Saudi Arabia is changing faster than almost anywhere in the world. Under Vision 2030, the kingdom has opened to tourists, introduced cinemas and concerts, allowed women to drive and launched giga-projects such as NEOM and the Red Sea developments. For foreign professionals, the draw is tax-free salaries, often with generous housing and schooling allowances.

Visas and residence

  • Employer-sponsored work visa and iqama: the standard route. Your employer sponsors your visa and residence permit (iqama), and family members can usually join if you meet a salary threshold.
  • Premium Residency: run by the Premium Residency Center, this lets foreigners live in Saudi Arabia without a sponsor. Options include permanent residence for a one-off fee of SAR 800,000 (about US$213,000), renewable residence for SAR 100,000 a year, and categories for special talent, gifted individuals, investors, entrepreneurs and real estate owners (property worth at least SAR 4 million).
  • Visit visas: tourist e-visas are available to many nationalities, but they do not permit work.

Property ownership

A new law allows foreigners to own residential property in most of the kingdom, including Riyadh and Jeddah, while Mecca and Medina remain restricted. Check current rules before buying.

How much does it cost to live in Saudi Arabia?

Our Saudi Arabia data puts an average one-bedroom in Riyadh at about $900 a month and a three-bedroom at about $1,700, though housing in expat compounds costs much more and is often paid by employers. Groceries cost about $280 a month, petrol is cheap, and most people drive; Riyadh's new metro is expanding public transport. International school fees are a major cost for families if not covered by the employer.

How Saudi tax works

There is no personal income tax on employment income, according to the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority. Foreign employees do not pay into the Saudi pension system. VAT is 15%. Foreign-owned companies pay 20% corporate income tax, while Saudi and GCC owners pay zakat. Expatriates with dependants pay a monthly dependant levy, which some employers cover. Remember that some countries, such as the US, tax their citizens wherever they live. See our tax calculator.

Healthcare

Employers must provide private health insurance for expatriate staff and their families. Major cities have modern hospitals, and care is generally good.

Daily life

Life follows Islamic customs. The weekend is Friday and Saturday, prayer times affect opening hours, and Ramadan changes the rhythm of the whole country. Dress codes have relaxed: abayas are no longer required for foreign women, but modest dress is expected. Alcohol remains heavily restricted. Summers regularly exceed 45°C in Riyadh, while Jeddah is humid and the southwestern Asir mountains are cooler.

Is Saudi Arabia a good place to move?

Saudi Arabia suits engineers, healthcare workers, executives and professionals in energy, construction and finance looking for tax-free income and fast-moving projects. Comparing Gulf options? Read our Saudi Arabia vs UAE comparison.