Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Saudi Arabia as an expatriate means immersing yourself in a country that is both deeply traditional and undergoing a major transformation. Between high salaries, no income tax, giant projects like NEOM, and strong cultural constraints, the experience can be extremely rewarding… provided you arrive well-prepared.
This guide covers all the essential aspects for a successful relocation: cost of living, housing, healthcare, education, driving, taxation, banking procedures, cultural codes, and residency rules. It provides a realistic view of daily life to help singles, couples, or families build a solid life plan.
Understanding the context: a rich, young, and highly urban country
Today, Saudi Arabia is the wealthiest nation in the Middle East, with a GDP per capita around $19,800 to $33,000 depending on the calculation method. It ranks 37th on the Human Development Index, with a life expectancy close to 75 years and a literacy rate of about 94%.
The country has over 32 million inhabitants, including more than 10 million expatriates. In other words, foreigners make up nearly 40% of the population and more than half of the total workforce, with up to 90% of private sector jobs held by non-Saudis.
Over 80% of Saudi Arabia’s population lives in urban areas, primarily in the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah.
Riyadh, Jeddah, the Eastern Province… where to settle?
Several cities concentrate expatriate life: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Al Khobar, Dhahran, Jubail, Yanbu, and Medina. Each has its own profile.
Jeddah, located on the Red Sea, is often considered Saudi Arabia’s most relaxed city. It is characterized by an informal atmosphere and a great diversity of nationalities. It’s also a major commercial and logistics hub, home to numerous distribution centers, and boasts a lively waterfront, the Corniche.
Riyadh, the capital (approximately 6.7 million inhabitants), is the political and economic heart. It concentrates corporate headquarters, major Vision 2030 projects, a massive international school offering, and an exploding cultural scene.
The Dammam–Al Khobar–Dhahran area in the East is the historical stronghold of the oil industry, with many foreign engineers, executives, and technicians, and very “expat” neighborhoods.
For tighter budgets, cities like Abha, Ha’il, Najran, or Tabuk offer lower rents, at the cost of a quieter and often more conservative environment.
Cost of living: high salaries, a comfortable but contrasting life
One of the country’s major advantages is the complete absence of personal income tax. A net salary is therefore truly “net,” which significantly changes the financial equation compared to Europe or North America.
What constitutes a “good salary” for an expatriate?
Available data indicates that:
Overview of recommended and observed monthly salary ranges for living comfortably in Saudi Arabia, based on family situation and job level.
A “comfortable” monthly salary is around 5,000 to 6,000 SAR.
Aim for 10,000 to 14,000 SAR to live decently, excluding a very luxurious lifestyle.
Often earn between 7,000 and over 20,000 SAR per month.
Can earn from 15,000 to over 40,000 SAR monthly.
The average net salary after tax fluctuates around 8,850 to 11,400 SAR per month.
To these amounts, benefits in kind are frequently added: housing coverage or a housing allowance, transportation allowance, annual air tickets, health insurance, and sometimes school fees. This “package” weighs heavily in the real comfort of your relocation.
International comparisons and variations between cities
Overall, the cost of living in Riyadh remains lower than in many major global metropolises. In early 2025, it was estimated:
| Cost of Living Comparison (Riyadh) | Difference Compared to Reference City |
|---|---|
| New York | Riyadh ~62.6% cheaper |
| London | Riyadh ~46.7% cheaper |
| Amsterdam | Riyadh ~36.9% cheaper |
| Jakarta | Riyadh ~79.6% more expensive |
| Delhi | Riyadh ~145.3% more expensive |
| Dhaka | Riyadh ~166.1% more expensive |
| Islamabad | Riyadh ~176.6% more expensive |
Within the region, Riyadh is generally cheaper than Dubai or Doha. Inside the country, Jeddah is about a quarter cheaper than Riyadh, and Al Khobar around 12% cheaper. These differences come mainly from rent.
Despite rapid improvements, Saudi cities like Riyadh (164th) and Jeddah (169th) still show modest rankings in the Mercer 2024 Quality of Living Index, although they are progressing in ‘livability’ rankings.
Monthly budget: some figures as a guide
Authorities and consumer surveys outline certain orders of magnitude.
In 2024, the average household expenditure was estimated around $1,109 (approximately 4,159 SAR) per month, excluding housing. The HIES 2023/2024 survey will refine these figures, but we already have detailed estimates for Riyadh:
| Profile | Range of Monthly Expenses in Riyadh (excluding savings) |
|---|---|
| Single Person | 3,000 to 8,256 SAR |
| Family of Four | 8,000 to 35,000 SAR |
Such a wide gap is almost entirely explained by housing, schooling, and lifestyle level (restaurants, outings, domestic staff, travel, etc.).
Finding Housing: compounds, urban apartments, and “budget” cities
Housing is by far the largest expense and the most tricky subject for newcomers. The supply is very diverse: city apartments, villas, houses in subdivisions, and especially the compounds, these secure residences highly sought after by expatriates.
How much does housing cost?
Several sources allow establishing realistic ranges.
Nationally, the average housing cost per person is projected around 1,125 SAR per month in 2025. On the real market, we observe:
| Type of Housing (Riyadh) | Estimated Monthly Rent (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom – city center | 2,500 – 8,000 |
| 1 bedroom – outside center | 2,000 – 9,000 |
| 3 bedrooms – city center | 4,000 – 25,000 |
| 3 bedrooms – outside center | 2,000 – 7,800 |
| 3-bedroom villa in an expat compound (per year) | 90,000 – 140,000 (i.e., 7,500 – 11,700 /month) |
In more affordable cities, rents drop significantly:
| “Budget” City | 1-bed city center (SAR/month) | 1-bed outside center (SAR/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Abha | 1,375 – 2,125 | 1,000 – 2,375 |
| Ha’il | 1,426 – 2,157 | 1,050 – 1,067 |
| Najran | 1,850 – 2,250 | 1,167 – 1,600 |
In Jeddah, demand is strong and the market is tight, especially in expatriate residences. Some annual ranges:
| Type of Housing (Jeddah) | Typical Annual Rent (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Studio | 18,000 – 30,000 |
| 1 bedroom | 20,000 – 45,000 |
| 3 bedrooms | 50,000 – 80,000 |
| Furnished Apartment | 60,000 – 120,000 |
| Unfurnished Apartment | 30,000 – 80,000 |
| Independent Villa | 100,000 – 300,000 |
The northern districts of Jeddah (newer, close to the Corniche or major roads) are noticeably more expensive than southern areas.
Compounds: the “expat bubble”
The majority of middle or upper-class expatriates live in compounds: closed residential complexes, highly secure, designed for international family life. They often feature pools, gyms, cafes, mini-markets, playgrounds, and sometimes schools or nurseries.
Life on the outskirts offers greater flexibility than in the city, with more relaxed dress codes, freer social mixing, and facilitated access to community events as well as sports and recreational activities. This option is particularly popular with Western families and employees of large corporations.
In Jeddah, complexes like Arabian Homes, Al Basateen Village, or Sharbatly Village are known for their comfort and “village” feel. In Riyadh, many compounds are concentrated in the north and around the Diplomatic Quarter.
However, these residences have two major drawbacks: high cost and waiting lists. In some cases, the employer directly negotiates contracts with compounds and covers the rent or a portion of it.
“Classic” rentals and property purchase
Outside of compounds, you can rent apartments or villas in the city, often cheaper but more directly subject to local norms (separation of family spaces, more conservative neighborhood, etc.). Leases are typically annual, paid in one or several installments (annual, semi-annual, or quarterly). The security deposit is usually around one month’s rent or 10% of the annual amount.
For a few years now, all rental contracts must be registered on the official Ejar platform. Without this registered contract, iqama renewal can be blocked, making it an unavoidable step.
Saudi Arabia allows, under certain conditions, foreigners to purchase real estate, but prices remain very high and this option is still marginal. Specific schemes like the “Premium Residency” allow purchase and rental freely, in exchange for significant entry fees (up to 800,000 SAR for permanent residency). A new law is set to further expand purchase possibilities for non-Saudis in defined areas in Riyadh and Jeddah.
Note: Riyadh has implemented a five-year rent increase freeze to stabilize the market.
Daily Expenses: food, services, leisure
Grocery shopping can be affordable or relatively costly depending on whether you favor local products or imports. For a family of four, the typical monthly supermarket envelope ranges between 1,000 and 3,500 SAR.
Some price benchmarks (in SAR):
| Product / Service | Price Range (SAR) |
|---|---|
| 1 kg of apples | 5.95 – 13.50 |
| 1 liter of milk | 4.80 – 6.25 |
| 1 kg of rice | 6.90 – 11.00 |
| 12 eggs | 5.98 – 15.16 |
| 1 kg of tomatoes | 9.95 – 34.95 |
| Bread (a loaf) | 4.95 – 14.95 |
| Bottle of water 1 L | 1.50 – 13.30 |
| Simple meal at a local restaurant | 19 – 70 |
| Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | 120 – 400 |
| McDonald’s Meal | 26 – 35 |
| Cinema (international film) | 39 – 100 |
| Gym membership | 200 – 600 /month |
Fashion and leisure remain reasonable: an average clothing budget is around 141 SAR per person per month, and “restaurants & hospitality” expenses around 216 SAR monthly per person, according to some estimates.
Internet, mobile, and public services
Water, electricity, and gas bills generally represent between 365 and 580 SAR per month, peaking during summer due to air conditioning.
Base rates for water and electricity are very low (water starting at 0.15 SAR/m³ for low consumption, residential electricity around 0.18 SAR per kWh up to 6,000 kWh). However, the extreme heat of the climate leads to heavy use of air conditioning, which can cause overconsumption and significantly increase the total bill.
A high-speed internet plan (60 Mbps or more) generally costs 230 to 400 SAR per month, and a mobile plan with calls and at least 10 GB of data runs between 75 and 250 SAR per month.
Transport: car is almost mandatory, but city alternatives exist
The car remains the dominant means of transport. The average transport cost per person is estimated at 638 SAR per month, but can rise much higher with a car loan and long daily commutes.
The average price of a liter of 95-octane gasoline in Saudi Arabia is about $0.55, half the global average.
Other expenses to budget for:
– mandatory third-party insurance: 125 to 667 SAR per month depending on the vehicle and profile;
– routine maintenance: basic service between 500 and 1,500 SAR, oil change around 200 SAR;
– purchase of a new car: for example a Toyota Corolla between 79,350 and 100,000 SAR, a Volkswagen Golf around 110,000 to nearly 250,000 SAR depending on the version.
Major cities, however, are investing in public transport. Riyad launched its metro at the end of 2024, with a ticket around 4 to 6 SAR per trip. Urban buses are very affordable (4–5 SAR per trip, 50 to 200 SAR for a monthly pass). Ride-hailing services like Careem, Uber, or Bolt are omnipresent: a short trip often costs 12 to 30 SAR.
Healthcare: a high-performing system, mandatory private insurance for expatriates
The Saudi healthcare system is mixed: a large network of public hospitals free for citizens and many high-end private clinics. The level of care in major cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam) is often compared to that of Europe or North America, with a significant number of doctors and nurses who are themselves expatriates. English is widely spoken in private facilities.
Access and insurance for foreigners
Expatriates do not have free access to the public system, except in cases of life-threatening emergencies. The law requires employers to provide private health insurance to their foreign employees and to also cover their dependents (spouse, children). Self-employed individuals, international students, and premium residency holders must subscribe to their own policy.
This insurance is a mandatory condition for renewing the residence permit (iqama). Without this coverage, a legal stay in the country becomes impossible.
The minimum mandatory coverage includes hospitalization, emergencies, and basic consultations, but deductibles and co-payments can be high. Many expatriates supplement the coverage provided by their employer with a more generous top-up plan (maternity, dental, optical, overseas care, chronic illnesses, etc.).
Cost-wise, we observe:
| Type of Private Coverage for Expatriate | Typical Annual Cost (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Basic Plan | ~ 2,500 – 5,000 |
| More comprehensive plan | from 7,500, > 10,000 |
| Simple private consultation | 200 – 500 |
| Specialist consultation | 400 – 1,000 |
Medicines are widely subsidized, but some products (antidepressants, strong sleeping pills) are highly regulated, or even prohibited from import without very detailed medical justification.
In an emergency, the ambulance number is 997, but arrival times can vary. In some situations, it is sometimes faster to get to the hospital by taxi yourself.
Education: international schools, budgets, and curriculum choices
For families, schooling is central. Saudi public schools are free, but teach in Arabic, are non-coeducational, and focused on Islamic studies. They only admit Muslim children, which rarely makes them a realistic option for non-Arabic speaking expatriates.
The vast majority of expatriate children therefore attend private international schools.
Types of institutions and programs
We distinguish three main groups:
– “Western” international schools (British, American, IB);
– non-Western foreign system schools (Indian, Pakistani, French, German, etc.);
– private Saudi schools with enhanced English instruction.
Major cities offer an abundance of options:
Overview of the main cities offering quality international education, facilitating the relocation of expatriate families.
The capital boasts over 100 international schools, offering the widest choice in the country.
Has several high-quality establishments, often located in expatriate neighborhoods.
Al Khobar, Dhahran, Dammam, Jubail, and Yanbu each offer several quality schools in expat areas.
The main programs offered:
– British Curriculum (IGCSE, A-Levels);
– American Curriculum (High School Diploma, AP, SAT preparation);
– International Baccalaureate (IB) – with some schools only offering the Diploma Programme, and others the full continuum (PYP, MYP, DP);
– national systems (Indian CBSE schools, Pakistani, French, German, Japanese, Korean, etc.).
The school calendar generally follows the September–June year, with classes from Sunday to Thursday and the weekend on Friday–Saturday. During Ramadan, school days are shortened.
Tuition fees: a major budget item
Tuition fees vary considerably depending on the curriculum and school’s reputation. Available data suggests the following ranges:
| Type of School / Level | Typical Annual Tuition Fees (SAR) |
|---|---|
| International School (general average) | 15,000 – 100,000 |
| International Kindergarten | 18,500 – 35,000 |
| Primary – various international schools | 15,000 – 80,000 |
| High School – various international schools | 22,500 – 100,000 |
| American Program – secondary | ~ 70,000 – 110,000 |
| British Program – secondary | ~ 70,000 – 110,000 |
| European schools (Fr./Ger.) – secondary | ~ 55,000 – 90,000 |
To this are added supplementary fees: non-refundable registration, uniforms, textbooks, cafeteria, school bus, extracurricular activities, trips, etc.
Many employers offer an allowance to cover school fees as part of an expatriation package, which may be capped per child. It is crucial to discuss and negotiate this aspect when signing the contract if you are moving with a family, to secure this important financial coverage.
Limited places, selective procedures
Demand often exceeds supply, especially in the most sought-after establishments. It is advisable to start procedures 6 to 12 months in advance, preparing report cards, school certificates, iqama copies, passports, and medical records.
Admission tests and interviews are common, particularly at the secondary level. Some embassy-linked schools prioritize children of their own nationality.
Driving and Getting Around: licenses, rules, and road realities
Driving in Saudi Arabia is almost a necessity. Public transport remains limited outside of a few flagship projects (Riyadh Metro, intercity buses) and distances are significant, especially between cities.
Driver’s License: how to proceed when you arrive?
The competent authority is the Traffic Department (Muroor), under the Ministry of Interior. The legal minimum age is 18, and since 2018, women have the right to drive.
Upon arrival, you can in principle drive with an international driving permit or a valid national license from a “recognized” country (GCC, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, UK, South Korea…) for a limited period (from a few months to a year depending on the case). But for daily life (long-term rental, insurance, car purchase), contacts will quickly require a Saudi license.
The standard procedure goes through the government platform Absher:
To obtain a Saudi driver’s license as an expatriate, the procedure involves several key steps. First, you must create and activate an account on the government platform Absher. Next, a medical exam (checking vision, blood group, and general fitness) must be conducted at an approved center; the medical report (Efada) is transmitted electronically. If necessary, an official Arabic translation of the foreign driver’s license must be obtained. The application is then submitted online via Absher, attaching the required supporting documents: iqama (residence permit), passport, foreign license, photos, and a letter from the employer. An appointment must be made at an approved driving school (often Dallah Driving School) to take the theoretical test (Dallah Test) and, if necessary, a practical test. Upon passing, or by simple conversion for nationals of certain countries, the Saudi driver’s license is issued on the spot.
Theoretical training generally lasts at least eight hours. Those who do not have a license eligible for conversion will have to follow longer training and pass both exams.
Licenses are often issued for 5 years, sometimes 2 or 10 years, and are renewable online (with a new medical check). Fees include: training (~435–575 SAR), computer test (115 SAR), file opening (~100 SAR), medical exam (150–200 SAR), possible retake fees if failed, plus the annual license fees (40 SAR/year for a private vehicle, 20 for motorcycle, 100 for temporary permit).
Traffic rules and safety
Speed limits generally range from 50–60 km/h in the city to 120–140 km/h on highways. An automatic radar system, Saher, strictly fines speeding and red light violations.
The most monitored offenses include:
– driving under the influence (zero tolerance);
– dangerous overtaking;
– using a phone while driving;
– not wearing a seatbelt;
– failing to yield at roundabouts (obligation to yield to vehicles already in the circle).
A points system is in place: beyond 24 points accumulated, the license is suspended. For example, driving under the influence is worth 24 points at once, running a red light 12, ignoring police instructions 8, phoning or forgetting the seatbelt 2 points. Points expire if no offense is committed for a year.
Road checks are common, and you must always carry your iqama, license, and vehicle registration card (istimara). In case of an accident, call the police (993) then your sponsor/employer, and avoid admitting responsibility on the spot; the police report will determine fault.
Driving in the desert also requires increased caution: sandstorms, long distances between gas stations, animals (including camels) crossing the road.
Taxation: a paradise for employees, less simple for businesses and the self-employed
The Saudi tax system is of a rare simplicity for individuals: there is no income tax, no wealth tax, nor taxation on inheritances or gifts. Add to this the absence of local taxes (no council tax or property tax for individuals in the Western sense).
For an expatriate employee, this means that the net salary stated in your contract is truly what you receive in your account.
VAT, excise duties, and other levies
At the consumption level, a 15% VAT applies to most goods and services since 2018. Some areas remain exempt or at a zero rate (certain Islamic financial services, residential rents, exports, international transport, investment precious metals…).
This is the excise rate, in percentage, applied to tobacco, e-cigarettes, and energy drinks.
Furthermore, Zakat (2.5% on certain assets) applies to Saudi or GCC citizens and companies, not to expatriates, unless they choose to pay it voluntarily.
Entrepreneurs, the self-employed, and companies
If you are considering entrepreneurship or self-employment, the picture gets more complicated. There is no income tax, but the profits of companies owned by non-Saudis are subject to a 20% corporate income tax.
Mixed capital companies (Saudi and foreign) pay both corporate tax on the foreign share and Zakat on the Saudi share. The oil and gas sectors are taxed at much higher rates (up to 85%).
Payments abroad may be subject to withholding tax:
| Type of Payment to a Non-Resident | Standard Withholding Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Dividends, Interest | 5% |
| Royalties, Technical Services | 15% |
| Management Fees | 20% |
Double taxation agreements (about 70 signed) can reduce these rates.
Non-compliance with tax obligations can result in heavy fines, prison sentences, and for foreigners, deportation from the country.
Expatriates and home country: watch out for remaining obligations
Even if you pay nothing to Saudi Arabia as an employee, it is possible that your home country will continue to tax you.
This is particularly the case for US citizens (and green card holders), who must declare their worldwide income to the IRS every year, even when expatriated. They can use provisions like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or the Foreign Tax Credit but remain subject to formalities (FATCA, FBAR filings for accounts over $10,000, etc.).
For the UK, Canada, India, Pakistan, Egypt, or the Philippines, the rules vary according to tax residency status; it is highly advisable to consult a tax advisor before leaving to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Banks, transfers, and financial life
Opening a local bank account is essential to receive your salary (the Wage Protection System law mandates payment via a Saudi bank). The process can take several weeks, especially if you have just arrived.
Opening an account: documents and procedures
Banks are supervised by the central bank (SAMA). They cannot charge for opening an account and are not supposed to refuse a legal resident without a serious reason (criminal record, international sanctions, etc.).
For an expatriate with an iqama, the standard documents are:
– original passport + copy;
– valid iqama;
– letter from employer stating position and salary (NOC);
– possibly rental contract, proof of address, Saudi phone number, active Absher account, ID photos.
Some banks allow you to open an account online using identification via Absher and the Nafath app. This procedure automatically pre-fills your identity, address, and other data, generates an IBAN, and activates a virtual debit card. The physical card can then be picked up at an ATM or sent to your home.
Branch hours are generally from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday to Thursday, closed Friday and Saturday. Paydays (around the 27th of the month) should be avoided if you want to minimize waiting time.
Common banking services
Local banks like Al Rajhi, Saudi National Bank, Riyad Bank, SABB, Alinma, or Arab National Bank all offer interfaces in English, mobile apps, and many options:
Discover the range of financial services offered, from current accounts to credit solutions and money transfers.
Current accounts, savings accounts, and foreign currency accounts to manage your money day-to-day and internationally.
Debit cards (Mada network) and credit cards for your purchases and withdrawals.
Personal loans and auto finance, with repayment terms up to 48 or 60 months.
Overseas wire transfers. Note: fees and exchange rates may be less competitive than some fintechs (Wise, CurrencyFair…).
ATM withdrawals are massive: over 18,000 ATMs across the territory, accessible without extra fees with a Saudi card via the SPAN network. Fees do appear, however, when you use foreign cards or other banks’ ATMs.
The trend is clearly towards digital payments: more than three-quarters of customers use online services, and the government aims for 70% electronic payments by 2030.
Cultural codes, religion, and daily life
Moving to Saudi Arabia also means accepting a legal and social framework shaped by Islam, with law largely inspired by a Wahhabi interpretation of Sharia. More than 85% of citizens are Sunni, 10–12% Shia.
Religion, law, and prohibited behaviors
Islam is the state religion. It is forbidden for a Saudi citizen to abandon Islam or to convert. Non-Muslims may practice their religion in private, but any form of proselytism is prohibited.
Some offenses are punished very severely: drug trafficking, alcohol consumption, adultery, prostitution, homosexual acts (theoretically punishable by death). In practice, the severity of punishments varies, but the risks of imprisonment, heavy fines, and deportation are very real.
Alcohol is completely prohibited: no bars, no liquor stores, no consumption tolerated in private. The importation of alcohol, drugs, or content deemed “indecent” (publications contrary to Islam) is strictly prohibited.
Public displays of affection like kissing and hugging are frowned upon in public spaces, where it’s important to show restraint.
Dress codes and gender separation
Society has seen clear evolution but remains attached to modest dress. For men, very short shorts or tank tops are discouraged in the city; long pants and a t-shirt or shirt with sleeves remain the norm.
For women, the law no longer obliges them, since 2019, to wear the abaya if they are not Saudi, but loose-fitting clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected. Many expatriate women continue to wear an abaya for social comfort, especially outside compounds. The hijab/veil is only required in mosques or religious sites.
In public pools or beaches, a covering one-piece swimsuit, or even a burkini, is recommended for women. In some private resorts or compounds, bikinis are however accepted.
Segregation between men and women persists in some public spaces like restaurants, although this practice is easing in major cities. Since 2018, major reforms allow women to drive, travel, work without male permission, and obtain a passport after age 21.
Key values are family, honor, generosity (hafawa), and respect for elders. Relationships are built over time and personal trust counts more than a contract.
The most common greetings are “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you), to which one responds “Wa alaykum as-salam”. Between men, a light, prolonged handshake, sometimes accompanied by cheek kisses between close friends, is common. With a woman, it’s better to wait for her to initiate a handshake; otherwise, a verbal greeting with a hand over the heart is sufficient.
For harmonious interaction, it is advisable to avoid using the left hand to give or receive objects, pointing at people with your finger, putting your feet on a table, or showing the soles of your feet. It is also appreciated to speak calmly without raising your voice and to avoid any direct criticism.
Hospitality is often shown by offering Arabic coffee (qahwa) and dates. It is polite to accept at least one cup; to indicate you don’t wish to be served more, simply shake the cup slightly.
Ramadan, prayer, and daily life
Five times a day, the call to prayer (adhan) punctuates life. Many shops close for a few minutes at these times. Friday is the day of congregational prayer (Jumu’ah) and a day of rest.
During the month of Ramadan, daytime life slows down. Office hours are adjusted, restaurants are closed during the day but very lively in the evening. Non-Muslims are not allowed to eat, drink, or smoke in public during the day, under penalty of sanctions.
The major holidays are Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), and National Day on September 23.
The holy cities of Mecca and Medina are at the heart of religious life; access to Mecca is strictly forbidden to non-Muslims.
Visa, residence, and work: what you need to know before leaving
For most nationalities, a visa is required to enter Saudi Arabia. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are the exception, being able to enter with just an ID card or passport.
Since 2019, an e-visa tourist visa allows nationals from 66 countries to obtain online or on arrival a multi-entry, one-year visa (stays of maximum 90 days per visit, up to 180 cumulative days). This visa covers tourism, family visits, certain events, or even Umrah outside the Hajj season. A package including the visa and health insurance costs about 440 SAR.
To work legally in Saudi Arabia, an expatriate employee must absolutely obtain a work visa and an iqama (residence permit), both sponsored by a local employer. Working on a simple visit or business visa is illegal and exposes you to serious penalties: fines, imprisonment, deportation, and sometimes a permanent ban from returning to the country.
The sponsorship system (“Kafala”) has been deeply reformed: initiatives like the Labor Reform Initiative and the Qiwa platform aim to offer more mobility to foreign workers (changing employers, exiting the territory without sponsor permission under certain conditions). But in practice, especially for low-skilled jobs, the employer still retains significant power.
Spouses and children can obtain dependent visas, but are not allowed to work without their own work visa and iqama.
With over 10 million foreigners, the country is a true human crossroads. Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, Western, and African communities have organized over the decades.
Professional groups (doctors, teachers, engineers, tech, oil & gas) and business associations (American Business Group, British Business Group, bilateral chambers of commerce, etc.) offer a useful network upon arrival.
On a social level, you will find:
Discover different types of groups and platforms to meet like-minded people and facilitate your integration abroad.
Join Toastmasters clubs to practice and improve your public speaking in a supportive environment.
Connect with specialized networks: women in tech, expat moms, or groups for sports enthusiasts (running, yoga, hiking, diving, dance).
Find communities grouped by nationality or city to share your culture and experiences.
Explore groups on WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Meetup, Reddit (e.g., r/saudiarabia) to exchange and organize meetups.
Use platforms like InterNations, which offers active communities in over 420 cities worldwide.
Compounds play a key role: they often organize parties, markets, classes, and activities that facilitate meetings. International schools and their parent associations are also nerve centers of community life.
Tips for managing your budget and ensuring a successful relocation
Some advice emerges from experiences of expatriates and collected data.
On the financial side:
– Negotiate as much as possible upfront: housing (or sufficient allowance), school fees, health insurance, air tickets, possibly a company car;
– Target a salary in line with the ranges mentioned (at least 5,000–6,000 SAR for a single person, 10,000–14,000 SAR for a family, more if you’re aiming for a high-end compound and very expensive schools);
– Take advantage of promotions: frequent weekend discounts, special offers during Ramadan, affordable buffet deals;
– Alternate between international hypermarkets (Carrefour, Danube, Lulu) and local markets or souks to keep spending under control;
– Use carpooling and ride-hailing apps rather than your personal car if your trips are occasional, in dense city areas.
On the practical side:
– Plan ahead: schooling (limited places), rental (sometimes laborious search, especially in compounds), bank account opening (delays and formalities);
– Get key documents translated into Arabic (license, diplomas, marriage certificate) by certified translators;
– Master the basics of Absher and official platforms (Ejar, Qiwa, Sadad payment systems): practically all procedures go through there;
– Learn a few Arabic phrases for daily life, even though English is widely used in the professional world.
On the cultural side:
– Observe before judging: the country is evolving quickly, and what you read online may be several years old;
– Respect sensitive markers: religion, family, political matters;
– Adapt to prayer times and the Islamic calendar, which structure legal, social, and administrative life.
Conclusion: a demanding destination, but rich in opportunities
Moving to Saudi Arabia as an expatriate means opening yourself to a very unique environment: high net incomes, perceived strong security, a rapidly diversifying economy, a mosaic of foreign communities, but also a strict legal framework, strong social norms, and a sometimes complex real estate market.
For a successful expatriation project in Saudi Arabia, thorough preparation is essential. This includes financial planning, administrative procedures, and cultural adaptation. It is crucial to choose an expatriation package suited to your family situation. The key to success lies in understanding the real cost of living, the challenges related to children’s education, as well as local rules regarding driving, healthcare, and taxation. This meticulous preparation transforms a career opportunity into a rewarding personal and professional experience.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. We encourage you to consult qualified experts before making any investment, real estate, or expatriation decisions. Although we strive to maintain up-to-date and accurate information, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the proposed content. As investment and expatriation involve risks, we disclaim any liability for potential losses or damages arising from the use of this site. Your use of this site confirms your acceptance of these terms and your understanding of the associated risks.
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
