Moving to Saudi Arabia — Complete Expat Relocation Guide

Before You Book Your Flight

Who Is This For?

Anyone who has accepted a job offer in Saudi Arabia and is preparing to relocate — whether you are moving in 2 weeks or 2 months.

Step-by-Step Process

1. 1Confirm your employment contract details before anything else — verify the basic salary (not total package), housing allowance amount or whether accommodation is provided, annual leave days, flights entitlement (economy or business, frequency), health insurance coverage and whether it covers dependents, end-of-service gratuity terms, and your Iqama and dependent sponsorship arrangements. Get everything in writing — verbal promises are difficult to enforce under Saudi labour law.
2. 2Get your documents attested before leaving home — educational certificates (your university degree plus any professional qualifications), and if bringing family, your marriage certificate and children's birth certificates. The attestation chain is: your home country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs → the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in your country. For some nationalities, an apostille replaces the home MFA step. This process takes 2–6 weeks and cannot be done from inside Saudi Arabia, so start immediately.
3. 3Notify your home country bank and financial institutions — inform your bank of your planned move so your cards are not blocked. Consider opening a multi-currency account (Wise, Revolut) for the transition period before your Saudi account is ready. Cancel or pause subscriptions that won't work internationally. If you have a mortgage or property, arrange for management.
4. 4Pack for a long stay from day one — most expats arrive without their household goods and wait months for a shipping container. Pack at least 3–6 months of essential medication (with prescriptions), professional clothing suitable for a conservative business environment, and personal items that are harder to find in Saudi Arabia (specialty foods, specific brands). Electronics, clothing, and furniture are widely available in Saudi Arabia.
5. 5Arrive with your documents ready — carry in your hand luggage: original passport (valid 6+ months beyond your visa), your Saudi work visa (in the passport), original attested certificates, 6–10 passport-sized photos, and a copy of your employment contract. Your employer's PRO (Public Relations Officer) will typically meet you at the airport or guide you through arrival.
6. 6Get a Saudi SIM card on the day you arrive — operator kiosks (STC, Mobily, Zain) are in all major airport arrivals halls. STC has the widest coverage and is the default recommendation. A SAR 75–100 prepaid plan gives you unlimited local calls and 30–50GB of data. If your Iqama is not yet issued, most operators allow temporary passport-based registration — re-register under your Iqama as soon as it arrives. See the SIM card guide for details.
7. 7Create your Absher account as soon as your SIM is active and registered under your Iqama — Absher (absher.sa) is the Saudi government portal for Iqama management, visas, traffic fines, and dozens of other services. You need your Iqama number and your Saudi mobile number to register. Without Absher, you cannot manage your own residency. See the Absher account guide for step-by-step instructions.
8. 8Register your National Address within your first 2 weeks — your national address is a formal registered address required for Iqama renewal, bank account setup, and physical mail. Register online at splonline.com.sa. You need your Iqama and the building number of your accommodation. See the national address guide for details.
9. 9Open a Saudi bank account once your Iqama is issued — your employer will need your Saudi IBAN (bank account number) to pay your salary through the government's Wage Protection System. Al Rajhi Bank is the most practical choice for most expats (largest ATM network, solid English app). SABB is best if you want the most Western-friendly experience. Bring your Iqama and passport to any branch. See the best banks guide for comparisons.
10. 10Find accommodation within your first month — if your employer does not provide housing directly, you will need to find an apartment or villa. Most expats rent in compounds (Eastern Province) or in expat-popular neighbourhoods (Riyadh: Al Olaya, Al Malqa; Jeddah: Al Hamra, Al Rawdah). Annual rent is typically paid upfront by bank transfer or cheque. You must register your tenancy on the Ejar platform. See the renting guide for full details.

Timing & Fees

Iqama issuance: 30–90 days after arrival (employer handles). Absher registration: free, instant once Iqama is issued. Bank account: free to open, 1–3 business days for the account to activate. National Address registration: free. SIM card: SAR 10–50 starter pack + SAR 50–200/month plan. First month total setup costs (excluding rent): SAR 500–1,500. Apartment deposit: typically 1 month's rent (SAR 2,000–5,000+).

Frequently Asked Questions