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Country guide · SA

Living in Saudi Arabia

The largest economy in the Gulf, undergoing rapid transformation under Vision 2030 with major giga-projects and expanding expat opportunities.

Overview

Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the Gulf and is reshaping itself under Vision 2030. Giga-projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea and Qiddiya, a growing entertainment sector and new regional headquarters in Riyadh are creating demand for engineers, healthcare workers, consultants and specialists.

Social rules have relaxed significantly since 2017. Life is centred on Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province. Salaries are competitive, there is no personal income tax, and Premium Residency offers a path to residency without a sponsor.

Getting a job in Saudi Arabia

All journeys
Ahmed Hassan, Civil Engineering Project Manager

Saudi Arabia · Riyadh

Ahmed Hassan, Civil Engineering Project Manager

Ahmed joined a contractor delivering a Riyadh metro extension. Engineering roles in Saudi Arabia require professional accreditation, which added a step most other professions do not have.

per month
SAR 22K
Timeline
12–16 weeks
Dr. Aisha Rahman, Consultant Paediatrician

Saudi Arabia · Riyadh

Dr. Aisha Rahman, Consultant Paediatrician

Aisha joined a government hospital in Riyadh. Classification with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties set her grade and salary.

per month
SAR 55K
Timeline
16–24 weeks
Lukas Weber, Data Engineer

Saudi Arabia · Riyadh

Lukas Weber, Data Engineer

Lukas joined a Riyadh tech company working on Vision 2030 projects. No professional licence was needed, so the visa moved quickly.

per month
SAR 30K
Timeline
8–12 weeks
Grace Wanjiru, Staff Nurse

Saudi Arabia · Jeddah

Grace Wanjiru, Staff Nurse

Grace joined a private hospital in Jeddah through a government-licensed recruiter. Housing and transport were provided.

per month
SAR 9K
Timeline
12–18 weeks
James Miller, Petroleum Engineer

Saudi Arabia · Dhahran

James Miller, Petroleum Engineer

James joined an oil-services contractor in the Eastern Province. Engineering accreditation with the Saudi Council of Engineers was required.

per month
SAR 48K
Timeline
10–16 weeks
Sarah Thompson, International School Teacher

Saudi Arabia · Jeddah

Sarah Thompson, International School Teacher

Sarah teaches at an international school in Jeddah. The school provided furnished housing and annual flights.

per month
SAR 16K
Timeline
10–14 weeks

Visas and residency

Most expats work under an Iqama (residence permit) sponsored by an employer. The Premium Residency programme offers independent long-term residency, and new investor and talent visas have been introduced.

Climate

Hot desert climate inland with very hot summers; coastal Jeddah and Dammam are humid. Winters are cool in Riyadh.

Cities

Saudi Arabia guides

All guides

Frequently asked questions

Is alcohol legal in Saudi Arabia?

Alcohol remains heavily restricted. Always follow current local regulations.

Do women need a male guardian to live and work?

No. Reforms since 2019 allow women to live, work, travel and drive independently.

Can women work in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Female workforce participation has grown sharply since 2019 and women work across most sectors, often in mixed workplaces.

What is the Iqama?

The Iqama is your residence permit and ID. It is issued after arrival and is needed for banking, renting and travel in and out of the Kingdom.

Is alcohol allowed?

Alcohol remains prohibited for the general public. Plan your lifestyle and expectations accordingly.

Can I bring my family?

Yes, depending on your profession and salary. Dependants pay monthly fees, which some employers reimburse.