Saudi Arabia (SA)

Your primary Saudi identity document as an expat. Issued after your work visa entry; must be applied for within 90 days by your employer. Contains your Iqama number (used for all government services, banking, driving licence, etc.), your profession category (must match your actual job), expiry date, and sponsor information. Renew annually (SAR 650). Do not let it expire — fines of SAR 200/month apply.

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Required for all government processes, Iqama application, and travel. Keep a certified photocopy separate from the original. Saudi employers sometimes hold passports — this practice is illegal under Saudi Labour Law but occurs. If your employer holds your passport, request it back formally in writing.

Required for work visa issuance, professional licensing and employer processes. Saudi Arabia acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention in December 2022 (effective 2023); documents from Hague member countries now use apostille rather than the old embassy attestation chain. Some Saudi ministries or employers may still request MOFA Tawtheeq (Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation) additionally — confirm with your employer. Documents from non-Hague countries still need full consular attestation. Non-Arabic documents require a certified Arabic translation from a MOFA-approved translator.

Required for spouse dependent visa, adding a spouse to the Iqama and some legal processes. Saudi Arabia is now a Hague Apostille member (since December 2022); documents from Hague member countries use apostille. Non-Hague countries still require home country MFA attestation followed by Saudi Embassy legalisation. Certified Arabic translation required. Islamic marriages from Islamic-majority countries may follow a different process — confirm with the Saudi Embassy.

Required for children's dependent visas, school enrolment and Iqama dependent registration. Saudi Arabia is a Hague Apostille member (since December 2022); documents from Hague member countries use apostille. Non-Hague countries still need the full attestation chain (home country MFA → Saudi Embassy). Saudi-born children of expats must be registered with Saudi civil registration for residency purposes and separately with their home-country embassy.

Criminal background check from your home country (and any country of residence in the past 5 years) required for work visa issuance. Saudi Arabia is a Hague Apostille member (since December 2022); foreign clearances from Hague member countries use apostille. Non-Hague country documents still need consular authentication. Some professions (healthcare, education, finance) require updated clearances periodically. UK nationals: DBS Enhanced Check; US nationals: FBI background check. Non-Arabic certificates need certified Arabic translation.

Required for work visa application in your home country and for Iqama issuance. Must be conducted at an approved medical centre — Saudi embassies maintain lists of approved clinics. Tests typically include: HIV, hepatitis B/C, TB, and other communicable diseases. A positive result can disqualify you from entry. Also required for all dependents applying for Iqamas.

Issued by your employer's chosen CCHI-approved insurer. Contains your policy number, network hospitals, coverage limits, and insurer's 24/7 helpline. Carry this at all times — required at hospital check-in. Verify the card details match your Iqama information. In 2026, most insurers also provide a digital card via their app.

Must be in Arabic (legally required) — request a bilingual version. The Arabic text is legally binding in all disputes. Must be registered on the Qiwa platform in 2026. Contains salary (basic + allowances), contract duration, probation terms, leave entitlements, and ESB provisions. Keep a signed copy independently — do not rely only on your employer's records.

Saudi Arabia driving licence issued by Muroor (traffic police). Exchangeable without test for nationals of GCC, US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and many other countries. Requires: Iqama, passport, medical eye test, passport photos, and original foreign licence. In 2026, some exchange processes can be initiated via ABSHER. The Saudi licence is valid for 10 years.

Saudi Post's Wasel (واصل) system provides a unique short address code for every Saudi residence. Required for government correspondence, bank account opening, and Iqama updates. Register via the Saudi Post (SPL) app or website. Compound residents: ask management for your unit's pre-registered Wasel code.

All rental agreements must be registered on the Ejar (إيجار) government platform for legal enforceability. The Ejar certificate is your official proof of address and is required for some government and banking services. Without an Ejar-registered contract, you have extremely limited legal protection in rental disputes.