Your Comprehensive Relocation Guide to Moving to Saudi Arabia with Confidence
You’ve found our comprehensive relocation guide for those planning to move to Saudi Arabia! As experts in relocation management, we’re here to help you navigate the process smoothly. Whether you’re moving for Saudi jobs or a new adventure, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Relocation Checklist: Before you begin your KSA move
Before you begin your journey planning to the Middle East, it’s essential to create a detailed checklist to ensure a smooth transition; so here are the key elements to consider:
- Research Saudi Arabia's culture and customs
- Determine the right visa type for your move (see below)
- Gather and prepare the required documents, including passports, birth and qualification certificates
- Explore housing options and find a suitable property
- Arrange for the transfer of your residence
- Consider relocating your vehicle(s)
- Understand taxes and regulations
- Plan for packing and shipping your belongings
Saudi Arabian Visa Requirements: What You Need to Know
Before moving to KSA, take a look at the relevant visa options, for you, your dependents and visitors:
- Employment Visa
- Business Visit Visa
- Family Visit / Residence Visa
Obtaining a Work Visa in Saudi Arabia - The Process
All expats wishing to obtain an employment visa in KSA require an in-country company sponsor. An employer is responsible for applying for the visa in most cases, however the employee must supply the required documentation.
Most of the documents must be attested, prior to submission to the visa application process:
- A letter of employment by the KSA based sponsoring company, certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Saudi Chamber of Commerce
- The applicant's passport, which should be valid through the duration of the employment contract
- A colour passport sized photo
- A receipt of payment for the visa, obtained directly from the Enjazit online platform
- A fully completed visa application
- Three copies of a signed medical report
- Attested qualification university diploma certificates
- A police report listing any convictions
Document Attestation Guidance Notes
Document attestaion can be a headache. That’s a fact, but it’s also a necessary part of moving to Saudi Arabia.
Here are the steps you’ll need to take to sucessfully get your documents attested yourself:
- Notarization
Once you’ve identified all of the required documents to achieve your goal, you’ll need to have them notarised by a public notary in your home country, confirming their authenticity.
- Authentication
Obtain authentication from the relevant government authority (e.g., Ministry of Foreign Affairs) in your home country. This step verifies the legitimacy of the notarised documents.
- Embassy Attestation
Next, you’ll need to submit the authenticated documents to the Saudi Arabian Embassy or Consulate in your home country. They will review and apply their stamp or seal, which finalises the attestation process.
- Translation
If your documents aren’t in Arabic, you usually have to have them professionally translated and then attested again by the Saudi Arabian Embassy or Consulate.
- Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Once in Saudi Arabia, you may need to submit the attested documents to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs for final verification.
- Keep copies
Retain both original and copies of attested documents for future reference as they may be required for various purposes during your stay in Saudi Arabia.
Document Attestation Service
Don't forget, we offer a document attestation service to handle the whole process for you. Click here to learn more, or talk to us today about getting your documents attested into Saudi Arabia by our professional, dediated team.
Customs Information: Importing Personal Belongings and Pets
Transfer of Residence into Saudi Arabia
Importation of goods without duty and taxes is possible on your household goods, so long as you meet the following criteria:
- The goods are not for resale
- The goods arrive within six months or your arrival into Saudi Arabia
All shipments will undergo customs inspection. Ensure that you comply with Saudi Arabia's customs regulations to avoid delays, fines, or confiscation of items.
Prohibited items include:
- Alcohol and alcoholic beverages
- Narcotics and drugs
- Pork products
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosives
- Pornographic materials
- Political and religious materials contrary to Saudi beliefs
Restricted items include:
- New electronic items or appliances (invoices may be required)
- Antiques, artwork, and collectibles (may require additional documentation)
- Medications (must be accompanied by a prescription)
Importing a Vehicle
To relocate your vehicle to KSA, you must meet specific import requirements. You will need your residence permit in order to apply for a permit to import the vehicle. It should be left hand drive and no older than five years.
Upon arrival, customs will check the VIN numbers and other identifiers to ensure the vehicle is registered correctly, and it will then need to pass a vehicle inspection (Fahas) in KSA.
Relocating your Pets
Relocating your pet to Saudi Arabia involves meeting specific requirements and following regulations to ensure a smooth transition. Here’s a list of things you’ll need to complete before attempting to begin the pet relocation process:
- Microchip your pet. The microchip should be implanted before vaccinations to ensure proper identification.
- Vaccinate your pet
- Obtain a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian in your home country, issued within 14 days of travel
- Apply for an Import Permit from the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture
- Book Quarantine Space
- Saudi Arabia has restrictions on certain dog breeds, including Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Japanese Tosa, Brazilian Fila, and Argentine Dogos. Make sure your pet's breed is permitted before planning the relocation.
- Arrange Pet Transport
Remember! Our comprehensive Pet Relocation Service can manage your pet relocation entirely, ensuring a smooth experience for both you and your pet.
Home Search in Saudi Arabia
Relocate MENA operates a Home Search Service, whereby we task a team of local agents to find an ideal property in your destination, according to your specific requirements. However, should you wish to do this alone, or have already found your dream new home, here are some pointers:
Property Portals in KSA
Other Considerations When Relocating to Saudi Arabia
Cost of Living
For a comprehensive guide to the cost of living in KSA, please take a look at Numbeo’s cost of living calculator, which will give a good indication based on location within the region.
Healthcare
Healthcare is an important consideration when relocating to a new country and in Saudi Arabia, despite there being a public healthcare system, health insurance is mandatory for expats.
Saudi Arabia has a comprehensive public healthcare system, with a network of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers, however, while public healthcare is available to expats, priority is given to Saudi nationals, which may result in longer waiting times and limited access to certain services.
The private healthcare sector in Saudi offers high-quality medical services, often with short waiting times and English-speaking medical professionals. Expats generally choose private healthcare for convenience and quality of care. Major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam have numerous private hospitals and clinics.
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Saudi Arabia, with many operating 24/7. Prescription and over-the-counter medications are generally accessible, but it’s advisable to bring a sufficient supply of any specialized medications.
Education
Enrolling your child in a school in Saudi Arabia involves a step-by-step process that starts by shortlisting schools that cater to your child’s educational needs, focusing on factors such as curriculum, location, and fees.
Once you’ve identified suitable schools, gather the necessary documentation, which may include your child’s birth certificate, passport, immunisation records, and previous school transcripts or reports. Initiate the application process by submitting these documents, along with a completed application form, to your chosen school. Be prepared for additional requirements such as entrance exams or interviews, which may be part of the school’s admission process.
Keep in mind that popular schools might have limited seats and competitive admission criteria, so it’s essential to begin the enrolment process well in advance of the school year, which typically starts in September.
By planning ahead and staying organised, you can successfully enrol your child in a school that meets their educational needs and helps them thrive in Saudi Arabia.
Our School Search Service can help you with this hugely important step of settling into your new life.
We're here to help any time, click the "Talk To Us" button to speak with our friendly team about your relocation requirements today.
