Are you planning to relocate to Saudi Arabia for work in 2025? Whether you’re heading to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, or anywhere else in the Kingdom, being well-prepared helps for a smooth transition.
This checklist includes practical tips, and every legal step required to secure your work visa, process your documents, and settle in comfortably
Key Takeaways
- Look beyond the salary—housing, transportation, insurance, vacation time, and exit benefits should all be clear.
- Educational and personal documents need official verification (called attestation). This step takes time.
- Your employer handles the visa and Iqama. If they ask you to pay for it, that’s a red flag. It’s illegal in Saudi Arabia.
- Health checks are mandatory. Be ready for medical exams before and after you arrive.
- You won’t get your Iqama right away. Your employer will hold your passport while it’s processed.
- Respect the culture. Even as Saudi society evolves, understanding local norms is essential for a smooth transition.
1. Review and Confirm Job Offer Details
That job offer might seem tempting at first glance, but you need to dig deeper. What’s in writing is what matters, so check carefully for the following:
- Verify salary components: Ensure your contract clearly outlines the basic salary, housing allowance, and transportation allowance. For instance, if your job offer states SAR 8,000/month, confirm whether this includes all benefits or is just the base pay.
- Health insurance: Clarify whether you are covered under Class A (comprehensive) or Class B (limited) insurance.
- Leave entitlements: Check for 30 days of annual leave, end-of-service benefits, and round-trip airfare.
- Contract type: A family status contract allows dependents to accompany you; a single status contract does not.
- Probation Period Clause :Typically 90 days, but can legally be extended to 180 if agreed in writing. Either side can terminate during this time with notice.
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2. Prepare and Attest Essential Documents
Attesting your academic and personal documents is a stressful but an important part of the process. This proves your credentials are legitimate in Saudi Arabia.
Documents Usually Required:
- Degree certificates
- Marriage and birth certificates (if family is joining)
- Any professional licenses
Where You’ll Need Stamps From:
- Your Country’s Foreign Affairs Ministry
- Saudi Embassy or Consulate in Your Home Country
Cost & Timeframe:
Expect between €200–€300 per document and up to six weeks of processing time. Start as soon as your offer is signed.
3. Obtain Visa Authorization from Employer
Once you’ve submitted your documents, your employer begins applying for your block visa and Visa Authorization Number, you’ll need this number to proceed. Confirm you are being issued a Work Visa, which makes you eligible for an Iqama (residency permit)
4. Complete a Medical Examination
- Get a medical exam from a Saudi-approved clinic (bloodwork, chest x-ray, general health screening)
- Complete any required vaccinations (your employer should provide the list)
- Submit documents and passport to an approved visa center (e.g., VFS Tasheel)
Timeframe:
Typically 2–4 weeks from the time your documents are ready and submitted.
5. Submit for Visa Stamping
- Submit your passport, biometric photos, attested documents, and the visa application form.
- Visa stamping fees range between SAR 200 and SAR 500.
- Double-check that your visa’s job title and duration match your employment contract.
6. Prepare for Arrival in Saudi Arabia
A good employer should offer airport pickup and at least two weeks of temporary accommodation. You might also receive a starter SIM card and some cash for immediate use.
- Carry both physical copies and digital backups (USB/cloud storage) of all documents.
- Upon arrival, your employer must process your Iqama within 90 days.
- Complete the required biometric registration and fingerprinting at a Jawazat office.
7. Residency Permit (Iqama): Your Key in Saudi Arabia
The Iqama is your lifeline it’s proof you’re legally allowed to work and live in the Kingdom.
Process Includes:
- Another medical exam (in KSA)
- Fingerprinting at a government office
- Issuance of your physical Iqama card
Important:
Your passport will likely be held during this process. You won’t be able to open a bank account, travel, or begin your full job duties until the Iqama is ready. However, your employer should begin orientation and training, and they must still pay you during this period.
Legal Note:
Your employer must cover all costs related to the Iqama. Any deduction or demand for payment from you is against the law.
8. Living and Working in Saudi Arabia
Relocating Solo vs. With Family
If you’re moving alone, the paperwork is simpler.
Bringing your spouse and kids? Be ready for:
- Higher income requirements
- Extra documents (attested marriage and birth certificates)
- Separate visa and Iqama processes for each family member
9. Navigating the Work Culture
- Workweek: Sunday to Thursday
- Weekends: Friday and Saturday
- Holidays: Major Islamic holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha), plus National Day
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10. Cultural Sensitivity: The Unwritten Rules
While Saudi Arabia is changing fast under Vision 2030, some cultural expectations remain firm:
- Dress modestly in public
- No alcohol—possession or consumption is illegal
- Public behavior should be respectful—especially in mixed-gender settings
11. Legal Protections & Knowing Your Rights
Saudi labor laws are clear and strongly enforced. Your employment contract is a legal document, so read and understand it thoroughly.
Conclusion
Relocating to Saudi Arabia can be a bold and rewarding step in your career but success starts with preparation. Know what to ask. Get your paperwork sorted early. Make sure your employer plays by the rules. And embrace the cultural experience with an open mind.
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FAQ
How long does the whole process take?
Usually 2–4 months. The longest delays are in document attestation and medical checks.
Can I enter Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa and switch to work?
No. You need a valid work visa before entry. Switching visas inside the country isn’t allowed.
My employer wants me to pay for my Iqama. What now?
That’s illegal. Employers must pay for Iqama issuance and renewal. If they insist, it’s a serious warning sign.
Is Saudi Arabia safe for solo female professionals?
Yes, especially in larger cities. While cultural norms exist, Vision 2030 reforms have improved rights and mobility for women significantly.
How can I prepare for the culture?
Read, watch, ask. Join expat forums, read books about Saudi culture, follow local news, and learn a few Arabic phrases. The more you know, the better you’ll adapt.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes, but prepare for strict health requirements. Check with your embassy and consider hiring a pet relocation specialist.
When can I open a bank account?
Only after you receive your Iqama card. Once issued, you’ll be able to open an account with your passport and Iqama.
