Saudi Arabia Country Guide
Your Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in Saudi Arabia
Important: This guide provides essential information for individuals and families relocating to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). With major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam undergoing rapid development, Saudi Arabia offers strong opportunities in energy, engineering, finance, medicine, education, logistics, tourism and technology. Regulations, residency programs and work visa requirements evolve frequently, so always verify details with official Saudi government sources before relocating.
Home To Home Relocations supports clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to Saudi Arabia, including export packing, air/ocean shipping, customs documentation and final delivery to major Saudi cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Khobar, Jubail and Medina.
1. Before You Move to Saudi Arabia
1.1 Visa Types & Residency Categories
Most newcomers enter on a work visa or residency visa sponsored by an employer. Common categories include:
- Employment Visa (Work Visa) – sponsored by a licensed Saudi employer
- Residency Permit (Iqama) – issued after arrival and required for living and working in KSA
- Investor Residency – for qualifying business investors
- Premium Residency Program (similar to long-term residency)
- Family Visit / Family Residency Visas – sponsored by a working resident
- Student Visas – for accredited educational institutions
1.2 Working in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s job market is strong in oil and gas, construction, engineering, IT, healthcare, teaching, defence, logistics and new economic sectors under Vision 2030 initiatives. Your employer usually arranges:
- Employment contract approval
- Work visa application
- Medical checks
- Iqama processing after arrival
1.3 Housing & Accommodation
There are many housing options in compounds and city apartments. Requirements usually include:
- Passport and visa/Iqama copy
- Security deposit (1–3 months)
- Proof of employment
- Advance rent payment
1.4 Banking & Finances
The national currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). To open a bank account, residents normally require:
- Iqama (residency card)
- Passport
- Proof of address and employment
1.5 Healthcare & Insurance
Saudi Arabia offers extensive public and private healthcare. Health insurance is mandatory for expatriate employees and is often provided by the employer.
1.6 Documents to Prepare Before Moving
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Attested educational certificates (required for many professions)
- Medical reports for visa processing
- Employment contract
- Marriage/birth certificates for dependants (attested)
- Police clearance certificate (if required)
2. Your First Weeks in Saudi Arabia
2.1 Medical Examination
Certain residency categories require a medical fitness test after arrival.
2.2 Iqama Issuance
Your employer finalises the Iqama process. Once issued, it becomes your official identification inside KSA.
2.3 SIM Card & Banking
You typically need your Iqama to obtain a SIM card, sign rental contracts, and open a bank account.
2.4 Housing Setup & Utilities
After choosing housing, you may need to set up:
- Electricity and water services
- Internet and home Wi-Fi
- Building access cards
3. Saudi Arabia at a Glance
3.1 Regions & Geography
Saudi Arabia is divided into regions including Riyadh Province, Makkah Province, Eastern Province, Madinah Province and Asir. Landscapes range from deserts to mountains and coastal areas.
3.2 Politics & Economy
Saudi Arabia is a monarchy with a rapidly modernising economy. Key sectors include oil, petrochemicals, finance, construction, tourism and logistics. Vision 2030 is driving diversification across technology, culture and entertainment.
3.3 Climate & Weather
KSA has a desert climate with extremely hot summers and mild winters. Coastal regions such as Jeddah are humid, while Riyadh and the interior are dry.
4. Why Many Canadians Choose Saudi Arabia
- Tax-free salary environment
- Strong demand for skilled professionals
- Modern infrastructure and growing urban development
- Safe, family-friendly communities
- Strategic location for global travel
5. Housing, Cost of Living & Daily Life
Saudi Arabia is rapidly changing, with modern malls, restaurants, entertainment venues and a wide mix of expatriate communities. Consider typical expenses such as:
- Yearly rent (paid in installments)
- Utilities and air conditioning
- School fees at international schools
- Healthcare top-up plans, if not covered
- Transportation (car ownership is common)
6. Transportation & Getting Around
6.1 Public Transport
Public transport is expanding with new metro systems (e.g., Riyadh Metro) and improved bus networks.
6.2 Driving in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia drives on the right-hand side. Most expatriates drive cars due to city layouts. Your home-country licence may be exchangeable depending on nationality.
6.3 Air Travel
KSA has major international airports in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, offering excellent connectivity worldwide.
7. Culture, Lifestyle & Places to Visit
7.1 Everyday Culture
- Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country with strong family values
- Respect for local customs, dress guidelines and traditions is expected
- Arabic is the official language, but English is widely used in business
- Hospitality and generosity are core cultural values
7.2 Popular Cities & Attractions
- Riyadh: Capital city, cultural attractions, financial centre
- Jeddah: Red Sea coast, historic old town, waterfront
- AlUla: UNESCO archaeological site
- Dammam/Khobar: Modern Gulf Coast cities
- Abha: Mountain landscapes and cooler climate