Relocation Hub

Your Saudi Relocation Starts Here

By NewToSaudi Editorial Team

Expert, up-to-date guidance for every stage of your move — from first research to fully settled expat life. Built by people who've done it.

Before you arrive → Browse all guides

50,000+

New expats arrive annually

Major expat cities covered

95%

Visa success, when prepared

Your relocation journey

Four stages to a successful move

Most relocation mistakes happen from skipping ahead. Follow the timeline and nothing gets left behind.

90+ days out

Plan & Prepare

Lay the legal and logistical groundwork before you do anything else.

Confirm visa type for your role
Apostille all key documents
Research housing options
Start Absher account setup

30 days out

Before You Arrive

Packing, customs rules, temp housing confirmed, and app downloads.

Medical fitness test done
Vaccinations up to date
Temporary housing booked
Key Saudi apps downloaded

Day 1–7

First Week

Immediate priorities that unlock everything else in Saudi Arabia.

Buy STC or Mobily SIM
Register with your employer HR
Iqama application begins
Explore your neighborhood

Month 1–3

Getting Settled

Build the foundations of everyday expat life in Saudi Arabia.

Iqama collected and valid
Bank account opened
Permanent housing secured
Schools enrolled (if family)

Find your path

I'm relocating as a…

Your situation shapes your relocation journey. Find the guides most relevant to you.

Employed Professional

Work visa & Iqama process
Employment contract review
Housing allowance negotiation

Explore guides →

Investor

Investor visa requirements
MISA licensing & setup
Banking for investors

Explore guides →

Entrepreneur

Company formation options
SAGIA / MISA licensing
Startup ecosystem access

Explore guides →

Relocating Family

Dependent visa sponsorship
International schools guide
Family-friendly compounds

Explore guides →

Student

Student visa requirements
University & campus life
Scholarships available

Explore guides →

Featured guides

Start with these essentials

The four guides every new arrival needs — written by expats who've been through it.

View all guides →

Pre-arrival

Before You Arrive

The 90-day preparation checklist that prevents costly mistakes.

Read guide →

First month

First 30 Days

Everything to do in your first month: SIM, Iqama, bank, housing.

Read guide →

Families

Family Relocation

Dependent visas, schools, compounds, and family life in Saudi.

Read guide →

Documents

Documents Checklist

Every document you need, apostilled, attested, and ready.

Read guide →

Master checklist

Don't leave without ticking these

A preview of our complete relocation checklist — 50+ items across every category.

Visa confirmed and passport valid for 6+ months

Check expiry and any blank pages required

Medical fitness certificate obtained

From a GAMCA-approved clinic in your country

Degree certificates apostilled & attested

By home country authority + Saudi embassy

Police clearance certificate (PCC) obtained

Can take 4–6 weeks — start early

Temporary accommodation booked for first 2 weeks

Serviced apartment or company housing

SIM card plan researched (STC / Mobily / Zain)

Buy on Day 1 — essential for everything

Customs rules reviewed — prohibited items removed

Alcohol, certain medications, etc.

Marriage certificate apostilled (if bringing family)

Required for dependent visa sponsorship

Absher account created with Saudi phone number

The essential Saudi government portal

International health insurance arranged

Employer may provide — confirm coverage details

Download the complete 50-item checklist

A print-ready PDF covering every document, task, and deadline — sorted by your timeline.

Get full checklist →

50,000+

Expats currently living in Saudi Arabia

From over 100 nationalities

Major expat cities with in-depth guides

Riyadh · Jeddah · NEOM · Dammam · Khobar · Medina

95%+

Visa success rate for well-prepared applicants

Preparation is the single biggest factor

Also in relocate

More relocation resources

Finance

Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia

Rent, groceries, transport, dining — honest monthly budgets for different lifestyle levels.

Housing

Finding Housing in Saudi Arabia

Compounds vs apartments, neighbourhood guides, rental contracts and what to watch for.

Legal status

The Complete Iqama Guide

How to get, renew, and use your Iqama — the residency permit that unlocks life in Saudi.

Next steps

Continue your relocation journey

Each guide builds on the last — follow the sequence for the smoothest move to Saudi Arabia.

Step 1

Before You Arrive

The 90-day preparation checklist that prevents costly mistakes.

Read guide →

Step 2

First 30 Days

SIM card, Iqama, bank account, and permanent housing.

Read guide →

Step 3

Get Your Iqama

The residence permit that unlocks everything in Saudi Arabia.

Read guide →

Weekly Briefing

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Visa changes, housing tips, expat guides — every Thursday, free.

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