn Gulf dialect for daily use.

Understand Sharia law and its practical implications for expats

Saudi Arabia is governed by Sharia (Islamic law) applied through Saudi statutes. Practical implications for expats: zero alcohol tolerance (criminal); dress codes (modesty required); public behaviour laws (no PDA); financial contracts structured as Islamic finance (no conventional interest); inheritance governed by Sharia (affects non-Muslims with Saudi assets); family law (divorce, custody) follows Sharia. Under Vision 2030, some social restrictions have relaxed but core Sharia-based laws remain strictly enforced.

Prepare a will — Sharia inheritance rules apply to Saudi assets

If you die in Saudi Arabia, assets held in Saudi Arabia (bank accounts, property, vehicles) are distributed according to Sharia inheritance law — which differs significantly from Western intestate succession. Non-Muslim foreign nationals may be treated under Saudi Sharia courts by default. Prepare a will in your home country covering global assets, AND consider a separate will for Saudi-held assets with Saudi legal advice. Children's custody under Sharia may also differ from home country expectations.

Research Saudi Arabia pet import requirements before bringing pets

Saudi Arabia allows import of cats and dogs but with strict requirements and some breed restrictions. In 2026: microchip (ISO 15-digit) required, rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel, not within 12 months of last dose), veterinary health certificate from home country government vet, MOAM (Ministry of Agriculture) import permit obtained in advance. Some dog breeds (fighting/dangerous breeds) are restricted. Pets enter via Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam airports — cargo section, not cabin for large animals.

Register your pet with a licensed Saudi veterinarian

Find and register with a licensed veterinarian near your home after arrival. Major cities have good vet services — Riyadh: Vets on Call, Al-Hokair Veterinary Clinics, Riyadh Veterinary Hospital. Jeddah: Jeddah Animal Hospital. Routine vaccination boosters, parasite prevention, and annual health checks are essential. Rabies boosters required annually to maintain validity. Veterinary costs: routine consult SAR 150–400; emergency SAR 500–2,000+.

Understand Saudi VAT (15%) and its impact on expenses

Saudi Arabia introduced VAT at 5% in 2018 and raised it to 15% in 2020. Applies to most goods and services. Employers may reimburse VAT on business expenses — keep all VAT receipts (فاتورة ضريبية). If you register a business in Saudi Arabia, VAT registration is mandatory above SAR 375,000 annual turnover. Zero-rated items include basic food, medicines, and exports. Exemptions include financial services and residential rent. ZATCA (the Saudi tax authority) enforces VAT compliance strictly with e-invoicing (Fatoorah) mandatory for all registered businesses in 2026.

Exchange your foreign driving licence or get a Saudi licence

Most nationalities with a valid foreign driving licence can exchange it for a Saudi driving licence directly — no test required for licences from GCC countries, USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and many others. The Muroor (traffic police) processes exchanges. In 2026, exchanges are possible via Absher Afrad or Muroor branches. For nationalities not on the exchange list, a Saudi driving test is required. Women have driven legally since June 2018 — the exchange process is the same for all genders.

Set up the Riyadh Metro Darb card and learn the 6-line network

The Riyadh Metro opened fully in 2024 — 6 lines, 85 stations, covering 176 km across the capital. The Darb smart card is used for payment across metro, bus, and some other public transport. Load Darb card via the RTA (Riyadh Transport Authority) app, machines at stations, or Al Rajhi app. Fares: SAR 3–8 per journey depending on distance. Metro operates 06:00–midnight (extended hours during weekends and Ramadan). Women's carriages available on all trains.

Know your rights under the Saudi Labour Law

Saudi Labour Law (Royal Decree M/51 and subsequent amendments) provides core protections for all employees including expats: 21 days minimum annual leave (rising to 30 days after 5 years), maximum 8-hour working day / 48-hour week (reduced to 6 hours/day in Ramadan), overtime pay of 150% for standard overtime and 200% for public holidays, 10 weeks maternity leave (fully paid), 3 days paternity leave, and ESB on termination. MHRSD enforces these rights via the Musaned and Qiwa platforms.