Saudi Arabia is home to about 15.7 million non-Saudi residents, around 44% of the population, according to the 2024 GASTAT population bulletin. Whether you are arriving for the first time or preparing for your next posting, this guide covers everything you need to settle in: visa and iqama, housing, banking, healthcare, schools, driving, jobs, and daily life.
Expat life in Saudi Arabia offers tax-free salaries, high-quality private healthcare, modern infrastructure, and a rapidly evolving social scene. The Kingdom's Vision 2030 reform programme has transformed daily life: cinemas, concerts, mixed-gender public spaces, and international events are now part of everyday experience. The main administrative requirements are securing a valid work visa, obtaining an iqama (residence permit), and opening a local bank account — all covered in detail below.
By the Saudi Expats Editorial Team. Last updated 31 May 2026.
Official sources: GASTAT, Ministry of Interior, Absher, Saudi Visa / MOFA, CHI/CCHI.
Always confirm your case in the official portal before acting.
Capital
Riyadh
Currency
Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Language
Arabic (English widely used in business)
Tax on income
None for employees
Work week
Sunday – Thursday
Driving side
Right
Time zone
AST (UTC+3), no DST
VAT rate
15%
Browse by topic — each section links to detailed guides and tools.
MOFA visa verification, work visa types, iqama application and renewal, exit/re-entry permits.
Finding accommodation, expat compounds, renting apartments, what to expect in major cities.
Opening a bank account, Al Rajhi vs SNB, money transfers, STC Pay, and remittance.
Grocery prices, rent ranges, utilities, transport, and dining costs by city.
Finding work, salary expectations, Nitaqat quotas, work permits, and top-hiring sectors.
CCHI health insurance classes, choosing a provider, major hospitals, and emergency care.
Converting your licence, buying a car, traffic regulations, and public transport options.
International schools, curricula available (British, American, IB), school fees, and enrolment.
Social norms, Ramadan etiquette, Vision 2030 lifestyle changes, entertainment, and community.
Connect with fellow expats, find mentors, discover local groups, and get personalised advice.
The essential steps every expat should complete within the first 90 days of arriving in Saudi Arabia.
Register your mobile SIM (requires iqama)
Each city has its own character and practical considerations for expats.
The capital. Business hub, diplomatic quarter, and the largest expat community in the Kingdom.
Coastal lifestyle, more relaxed atmosphere, Red Sea activities, and a diverse international community.
Eastern Province oil industry hub. Close to Bahrain. Strong industrial and Aramco expat community.
Industrial city. Major petrochemical employers. SABIC, ARAMCO, and a large expat workforce.
Fastest-growing region. Unique mega-project opportunities. Cooler winters than the rest of KSA.
Holy city with special cultural context. Non-Muslim expats should understand entry regulations.
The iqama (إقامة) is the Saudi Arabian residence permit required for all expatriates living and working in the Kingdom. It is sponsored by your employer or, for family visa holders, by the primary visa sponsor. You should be able to present proof of your valid resident identity when requested by authorities. Iqama must be renewed annually or biannually depending on your visa type.
A single expat can live comfortably in Riyadh or Jeddah on SAR 8,000–15,000 per month (approximately USD 2,100–4,000), covering rent, utilities, food, and transport. A family of four typically needs SAR 18,000–30,000 per month. Housing is the largest expense; many employers provide a housing allowance or company accommodation.
Expats from GCC countries and many Western nations can exchange their foreign driving licence for a Saudi licence without a driving test. Citizens of other nationalities must pass a driving test. An international driving permit is not recognised for long-term residents — you must obtain a Saudi licence once you hold an iqama.
Private healthcare in Saudi Arabia, especially in major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, is generally excellent. Employers are legally required to provide CCHI-compliant health insurance for all employees and their dependants. Major international-standard hospitals include Saudi German Hospital, King Faisal Specialist Hospital, and Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare.
Social life has expanded under Vision 2030, with cinemas, concerts, sporting events, restaurants, cafes, entertainment venues, and international festivals now common in major cities. Rules still vary by venue, city, and event, so check official event and venue terms before attending. Many cities have active expat communities with sports leagues, hobby groups, and cultural events, and Saudi Expats connects you with thousands of fellow expats across the Kingdom.
Al Rajhi Bank and Saudi National Bank (SNB) are the most popular choices for expats due to their large ATM networks, English-language mobile apps, and straightforward account opening processes. HSBC and Citibank also cater to expats with international banking requirements. See our full banking guide for a step-by-step account opening walkthrough.