Relocation · Pre-Arrival
Before You Arrive in Saudi Arabia
The 90-day preparation guide that prevents the most common — and most expensive — relocation mistakes.
The 90-day preparation guide that prevents the most common — and most expensive — relocation mistakes.
Saudi Arabia is one of the most rewarding places in the world to relocate — excellent salaries, no income tax, a rapidly modernising lifestyle, and a genuinely welcoming culture. But the bureaucratic preparation is unforgiving. Documents that aren't apostilled correctly, medical tests not done at an approved clinic, or customs items that should have been left behind — these can delay or derail your move.
This guide gives you a clear, stage-by-stage roadmap. Follow it from 90 days out and you'll arrive prepared, legal, and stress-free.
The single most common mistake is underestimating document attestation timelines. Some documents take 8–10 weeks to fully apostille and attest at the Saudi embassy. Start immediately.
Have an employment lawyer review your Saudi contract, particularly: housing allowance, repatriation flights, notice periods, and what happens if the company cancels your Iqama sponsorship. Saudi labour law is generally employer-friendly.
Work visa (iqama sponsor), investor visa, dependent visa — each has different rules, costs, and timelines. See the visa guide below. Your employer's PRO (Public Relations Officer) should handle the work visa, but you need to understand what you're signing.
You will need: birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), degree certificates for every qualification, police clearance certificate (PCC) from every country you've lived in for 5+ years. All must be apostilled in the issuing country, then attested at the Saudi embassy.
Saudi Arabia requires all residents to hold health insurance. Most employers provide CCHI-compliant group insurance. If yours doesn't, arrange it before your visa application. Know what's covered and what isn't — particularly for pre-existing conditions.
Compounds offer security, amenities, and a ready-made social life — but cost more. Private apartments are cheaper and give more local immersion. For families, compounds are often preferred. Research neighbourhoods in your target city before you arrive.
Absher is the Saudi government digital portal — you'll need it for Iqama renewals, driving licence applications, and dozens of official processes. Registration requires a Saudi phone number, so this continues once you arrive. Familiarise yourself with the portal now.
The UK PCC via ACRO takes 4–6 weeks. The US FBI Identity History Summary Check takes 8–16 weeks via standard postal channels — processing times vary and can extend further. Corporate advisory: use an FBI-approved Channeler service to reduce processing to 2–3 business days — strongly recommended for any time-sensitive corporate relocation. If you've lived in multiple countries, start all clearances simultaneously on Day 1 of your 90-day window.
The medical fitness test must be done at a GAMCA (Gulf Approved Medical Centres Association) certified clinic. Not just any private clinic. Find your country's list at gamca.net.
After apostilling in the country of issue, take them to the Saudi embassy (or authorised attestation service) in your home country. This step is required before your employer can complete the visa application.
Tests include TB, HIV, hepatitis B, and a general medical exam. Results are sent directly to the Saudi Ministry of Health. Most results are valid for 3 months. Book early — popular clinics have 3–4 week wait times.
Saudi Arabia strongly recommends: Meningococcal ACYW135 vaccine (required for Hajj/Umrah workers), hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and flu. Check current NHS/CDC travel health recommendations for Saudi Arabia before your appointment.
Top international schools in Riyadh and Jeddah fill up fast — some have waiting lists of 12+ months. Apply now even if your start date is uncertain. BSAK, ISR, and GEMS schools are popular. Most require references and school reports from your child's current school.
Saudi banks (Al Rajhi, SNB, Riyad Bank) require your Iqama before opening a local account. But knowing your options now saves time later. Note: you can receive international transfers without a local account while waiting.
Don't land without accommodation confirmed. A serviced apartment or company-arranged housing is ideal. Hotels work but are expensive. Your employer may provide housing — confirm in writing what's included and for how long.
Get keys, access cards, or landlord contact confirmed in writing. Know exactly where to go the moment you land, especially if arriving late at night. Confirm check-in procedure for your compound or apartment building.
Saudi airlines (Saudia, flynas) and most international carriers offer excess baggage at reasonable rates when booked in advance. Consider air freight for items you need in the first month. Check size limits for lithium batteries in checked luggage.
Customs scanning is thorough at Saudi airports. Prohibited items will be confiscated and can lead to questioning or worse. See the full list below. When in doubt, leave it behind.
These apps are non-negotiable from Day 1. Download before you travel so you're not draining roaming data setting up accounts on arrival.
Inform your home country bank you're moving abroad. Consider international-friendly accounts (Wise, Revolut, HSBC Expat) to bridge the gap before you can open a Saudi account. Agree transaction limits that suit your new salary.
Saudi Arabia permits cats and dogs, but requires a USDA-endorsed (or equivalent) health certificate, rabies vaccination certificate, and import permit from the Saudi Ministry of Environment. The full process takes 6–8 weeks minimum and must be coordinated with a specialist pet transport company.
Recommended: JetPets, AirAnimal, PetRelocation.com. They handle IATA crating requirements, airline coordination, and Saudi import permits. Expect costs of $500–$2,000+ per animal depending on size and origin country.
Saudi customs screening is thorough and professional. The below items will be confiscated, and some can result in significant legal consequences. When in doubt, leave it behind or ship separately after consulting an expert.
If you take any controlled substance or prescription medication, you must obtain SFDA pre-approval before arriving in Saudi Arabia. Arriving without it can result in confiscation or detention at customs, regardless of a valid doctor's letter. Use the official SFDA drug registry checker to confirm your medication's status: [SFDA drug registry checker — link to be confirmed].
For all medications: bring a 3-month supply, a signed letter from your prescribing doctor (ideally apostilled), and if possible confirmation that a local equivalent is available. The Saudi Drug Authority's Nar'ah system tracks import approvals.
Your visa determines what you can and cannot do in Saudi Arabia. Understand yours before you arrive.
Issued to foreign nationals employed by a Saudi company. Your employer applies on your behalf. It becomes an Iqama (residency permit) once you're inside the country and registered.
For spouses, children, and sometimes parents of Iqama holders. Your sponsor (usually the working spouse) applies through Absher once their Iqama is issued.
For foreign investors establishing or investing in a Saudi-registered business. Issued via MISA (Ministry of Investment). Provides more independence than a work visa.
Saudi Arabia opened tourist e-visas in 2019. Valid for 90 days within a 1-year window. Cannot be converted to a work visa from inside the country — you must exit and re-enter.
Land, breathe, and tick these off before anything else. They unlock everything.
Iqama application, bank account, driving licence, permanent housing — read the complete first-month guide.
Checklists, visa timelines, housing prep — every Thursday, before you land.
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The information on this page is drawn from official Saudi government bodies and regulatory authorities. Regulations change frequently — verify current requirements directly with the relevant authority before making any legal, financial, or business decisions.
