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Part of the foundations to the Vision2030 transformation programme is Saudisation whereby some professions are 100% Saudi, and all businesses are liable for a % of Saudis in their workforce conditional upon their commercial activities. Whilst Saudisation continues at pace, both blue-collar and white-collar expats continue to enter the Kingdom.

The expat inflow can fill a short to medium term skill gap in some key areas, such as in the Giga Projects, it assists with the wider national transformation strategy in both public and private sector, it is part of the demographic when establishing new businesses in emerging sectors, and a feature of on-going delivery in SMEs and corporates across the Kingdom.

Whatever the reason for coming to Saudi as a professional, it can be a daunting challenge understanding personal and family requirements before setting out. At AEI we provide detailed advice and take our clients through the requirements for re-locating to Saudia as an investor and with families. Here are our latest top tips when conducting planning:

1. Visas: Have patience with the process – If you are being employed in Kingdom you will be on a work and residency card, called an Iqama. If it is a first time Iqama the process can take as long as 3 months if your education certificates need to be attested. To obtain the initial visa for entry to Saudi you will require a police background check from your own country and a medical. When in Saudi you will require another 10 days to obtain the physical Iqama following a further medical and portal registrations. 

Bringing a family requires you to be present in Kingdom to begin that process, which involves an application through the Ministry of Interior Istiqdam office. Costs vary for a single spouse or family visa, be sure to understand what is due and whether you or your sponsor will be paying. Make sure if your family are already in Kingdom visiting you on another form of Visa that you do not conflate the processes and requirements which are very different. Take advice from experts making sure you have declared all your family interests i.e. number and age of children, education plans etc.

2.  E-Government portals: Know what they are for – E-Government is prevalent throughout the Kingdom and by and large a very efficient way of conducting business. Knowing which portal does what and when to use them is important. Here are the top 2:

a.       Absher – This online portal and phone application allows Iqama holding expats and Saudi citizens access to Government services and information. It requires an online application followed by a local kiosk activation. Absher utility includes personal and dependents Visa detail, travel records, driving licence record, vehicle ownership, health insurance validity.

b.      Qiwa – This online portal allows Iqama holding expats to approve their contract with their employer, a change of profession on their Iqama and a transfer of sponsorship to a new employer.

3. Housing: Choose the right option – Expat living in Saudi is changing. Whilst living in the community has always been available, compounds have been the choice of many professionals. This form of living has provided specialised amenities and an added layer of security not available off compound.

Compound living remains a very popular option, but with a surge in new apartment blocks, villa renovations and gyms in developing neighbourhoods, a more reasonably priced option is becoming accessible to expats who want a more localised experience where they can live amongst the community.

All leases are typically for 12 months, payment often upfront including a refundable deposit, but 6 months is not uncommon. Landlords are open to negotiation, but the pattern is set. Knowing your rights within an Arabic (and English) written lease is key. Proof of Iqama, Visa, Marriage Certificate (where applicable), letter from employer, will all be required for a lease.

Utilities are not cheap, but you can get better deals direct with the supplier rather than going through the landlord. Your neighbourhood will reflect the Saudi culture, so anticipate religious holidays, traffic flows, shops and restaurant content and availability.

Expat with residency status can buy a single property in KSA, subject to some conditions, but these conditions are being reviewed to become more flexible, in line with the change of market demand.

4. Children’s Education: No substitute for visiting – On the assumption that expats will not be using either the Public or Private school system in KSA where the local curriculum is taught entirely in Arabic, there are almost 50 International Schools alone on offer in Riyadh.

The accredited International School curriculums available are International Baccalaureate (IB), International GCSE and A-levels, American High School Diploma and Advanced Placement. It is now law to teach Saudi History and Geography as part of the curriculum.

Fees range between SAR 20,000 – 90,000 a year and are in advance. The International Schools largely follow the local school years, but also include some half term breaks, it varies from school to school, but key dates include:

·         First day of school: August

·         Mid-Year Holidays: December – January

·         Post Ramadan Eid al-Fitr Holidays: Moves annually

·         Year End Holidays: June – Late August

Admission details change from school to school, some are selective, waiting lists are common, local residency is essential, demographics are truly international, and many schools are not for profit.

Most compounds favoured by expats will have a pre-school or nursery available.

5. Healthcare insurance is mandatory: Shop around – Compulsory health insurance in the Kingdom must be paid for by the expat or their employer. Indeed, expats and dependents cannot get an Iqama without proof of insurance. Your premium is determined by your cover, supplier, and which demographic you sit in. Close scrutiny is advised before you agree to your policy, this should not only include treatment (including dental and maternity plan), but also which hospitals you can visit. 

As of today, there is no Primary Healthcare system in place, although a model is being developed under Saudi Arabia’s Vision2030 and the national transformation strategy.  For the time being a comprehensive care system includes hospitals, clinics and outpatient services. Dentists are covered under the same system. There are a wide range of pharmacies available for prescriptions.

Co-payments are the norm, and you can also top up cover if required. A basic or reasonable policy plan does not equate to access to the best treatment.

6. Banking is mandatory: Find the best option – As part of your residency and labour licence, a bank account is mandatory for expats living in Saudi. Your employer cannot pay your salary whilst complying with their obligations to the Wage Protection System (WPS) and National Insurance (GOSI) unless you have a local account for them to pay into.

There are over 30 retail banks in the Kingdom on offer, with branches located in every major town or city. Internet and phone banking is standard; therefore you must have a local phone number to be able to manage One Time Passwords (OTP). There is no differentiation between female and male expat bank account holders.

There are no specific savings banks, building societies or mutual companies, but there are saving accounts. Sharia-compliant or Islamic banking institutions are the norm, for example, interest is not earned, instead a ‘profit rate’ is provided.  Personal loans are available to buy a car or a home, and short-term and long-term overdrafts are also possible in most banks. As the property market has opened up to expats, so have mortgages. Investment banking for bonds, funds and shares are also available.

Foreign exchange rates and charges obviously vary when sending money back home, spend time investigating with your bank of choice how competitive and efficient they are. Third party online international money transfer providers are growing in popularity. Shop around.

7. Driving Licence: Be compliant – Driving in KSA is open to both men and women, but as it currently stands there remains a nuanced difference to the process of getting a licence.

Most expats are legally entitled to drive using an International Driving Permit, it must be valid and available on request.

Likewise, nationals from the GCC, EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand can drive without taking a test if they hold a licence from their home nation and exchange for a Saudi one.  Exchanging for a Saudi Licence requires a fee, your Iqama, national drivers’ licence, and medical report all submitted through the local Traffic Office.

8. Scammers: Say nothing on the phone – As the world has digitised so have the scammers, as expected there is fraud in KSA also. Expat bank account holders are exposed to many anonymous phone calls requesting personal details. Fraud includes account withdrawals, loans and credit card use. Protecting your data is key, only provide details over the counter in your bank. Always inform your bank asap of any suspicious activity, change passwords, and file a police report if necessary.

The details in this insight are not exhaustive and may have changed from the point of publishing, be sure to check with one of our team or another provider that content remain extant and any further details.

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