It is unusual for foreign nationals to retire to Saudi Arabia, largely because the Saudi Arabian government does not encourage foreign nationals to settle in the country permanently. It is very difficult to obtain an entry visa without a confirmed offer of employment in the country, and virtually impossible to obtain citizenship except by marriage to a Saudi national. Even this does not guarantee approval, especially in the case of non-Muslims.

Moreover, the restrictive lifestyle in Saudi Arabia, which is governed by the laws of Islam, can be off-putting to non-Muslims. Life is particularly restrictive for women in Saudi Arabia. It is also difficult for foreign nationals to buy property in Saudi Arabia.

There is no state pension scheme for expatriate employees working in Saudi Arabia, so it is important for them to ensure that they are covered by a corporate scheme, or continue making pension contributions in their home country.