Saudi Arabia (SA)
Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and the world's leading oil producer — a rapidly transforming absolute monarchy embarking on an ambitious Vision 2030 diversification agenda that has already delivered entertainment venues, mixed-gender events, a booming tourism sector, and the Riyadh Metro.
Leaving Saudi Arabia
How to properly exit — protecting your finances, rights and records.
📅 General Timeline
Recommended departure timeline: Month -3: Start job search or plan departure; notify employer. Month -2: Give employer official resignation/termination notice; begin utility cancellation planning. Month -1: Employer initiates Final Exit via ABSHER; begin property handover; cancel utilities; notify schools (2–4 weeks notice for child deregistration). Week -2: Collect all outstanding documents (employment certificate, GOSI contribution letter, CCHI certificate of insurance, salary payslips). Week -1: Collect ESB and final salary; return all company property; complete property handover; close or note bank accounts. Day 0: Final Exit from Saudi Arabia before visa expiry. After departure: file home-country tax returns as applicable; contact NI (UK), Social Security (US), or ATO (AUS) to update overseas status.
Deregistration
When permanently leaving Saudi Arabia, your employer initiates the Iqama cancellation (إلغاء الإقامة) and Final Exit Visa (خروج نهائي) via ABSHER. You must return your Iqama and exit within the validity period stated on the Final Exit. Steps: (1) Notify employer and agree final working day; (2) Employer initiates Final Exit via ABSHER; (3) Collect ESB, final salary, and any outstanding leave pay; (4) Cancel utilities, close bank accounts (optional — accounts can remain open), end rental contract; (5) Exit Saudi Arabia before the Final Exit visa expires (typically 30–60 days). Failure to exit by the Final Exit date incurs fines and re-entry bans.
Tax clearance
No personal income tax in Saudi Arabia means no income tax clearance required for employment income. If you operated a business registered with ZATCA (VAT-registered company), you must file final VAT returns and close the VAT registration before departure. For Zakat compliance (Muslim Saudi nationals with business holdings), a Zakat clearance certificate may be needed. For corporate entities, ZATCA clearance is required before dissolving the company. Employees leaving have no personal tax obligations to ZATCA.
Pension portability
There is no pension from Saudi GOSI for expat workers — nothing to transfer or claim on departure. ESB (End of Service Benefit) is your entitlement: collect it from your employer on or before departure. If the employer refuses to pay ESB, file an MHRSD complaint before leaving — it is much harder to pursue from outside Saudi Arabia. For home-country pension plans (UK SIPP, US 401k, AUS super), contributions made during your Saudi years remain in the home-country vehicle — consult your pension provider about transfers and consolidation.
Health insurance
CCHI health insurance ends when your Iqama is cancelled (typically on your last working day or shortly after). Arrange private international health insurance to cover the gap between CCHI ending and arriving home, especially for long-haul international travel. If leaving Saudi Arabia for a period before returning home (e.g., travelling the region), ensure you have travel insurance covering medical emergencies.
Bank account
Saudi bank accounts can remain open after your Iqama is cancelled if the bank permits — useful for receiving outstanding payments (final salary, ESB, expense reimbursements). However, some banks require an active Iqama to maintain an account — check your bank's policy. Before departure: withdraw funds or set up international transfers for your remaining balance. Mada debit card may still work for a period after departure for online transactions in SAR.
Utilities
Cancel electricity (SEC), water (NWC), and internet (STC/Mobily) accounts before departure. Allow 1–2 weeks for cancellation processing. Request a final bill and ensure payment — outstanding utility bills can create complications. Return any rental modem/router to the internet provider. Terminate the Ejar rental contract in coordination with your landlord — final property inspection and deposit return before departure.
Rental contract
Provide written notice to your landlord as per the Ejar contract (typically 30–60 days). Coordinate final handover inspection and deposit return. If departing before the lease end date, negotiate early termination — you may forfeit part of the deposit or owe early termination fees. Compound departures are usually smooth — management has established departure procedures. If staying at the departure date with an active Iqama cancellation, ensure your rental agreement termination aligns with your Final Exit visa timeline.
Leaving the Country
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