Moving To Saudi Arabia
Our reliable international moving services make relocating to Saudi Arabia effortless. Start your move to Saudi Arabia with a free moving quote today.
Compass Relocation
Comprehensive Guide on Relocating to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, known as “The Land of Two Holy Mosques,” is home to millions of expats who contribute to its booming economy. Moving to Saudi Arabia from the USA can be a smooth process, but understanding the country’s laws, regulations, and culture is essential.
What We Move to Saudi Arabia
🏠 Apartment & Home Relocation
Finding a reliable moving company is essential for a well-planned and efficient move. Compass Relocations provides tailored solutions for apartment moves in Saudi Arabia.
🏢 Office Relocation Services
Moving your office to Saudi Arabia can open doors to new opportunities, attracting high-level clients and top talent while streamlining workflow.
🐾 Pet Relocation Services
Relocating pets requires careful planning. Compass Relocations offers professional pet relocation services to ensure your furry companions travel safely.
🎹 Specialty Moves: Pianos & Fragile Items
Transporting valuable items like pianos requires expert handling. Our specialized piano moving services ensure safe transportation without damage.
Category | Text |
|---|---|
Driving | On the right side |
Emergency Number | 999 |
Dialing Code | +966 |
Official Language | Arabic, English |
Population | 35,740,791 |
Currency | Saudi Riyal SR/SAR |
Time Zone | GMT +3:00 |
Capital | Riyadh |
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How to Move to Saudi Arabia
Step-by-Step Process
Saudi Arabia offers lucrative career opportunities, high salaries, and modern infrastructure, making it a prime destination for expats. With Compass Relocations, you can relocate with ease and at the most competitive prices by following these steps:
Inventory Listing & Organization
We Provide International Moving Services To & From Saudia Arabia
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Moving to Saudi Arabia: What You Need to Know
Saudi Arabia attracts expats due to its growing industries, particularly oil and gas. Like other Gulf countries, it follows a sponsorship system, meaning you need a sponsor to apply for a visa. However, GCC nationals do not require a visa permit.
If you are moving to Saudi Arabia, you will need a work visa and a residence permit. Your Saudi employer will act as your sponsor and apply for the necessary licenses.
Types of Visas | Duration |
|---|---|
Exit Visa | Required when leaving Saudi Arabia, either permanently or temporarily. |
Residence Visa | Once your work visa is approved, you must apply for a stamped residence visa. |
Work Visa | Obtained after securing a job contract; your employer sponsors the application. |
Visitor Visa | Requires a local sponsor who applies on your behalf. |
Transit Visa | Short-term visa (24-72 hours) |
Visa Requirements for Moving to Saudi Arabia
Our visa consultants simplify the process, ensuring a hassle-free experience for expats moving to Saudi Arabia.
These are some common documents that are required while filing for a Visa. However, different types of visas have some special requirements. You can contact our experts and visa consultants to discuss these requirements in detail.
Valid passport and recent passport-sized photos
Filled visa application form
Employment contract and university degree copy
Sponsorship letter (approved by Saudi authorities)
Medical and lab reports
Police clearance certificate
Cost of Moving to Saudi Arabia
The cost of moving depends on the transportation method:
✔ Air Freight (Ideal for 250 lbs. to 3,500 lbs.): 3-5 days transit time
✔ Sea Freight: 30-45 days transit time
We provide affordable and reliable shipping services, ensuring your belongings arrive safely.
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Fees
Following are the visa fees applied on types of visas:
Type of Company | Overall fees | Iqama | Work permit | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
<50% of employees are natives | SAR 8,400 | SAR 750 | SAR 7,200 | SAR 450 |
>50% of employees are natives | SAR 7,200 | SAR 750 | SAR 6,000 | SAR 450
|
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How to Apply for a Saudi Work Visa?
Your employer will submit the necessary documents on your behalf. Ensure your passport is valid, and all documents are properly authenticated. Women must apply separately for work permits, as they cannot work under their husband's work visa.
📦 Compass Relocations ensures a seamless, affordable moving experience, handling every detail so you can settle in stress-free. Our team provides constant support throughout your move to Saudi Arabia.
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Housing Options for Expats in Saudi Arabia
Finding accommodation in Saudi Arabia can be challenging, especially as rental agreements and contracts are typically in Arabic. Expats often prefer gated compounds, but due to high demand, they can be difficult to secure.
Common housing options include apartments and villas, with rental costs varying by city.
Type of Property | Cost |
|---|---|
Three-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Compound) | SAR 2500—3500 per month |
Two-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Compound) | SAR 2000 per month |
Three-Bedroom Apartment (Compound) | SAR 16000 per month |
Two-Bedroom Apartment (Compound) | SAR 6000 per month and more |
Relocating to Saudi Arabia
Jobs, Healthcare, and Lifestyle
Taxation in Saudi Arabia
✔ Expats do not pay income tax on their salaries.
✔ Non-residents must pay 20% tax on tax-adjusted profits.
✔ Certain transactions are subject to withholding tax, depending on the type of service.
Healthcare System in Saudi Arabia
✔ Saudi citizens receive free healthcare.
✔ Expats must obtain private health insurance, which can be costly.
✔ Hospitals are well-equipped with modern facilities, short wait times, and English-speaking doctors.
Education in Saudi Arabia
✔ Pre-School, Primary, Intermediate, and Secondary, with the last three being compulsory.
✔ After secondary school, students can choose between university education or vocational training.
✔ Expats often enroll their children in international schools that offer American, British, or IB curricula.
Job Market in Saudi Arabia
✔ Work Hours: 48 hours/week, with Fridays and Saturdays as weekends.
✔ Minimum Wage: ~$7,585 per year for expats.
✔ Leave Policies: 21 days/year (30 days after 5 years of service); 10 weeks maternity leave.
Relocating to Saudi Arabia
Best Places to Live in Saudi Arabia for Expats
Many expats relocating to Saudi Arabia settle in three major cities. Riyadh, the capital, is a thriving hub for business, government, and the Royal family, with a large international community.
Jeddah, located along the Red Sea, serves as a key gateway for pilgrims traveling to Mecca and Medina while offering a vibrant coastal lifestyle. Dammam, Dhahran, and Al Khobar, situated in the Eastern Province, are home to the country’s largest industrial and oil installations, attracting expats from around the world seeking career opportunities.
📍 Riyadh
📍 Jeddah
📍 Dammam
Moving to Qatar
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
It is easy to move to Saudi Arabia from USA as long as you have a job offer and all the required documentation. Move to Saudi Arabia with the services of Compass Relocation!
Yes, women can work in Saudi Arabia. However, it is not easy for ex-pat women to get jobs in Saudi Arabia, and there are certain restrictions too. Moreover, women are only paid 56% of what men earn.
No, pork and alcohol are strictly prohibited in the country, and their import is also restricted. This is due to religious laws.
Currently, the IT, medical, engineering, and finance sectors are flourishing, and ex-pats can easily get jobs in these sectors with the right qualifications.
It was only recently that ex-pats were allowed to buy property in Saudi Arabia. However, most ex-pats rent apartments in foreign communities. However, the cost of renting a 1BHK apartment is from €650 per month to €1,400 per month, and that of a 3BHK apartment is from €1,200 to €2,500 per month.
Qatar is a beautiful and nice country that offers ease of travel. It is a convenient and inexpensive country and has much to offer. It has a flourishing economy thanks to its oil, finance, and technology sectors.
No, there is no such thing as a free visa, and the Saudi government has clarified this and warned people about visiting Saudi Arabia under the free visa.