Moving to Saudi Arabia
Step-by-step Immigration Guide

Deciding to relocate to Saudi Arabia is a momentous choice shaped by the captivating blend of its rich cultural heritage, modern urban landscapes, and the promise of a unique lifestyle. Renowned for its historical significance, Saudi Arabia beckons with a tapestry woven from ancient traditions and contemporary aspirations. The allure of exploring the vibrant markets, indulging in the local cuisine, and being part of a society undergoing rapid transformation fuels the excitement of this impending journey. Saudi Arabia's growing economy, coupled with its commitment to modernization, positions it as a compelling destination for those seeking not just a change of scenery, but a profound cultural immersion.

Prior to your relocation to Saudi Arabia, securing the requisite visa and work permit is imperative. Typically sponsored by your employer, the work visa, known as iqama, is the prevalent choice for employment purposes. It is advisable to initiate the visa application procedure well in advance, considering that it entails a range of documentation, medical assessments, and background checks.

Moving to Saudi Arabia can be facilitated through various avenues. Initially, you'll need to select a long-stay visa and secure a residence permit. Saudi Arabia provides a range of visas to accommodate diverse relocation purposes, whether for work or family reunification.

To move to Saudi Arabia for employment, you can apply for a suitable work visa, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. Numerous work visas offer pathways to permanent residency, facilitating the establishment of a long-term presence in the country. Some of the popular work visas for permanent residency in Saudi Arabia include:

• Work Visit Visa
• Temporary Work Visa
• Business Visit Visa
• Saudi Green Card (Permanent Residency)

Saudi Arabia offers various visas for family reunification, addressing diverse family situations. It's essential to note that not all family visas lead to permanent residency, so selecting one aligned with your specific reason for moving is crucial. Some visas that permit permanent residency include:

• Saudi Family Visit Visa
• Permanent Family Visa

Saudi Arabia offers numerous advantages and some challenges:

While only constituting 30% of the overall population, expatriates in Saudi Arabia discover a hospitable environment, particularly in cities such as Dammam, Jeddah, and Riyadh. These urban centers offer Western-style compounds equipped with contemporary conveniences, providing a comfortable lifestyle within the country's borders. Within these compounds, residents enjoy the freedom to dress as they please and move around without restrictions, albeit confined to the compound premises. The facilities within these compounds, including state-of-the-art swimming pools, community parks, restaurants, and convenience stores, contribute to a well-rounded living experience.

Jeddah: A Cosmopolitan Oasis

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia's largest port city, stands out as a lively and open-minded metropolis despite serving as the primary gateway to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The city's cultural vibrancy shines through annual arts and entertainment festivals, drawing expatriates engaged in fields such as science, healthcare, and engineering. The yearly art, culture, and entertainment festival, held in May and June, feature over 2,000 events, including attractions like Jeddah Jungle, Jeddah Yacht Club, City Walk, Jeddah Pier, Fusion by Cirque Du Soleil, Jeddah Superdome, and the heritage area, also known as the Bride of the Red Sea.

Riyadh: The Capital of Opportunities

As the capital and most populous city, Riyadh stands as a bustling center with diverse career opportunities. Despite its conservative nature and relatively high living costs, the city boasts attractions such as the Saudi National Museum, showcasing the nation's rich history. While Riyadh provides a range of activities and access to excellent healthcare services, it's important to note that the cost of living, including rent, ranks among the highest in the country. Consequently, the expatriate community mainly consists of individuals employed in the government sector, banking, and telecommunications industries.

Dammam: A Family-Friendly Haven

Nestled in the oil-rich eastern province, Dammam offers a cleaner and family-friendly environment. Surrounding towns like Al Khobar and Dhahran provide excellent residential choices, gaining recognition for their entertainment and cultural offerings. Dammam is increasingly known for its expanding entertainment scene, encompassing sports, art exhibitions, and live performances. In 2018, the city hosted Saudi Arabia's inaugural street art exhibition in Al Khobar's Bayoonya district. Moreover, visitors can explore the realms of science and innovation at Scitech or indulge in nostalgic pop culture at the Taybeen Museum.

Dhahran: A Hub of Opportunities

Dhahran, renowned for its oil industry and research institutions, entices expatriates with job prospects in international businesses and organizations.

Bringing pets to Saudi Arabia requires compliance with the following regulations for individuals intending to work and reside in the country:

1. Obtain a permit from the Saudi Ministry of Agriculture to bring the applicant's pet(s) into the country.
2. Secure a veterinary health certificate, specifying that the pet has undergone examination, received vaccinations for all potential diseases, and is in good health.
3. Authenticate the health certificate through the State Department Authentication Division, with document fees amounting to $8.75 per document. Payment should be made through the Enjaz website.
4. Have the health certificate certified by the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the United States of America.
5. Dogs entering Saudi Arabia must fit into one of the specified categories: hunting, guard, or seeing-eye dogs.
6. Exotic and non-domestic animals are prohibited from entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia unless used for official government purposes.
7. Dogs known to be dangerous and aggressive, such as Rottweilers and Pit Bulls, are strictly not allowed entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under any circumstances.

Unfortunately, a student visa does not lead to permanent residency in Saudi Arabia. However, individuals can explore alternative pathways for obtaining permanent residency through various visa options, such as work visas or family reunification visas.

Saudi Arabia provides additional options for obtaining permanent residency, including work-related visas and family reunification visas:

• Work Visit Visa
• Temporary Work Visa
• Business Visit Visa
• Saudi Green Card (Permanent Residency)

When moving to Saudi Arabia, you can transport your personal belongings by air, sea cargo, or international mail (post). These items may include clothing, furniture, appliances, and other personal effects. However, you must fulfill certain obligations, such as customs regulations and other applicable taxes and charges. It's advisable to check with the relevant authorities or the Saudi Arabian embassy for specific guidelines on bringing personal belongings into the country.

To become a permanent resident of Saudi Arabia, one typically needs to establish lawful residency for a continuous period of five years. This involves complying with the specific requirements outlined by the Saudi authorities for the chosen visa category, such as work-related visas, family reunification visas, or other permanent residency options.

In Saudi Arabia, the recognition of dual nationality is limited. Saudi law mandates that its citizens seek official permission from the government before acquiring a second nationality. There have been instances where Saudi authorities confiscated the passports of U.S. citizens who were in the process of applying for Saudi citizenship.