Saudi Arabia

Move to Saudi Arabia

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overview

Welcome to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its vast deserts, rich oil reserves, and Islamic holy sites. Its economy is diversifying beyond oil through Vision 2030, focusing on tourism, technology, and sustainable development while maintaining its cultural and religious significance.

overview

Saudi Arabia Essentials

National Anthem

Aash Al Maleek

Independence Day

September 23, 1932

Haiko

Desert dunes shift gold / Oasis palms offer shade / Muezzin calls faith

Interesting Tradition

Holds traditional sword dances (Ardah) during national celebrations, featuring drums and poetry

Weirdest Local Superstition

Evil eye belief - blue amulets are worn for protection

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal for women to wear clothes that show their beauty

overview

Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the transformation, stay for the vision: Saudi Arabia undergoes unprecedented modernization while honoring its rich heritage. Life balances between morning meetings in futuristic cities and afternoon explorations of ancient desert landscapes, while evenings celebrate traditional hospitality and contemporary culture. Vision 2030 initiatives and mega-projects have positioned Saudi Arabia as an emerging destination for global talent and investment.

overview

يلا (Yalla)

Let's step into a kingdom where vision isn't just planning, but transformation in action. Here, desert wisdom meets futuristic ambition in unprecedented Arabian possibility.

overview

أهلاً وسهلاً بكم في المملكة العربية السعودية

A desert kingdom of ancient traditions and modern wealth, Saudi Arabia is where past and future converge in a land of stark beauty!

Saudi Arabia isn't just a country—it's a crossroads of ambition and heritage. Here, time moves at the pace of both ancient caravan routes and ultramodern skylines, and even a simple encounter can turn into an adventure through layers of tradition and transformation. This is a land where Bedouin wisdom and visionary progress stride together like travelers across shifting sands.

From the futuristic cityscape of NEOM to the sacred tranquility of Mecca's surroundings, Saudi Arabia offers something for every global citizen. Whether you're drawn to the business dynamism of Riyadh, the coastal beauty of the Red Sea, or the archaeological wonders of AlUla, you'll find a quality of life that prioritizes hospitality, cultural pride, and the pursuit of ambitious dreams.

Statistics

Savor the Flavor

Eat

kabsa (spiced rice with meat) - mandi (slow-cooked lamb and rice)

Drink

arabic coffee (cardamom-spiced coffee) - tamar hindi (tamarind juice)

overview

هل أنت عطشان؟ (Hal anta atshan?)

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

4.81

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

1.06

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Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Prayer times structure daily schedules - interrupting them shows disrespect
#2
Gender interaction rules are strict - violations can cause serious offense
#3
Hospitality obligations are intense - refusing offers multiple times is expected
#4
Left hand use is avoided - eating or greeting with it is considered unclean
#5
Family honor affects entire lineage - individual actions reflect on everyone

overview

Saudi Arabia Essentials

Representative Novel

Girls of Riyadh by Rajaa Alsanea (Novel exploring the lives of young women in Saudi society)

National Animal

Arabian Camel

National Pasttime

Camel racing

National Souvenir

Hand-woven Bedouin carpets

National Dish

Kabsa

Famous Festival

Janadriyah National Festival

Famous Dance

Ardah

Famous Music

Arabic Oud music

overview

Did You Know?

overview

Saudi Arabia’s Key Historical Events

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MOBILITY

Access Saudi Arabia Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

1
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MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
No
Citizenship by DESCENT
Yes
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
5 years
DUAL Citizenship
No
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
5
PASSPORT VALIDITY
5 years

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

81

Performance Class

Emerging Explorer

Passport Grade

C-

Rank

102

Score

63.4

This visa grants access to:

• 25% of the world's population 

• 25% of UNESCO sites 

• 16% of global GDP 

• 20% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Visa-free access to:

map visualization

MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to Saudi Arabia by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Saudi Arabia
2,876
3,215
3,624
4,891
6,224
7,895
9,273

MOBILITY

Compare My Passport

Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobility Asset
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Physical Presence Requirement
Cost of Living
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
More Details

Rankings

Saudi Arabia's Global Rankings 

Saudi Arabia excels with excellent happiness (#32) and minimal tax burden (#3). Our comprehensive analysis shows its moderate cost of living (#67) and centered safety rankings (#102).

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
67
Cost of Living
2024
Moderate
31
Quality of Life
2024
Low
102
Safety
2024
Centered
32
Happiness
2024
Excellent
3
Tax Burden
2024
Minimal Load
105
English Proficiency
2023
Low Proficiency
Rule of Law
2024
67
Healthcare System
2024
Basic Plan
Pleasant Climate
2024

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Median Age

30.8

years

Life Expectancy

78,7

years

Obesity Rate

35.40%

Tobacco Use

20.80%

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

5.97%

of GDP

Hospital Beds

2.7

per 1000 people

Doctors

2.74

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

14.28%

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

National Health Service (NHS)

Saudi citizens receive free healthcare via the public system. Non-citizens must use private healthcare, typically covered through employer-mandated insurance.

Private Healthcare Sector

Private hospitals offer excellent care with modern technology. These facilities are the main option for expatriates and are known for shorter wait times.

Healthcare for Expats

Expatriates are required to have private insurance, often provided by their employers. This gives them access to high-quality private care.

Focus on Preventive Care

Saudi Arabia has expanded preventive care efforts, particularly for chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, integrated into public and private systems.

Pharmaceutical Affordability

The cost of medications varies. While essential drugs may be subsidized, private sector pharmacies can have higher prices, especially for imported brands.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

The World Health Organization's United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000-2021) data describes the coverage of essential health services, defined as the average coverage of essential services based on tracer interventions that include reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and service capacity and access, among the general and the most disadvantaged population.
Source:

Healthcare

Saudi Arabia Healthcare Cost Calculator

This calculator helps you compare healthcare expenditures between different countries based on per capita health spending data. The tool provides a straightforward comparison by allowing you to:
1. Select your current location from the dropdown menu
2. Choose a comparison country to see the difference in healthcare costs

The calculator displays two key metrics:
• Healthcare Expense Difference: The absolute dollar amount difference in per capita healthcare spending between the selected countries
• Percentage Difference: The relative difference expressed as a percentage
Please note that these calculations are based on annual per capita health expenditure data, which includes current prices and purchasing power parities (PPP). The figures represent total healthcare spending, encompassing both public and private healthcare expenses. For the most accurate planning and decision-making, please consult with healthcare providers or insurance companies in your target country for specific coverage options and costs.
Source:

cost of living

Cost of Living Overview

Saudi Arabia offers a range of living costs, from moderate to high, depending on the city and lifestyle. Riyadh and Jeddah are among the more expensive cities, with housing rents increasing by 12.5% in recent times. Food costs are moderate, with local options being more affordable than imported goods. Utilities can be high due to air conditioning needs, especially during summer. Public transportation is developing, but many residents rely on private vehicles, adding to transportation costs. Education expenses are significant, particularly for private international schools. ​

Cost of Gasoline

0.62

per liter

Cost of Meal

6.66

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

516.50

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

106.25

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

(0.5 liter draught)

VAT Rate

15%

cost of living

Saudi Arabia Cost of Living plus Rent Map

map visualization

cost of living

Saudi Arabia Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Saudi Arabia Rent Calculator

Taxation

Taxation Overview

Before relocating to Saudi Arabia, it's important to understand its tax system. Saudi Arabia does not impose personal income tax on individuals, regardless of their nationality. However, non-Saudi shareholders in Saudi companies are subject to corporate income tax. There is a 15% VAT on most goods and services. Property tax applies. Social insurance contributions are mandatory for employed individuals. A Tax Identification Number is required for businesses. Saudi Arabia does not have a double taxation treaty with the United States, but as there is no personal income tax, double taxation concerns for individuals are minimal.

Tax Residency Requirement

183 days or 30 days with permanent residence

Worldwide Income Taxation

No

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

No

US Double Taxation Treaty

No

Personal Income

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

0%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

0%

Inheritance

Based on inherited amount and relationship

0%

Corporate Income

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

20%

Corporate Capital Gains

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

20%

Dividends

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

0%

Interest

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

0%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

15%

Work Assignment

Foreign individuals are considered residents if they have a permanent place of residence in Saudi Arabia and are present in the Kingdom for a period of not less than 30 days in the taxable year, or are present in Saudi Arabia for a period of not less than 183 days in the taxable year.

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

%

taxation

Saudi Arabia Tax Burden Map

map visualization

taxation

Saudi Arabia Income Tax Calculator

This calculator helps you estimate your income tax obligations based on your personal situation and country of residence. The calculation includes essential tax elements specific to each jurisdiction, such as personal allowances, various types of deductions or tax credits, and progressive tax rates where applicable. The estimation considers multiple key inputs that vary by country, including your annual gross income (in USD), marital status when relevant, number of dependent children, as well as additional factors like medical expenses, educational costs, and retirement contributions.

The calculator provides three main results:
• Total Deductions and/or Tax Credits (based on jurisdiction-specific rules)
• Net Taxable Income (income subject to tax)
• Final Income Tax amount
Please note that these calculations are estimates and can vary significantly depending on specific circumstances, additional income sources, special deductions, and changes in tax regulations across different countries. Some jurisdictions may use tox credits instead of deductions, have different qualifying criteria for dependents, or consider various types of expenses differently. For precise tax planning and compliance, please consult with a qualified tax professional familiar with your jurisdiction's tax laws.
Source:

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Hot desert climate with extreme heat in summer and mild winters

Average Temperature

24.7°C (76.5°F)

Humidity

25

%

Average Annual Precipitation

59

mm

Rainless Days per Year

360

Best Time to Travel

November-March

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in Saudi Arabia

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in Saudi Arabia.

What Mobility Assets are available to me in Saudi Arabia?

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Do I need to speak Arabic to apply for residency or citizenship in Saudi Arabia?

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Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Saudi Arabia with me?

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How will GlobalPassport™ help me move to Saudi Arabia?

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Can I keep my own citizenship?

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overview

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