Your life in Saudi Arabia starts here
Make your move to Saudi Arabia
Zero personal income tax for everyone, very affordable property and a large international workforce define Saudi Arabia. Residency comes via employer sponsorship or a fee-based premium route.
Photo: Jeremiah Del Mar / Unsplash
At a glance
Saudi Arabia, in brief.
How Saudi Arabia compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Saudi Arabia ranks among the best for tax friendliness (4th of 81) and property affordability (12th of 75) and size of expat community (13th of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Low
- Property
- Very affordable
- Healthcare
- Moderate
- Safety
- Safe
- Climate
- Warm (~26°C)
- English
- Moderate
- Expat community
- Very large
Iqama or fee-based Premium Residency, no dual
Zero personal income tax for everyone
Life in Saudi Arabia
I’m Gemma. I’m a 32-year-old oncology nurse from Leeds, UK.Where, when and why did you move abroad?March 2012, I decided I was bored, stuck in a rut and…
Health insurance in Saudi Arabia
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
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Your move plan
Saudi Arabia, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about Saudi Arabia into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Saudi Arabia.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Compare money transfer ratesFor large international transfers.05
The complete picture
The Saudi Arabia moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in Saudi Arabia share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All Saudi Arabia stories
- Riyadh
Kristine MacMillan
I’m Kristine, a Canadian nurse who currently lives and works in Saudi Arabia. I’ve spend most of my career working outisde of…
- Riyadh
Giovanna
I'm Giovanna, I'm an Italian wife and mother of 3 daughters.Where, when and why did you move abroad?From one year I live…
- Riyadh
Lynne Charnley
My name is Lynne Charnley and I worked in Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia from May 2008 to November 2009. Having…
Fresh from Saudi Arabia
Latest articles.
Wellness and Preventive Care: Health Screenings Every Expat in Saudi Arabia Should Consider
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in its healthcare sector over the past few decades. With state-of-the-art medical facilities and a…
How To Open A Bank Account In Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is home to over 30 local and international banks, so if you are an expat living there, you won’t struggle for options…
How To Rent Or Buy Property In Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia (officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) is a country constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula. Geographically, Saudi Arabia is the largest…
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