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🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

Moving Guide

Moving to Saudi Arabia requires careful planning around visa processing, shipping, cultural preparation, and employer coordination. The good news: most professional expat moves are employer-facilitated, with companies providing relocation packages that cover flights, shipping, temporary housing, and settling-in support.

$3,000–$6,000

Shipping (20ft container)

From Europe/US, 4–8 weeks

$300–$700

Flight (one-way, Europe)

Direct flights from most capitals

2–6 weeks

Iqama Processing

After arrival in Saudi Arabia

4–8 weeks

Settling-in Time

Bank, SIM, housing, licence

Common

Employer Relocation

Most professional packages include relocation

Overview🏙️Riyadh🌊Jeddah
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Overview

Moving to Saudi Arabia requires careful planning around visa processing, shipping, cultural preparation, and employer coordination. The good news: most professional expat moves are employer-facilitated, with companies providing relocation packages that cover flights, shipping, temporary housing, and settling-in support. The bureaucratic process is increasingly digitised through platforms like Absher, Muqeem, and Ejar.

Key Takeaways

  • Employment contract: review carefully — check housing allowance, flights, shipping allowance, education allowance, insurance details
  • Iqama processing: medical exam, biometrics, fingerprinting — typically 2–4 weeks after arrival
  • 20ft container from Europe: $3,000–$5,000 (4–6 weeks by sea)
  • Absher: primary government services platform — register with Iqama for exit/re-entry, dependents, licence services
1

Before You Move — Preparation Checklist

Preparation is key for a successful move to Saudi Arabia. Start planning 2–3 months before your arrival date. Your employer will handle most visa paperwork, but personal preparation makes the transition smoother.

  • Employment contract: review carefully — check housing allowance, flights, shipping allowance, education allowance, insurance details
  • Visa processing: employer initiates; you need authenticated degree certificates, medical reports, police clearance
  • Degree attestation: required for most work visas — authenticate through Saudi embassy in your home country
  • Medications: check SFDA (Saudi Food and Drug Authority) list — some common medications are restricted or banned
  • Driving licence: international driving permit valid for 90 days; then convert or obtain Saudi licence
  • Pets: allowed with veterinary certificates, rabies vaccination, and MEWA import permit — plan months ahead
  • Cultural briefing: research Saudi customs, Ramadan, dress codes, and social norms; many employers offer pre-departure orientation
2

First Weeks in Saudi Arabia

Your first weeks focus on administrative setup: Iqama processing, bank account, SIM card, and finding permanent housing. Most employers provide temporary accommodation and a settling-in coordinator to guide you through the process.

  • Iqama processing: medical exam, biometrics, fingerprinting — typically 2–4 weeks after arrival
  • Bank account: open immediately after receiving Iqama — Al Rajhi, SNB, SABB are popular with expats
  • SIM card: available at airports and malls from STC, Mobily, Zain — need Iqama for post-paid plans
  • Housing: employer may provide temporary accommodation while you search; use Aqar and Ejar platforms for listings
  • Driving: use Uber/Careem initially; apply for Saudi licence after Iqama issuance
  • Absher app: register immediately — essential government services app for exit/re-entry, visa status, licence renewal
  • Tawakkalna app: digital ID app used for identity verification and government services
3

Shipping Your Belongings

International shipping to Saudi Arabia is straightforward through major freight companies. Most professional relocation packages include a shipping allowance. Customs clearance typically takes 1–2 weeks after arrival at port.

  • 20ft container from Europe: $3,000–$5,000 (4–6 weeks by sea)
  • 20ft container from US: $4,000–$6,000 (6–8 weeks by sea)
  • Air freight: $5–$10/kg — suitable for essentials and personal items
  • Prohibited items: alcohol, pork products, religious materials (non-Islamic), certain medications — customs strictly enforced
  • Main ports: Jeddah Islamic Port (west coast), King Abdulaziz Port Dammam (east coast)
  • Customs clearance: Iqama required; typically 1–2 weeks; customs may inspect shipments
  • Professional movers: Crown Relocations, Allied Pickfords, Four Winds Saudi Arabia — established in the Saudi market
4

Essential Admin and Setup

Saudi Arabia has digitised most government services through the Absher platform and related apps. Setting up your digital government presence early is essential — most services from exit visas to traffic fine payments run through these systems.

  • Absher: primary government services platform — register with Iqama for exit/re-entry, dependents, licence services
  • Muqeem: employer portal for managing expat employee visas and Iqama status
  • Ejar: mandatory tenancy registration platform — all rental contracts must be registered
  • Tawakkalna: digital identity verification app — required for some government and commercial services
  • Sehhaty: healthcare app for booking MOH appointments and accessing medical records
  • Driving licence: convert foreign licence at traffic department (some nationalities exempt from test) or take Saudi driving test
  • Vehicle registration: Absher platform; mandatory vehicle insurance (Tameeni comparison platform)
FAQs

Common Questions — Moving Guide in Saudi Arabia

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