New Resident Guide
The complete guide to settling in Saudi Arabia — how to open a bank account, choose the best bank, get a SIM card, find an apartment to rent, understand Saudi labor law, find a job, and everything else new expat residents need to set up life in the Kingdom.
Best Banks in Saudi Arabia for Expats 2026 — Al Rajhi, SABB & SNB Compared
Choosing the right bank in Saudi Arabia makes everyday life significantly easier. Most expats need a local account for salary deposits, bill payments, and international transfers. This guide compares the top banks in Saudi Arabia for expat residents — covering apps, English support, fees, and what each bank is best for.
Buying Property in Saudi Arabia as an Expat — What's Allowed and How It Works
Property ownership rules for expats in Saudi Arabia have evolved significantly in recent years. This guide explains what expats are legally allowed to buy, where, the conditions attached, the buying process, and what to watch out for — so you can make an informed decision about purchasing property in the Kingdom.
Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia — A Realistic Guide for Expats
Saudi Arabia can be surprisingly affordable or surprisingly expensive depending on your lifestyle, city, and housing situation. This guide gives realistic cost estimates across housing, food, transport, utilities, and healthcare — so you can plan your budget before or after arriving.
Ejar Guide — How to Register Your Rental Contract in Saudi Arabia
Ejar (إيجار) is the Saudi government's official rental contract registration platform. Since 2018, all residential rental contracts in Saudi Arabia must be registered through Ejar to be legally valid. An unregistered contract cannot be used for Iqama renewal, bank account opening, school enrollment, utility connections, or any government service requiring proof of address. This guide explains how Ejar works, how to register your contract, and what to do if your landlord refuses.
How to Connect Electricity in Saudi Arabia — SEC & STC Registration Guide
When you move into a new apartment or villa in Saudi Arabia, you need to set up electricity and water in your name. Electricity in most of Saudi Arabia is supplied by the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC). In some areas, distribution is handled by regional utilities — MARAFIQ in Jubail and Yanbu, and private operators in some new developments. Internet and home phone services are provided by STC, Mobily, or Zain. This guide explains how to register for electricity, water, and internet services when you first move in.
How to Get a Saudi SIM Card as a New Resident
A Saudi SIM card registered under your Iqama is the first thing you need after arriving in Saudi Arabia. Without it, you cannot receive OTPs for Absher, open a bank account, or access any government service. This guide covers which operator to choose, what to bring, and how to get connected the same day you arrive.
GOSI for Expats in Saudi Arabia — What You Pay and What You Get
GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance) is the Saudi government body that manages social insurance contributions for workers in Saudi Arabia. Expats are enrolled automatically when they start working — contributions are deducted from your salary every month. This guide explains how much you contribute, what you are covered for, and how to check your GOSI statement.
How to Find a Job in Saudi Arabia — Guide for Expats
Saudi Arabia is one of the largest job markets in the Middle East, with significant demand for skilled workers in oil and gas, construction, healthcare, finance, technology, and education. Vision 2030 is driving rapid growth in new sectors including tourism, entertainment, and renewable energy. This guide explains how to find a job in Saudi Arabia, the main job platforms, how the work visa process works, and what to expect.
Moving to Saudi Arabia — Complete Expat Relocation Guide
Moving to Saudi Arabia for work is a significant life change. The good news: the process is well-established, thousands of expats relocate successfully every year, and the financial rewards — zero income tax, housing allowances, and generous packages — are substantial. This guide covers everything you need to do before you leave home, in your first week, and in your first month to get properly settled.
New Resident Online Setup Checklist for Saudi Arabia
If you've just arrived in Saudi Arabia, there are several online accounts and registrations you need to set up in the right order. This checklist covers everything — from Absher to your National Address — so you don't miss anything important.
How to Open a Bank Account in Saudi Arabia as an Expat
Having a Saudi bank account is essential for receiving your salary, paying government fees, and using mada (the Saudi debit card network). Most expats open an account with Al Rajhi Bank, SNB, or Riyad Bank. This guide explains the process and what to bring.
How to Rent an Apartment in Saudi Arabia — Complete Expat Guide
Finding and renting accommodation in Saudi Arabia is straightforward once you know how the market works. Unlike many countries, Saudi Arabia has no formal tenant protection laws — which makes understanding the process and your rights especially important. This guide covers how to find a flat, what to expect in costs, how leases work, and the Ejar system for registering your tenancy.
Saudi Arabia Labor Law for Expats — Employee Rights & Key Rules
Saudi Arabia's Labor Law governs the rights and obligations of all workers in the private sector, including expat residents. It covers employment contracts, working hours, annual leave, gratuity (end-of-service benefit), termination rights, and dispute resolution. Understanding your basic rights under Saudi labor law protects you from unfair treatment and ensures you know what you are entitled to.
Tawakkalna App Guide — How to Use It as an Expat in Saudi Arabia
Tawakkalna (توكلنا) started as a COVID-19 health app but has since become Saudi Arabia's primary digital identity and government services platform. For expats, it replaces the need to carry your physical Iqama, shows your driving license and vehicle registration digitally, and connects to key Absher services. It is now effectively required for daily life in Saudi Arabia.
Universities & Higher Education in Saudi Arabia — Guide for Expats
Saudi Arabia has a rapidly growing higher education sector — government universities offer free education to Saudi nationals, while private universities and international campuses serve the broader population including expat residents. This guide covers the main universities, options for expat students and children of expats, and how the education system works in Saudi Arabia.