Living in Saudi Arabia | Saudi Arabia Country Guide - HSBC Expat (2024)

FAQs

What is it like living in Saudi Arabia as an expat? ›

Saudi Arabia has a lower cost of living than many other Middle Eastern destinations. Most expats enjoy a luxurious lifestyle, especially if their employment package includes housing, transport and education allowances. Compound accommodation is expensive and international school fees are high.

The average resident salary in Saudi Arabia is 270,000 SAR per year or 108 SAR per hour. Entry-level positions start at 196,500 SAR per year, while most experienced workers make up to 427,500 SAR per year.

Most expats in Saudi Arabia live in Jeddah and Riyadh, both of which have the full range of Western amenities, a good selection of accommodation, and most of the Kingdom's employers. Some expats may also find themselves drawn to Saudi's Eastern Province, pulled by lucrative job offers in the hydrocarbon sector.

Attitude to foreigners in Saudi Arabia

There are many differences between Islamic culture and Western culture, but as long as expats conduct themselves appropriately and respect the beliefs and traditions of their hosts, they will be treated warmly and with genuine hospitality while in Saudi Arabia.

The largest American community are in the capital of Riyadh, the headquarters of most multinational corporations in the kingdom, and in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah, a major commercial center. There are smaller American communities in the eastern cities of Dammam, Khobar and Dhahran, serving the local oil fields.

The tax rate for foreigners in Saudi Arabia is zero. This holds true whether you've established residency or not.

Foreigners are allowed to own real estate, but are subject to approval of the licensing authority. Foreign investors can purchase property for construction and investment, but this also requires prior approval. Foreign ownership is forbidden in Mecca and Medina.

Unlike what many people think, Saudi Arabia is friendly to American expats in the country. The process to move here is easy as long as you send no restricted items. They're also now allowing long term tourism visas in Saudi Arabia, which means you can live long term without a job.

How safe is Riyadh for Americans? ›

Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to the threat of missile and drone attacks on civilian facilities. Exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk.

The country's strict interpretation of Sharia law and harsh punishments for illegal activity mean that safety in Saudi Arabia is not a major concern. There is normally tight security in and around expat compounds, leaving residents feeling quite protected.

People in Saudi Arabia are friendly, welcoming, and very steeped in their culture. This guide serves as an overview of what to expect there. In many ways, Saudi Arabia is a paradoxical country and culture. The people are hospitable but insular; friendly in some ways and rigid in others.

Tourists are not exempted from the ban on alcohol in Saudi Arabia. Tourists are not allowed to consume alcohol while in the country even while en route to the country. You can be arrested if you cross the Saudi border while intoxicated, in possession of alcohol or even just smell like alcohol.

Can Americans visit Saudi Arabia? While Americans can visit Saudi Arabia, it isn't recommended. The United States government has issued two separate travel warnings for the country.

The United States and Saudi Arabia have a longstanding security relationship. Saudi Arabia is the United States' largest foreign military sales (FMS) customer, with more than $100 billion in active FMS cases.

The Department strongly recommends that U.S. citizens enter Saudi Arabia on a U.S. passport and Saudi visa, and not a laissez-passer. Length of Stay: Bearers of tourist visas are generally admitted for a 90-day stay and may not remain in the Kingdom more than 180 days in a twelve month period.

Saudi Arabia and Indonesia have long been close allies. Indonesia sent the largest hajj pilgrims among Muslim countries.

The people of Saudi Arabia embrace many social values influenced by their Islamic values which preserve the Kingdom's ancient customs and traditions. These values include: generosity, courage, hospitality, and maintaining strong family relationships.

Is Health Care Free in Saudi Arabia? ›

Health care in Saudi Arabia is a national health care system in which the government provides free universal healthcare coverage through a number of government agencies. There is also a growing role and increased participation from the private sector in the provision of health care services.

The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion – The FEIE is the most common and broadest aid to prevent double-taxation. You qualify if you live and work overseas and pass either the Bona Fide Residency test or the Physical Presence Test. If you qualify, you can exclude up to $108,700 for tax year 2021, and $112,000 for 2022.

Yes. If you are an American expatriate (expat), someone who moved from the U.S. and now lives abroad, you will need to file a U.S. tax return if you earned above the minimum income threshold. These gross income thresholds typically amount to the Standard Deduction amount for your filing status and age.

I have a US passport, do I need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia? Yes, visitors from the US are required to apply for a Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa.

Visa fees (SAR 300) and insurance (SAR 140). The amount in SAR is equivalent to $123 dollars. The visa is valid for up to one full year (365 days) with a maximum 90-day duration of stay at one time and multiple entries.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED. Exception: A Saudi woman who marries a foreign citizen may retain her Saudi citizenship unless prohibited by the laws of the spouse's home country. LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP: VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of Saudi citizenship is permitted by law.

The maximum stay in Saudi Arabia is 90 days per year. A business visitor visa allows representatives of a foreign company to travel to Saudi Arabia for business purposes.

Saudi Arabia, like many other Muslim-majority countries, does not allow men and women to live together unless they are “mahram” — an Arabic term referring to close family members or spouses. The rule is rooted in Islamic law.

The average helper salary in Saudi Arabia is 390,000 SAR per year or 156 SAR per hour.

The US and Saudi governments share taxpayer info, and Saudi banks pass on US account holders' account info to the IRS, so don't be economical with the truth or believe you can stay under the IRS' radar. The penalties for tax evasion (or incomplete filing, or not filing) for expats are harsh, to say the least.

Is Saudi Arabia tax free? ›

Personal Income Tax Rate in Saudi Arabia is expected to reach 0.00 percent by the end of 2023, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the Saudi Arabia Personal Income Tax Rate is projected to trend around 0.00 percent in 2024, according to our econometric models.

The hijab and niqab, both female head coverings, are optional for tourists, as are headscarves, though they are highly recommended and may be necessary in religious places.

Is Western-style clothing acceptable in Saudi Arabia? Laws are beginning to relax in recent months, however, you should always be sure to dress modestly. Western-style clothing like short bottoms, loose tops or dresses are not allowed.

Both men and women are advised not to wear shorts or sleeveless tops, when going to government buildings, airports, health care facilities or malls. If you do not dress modestly, you may be asked to leave or be denied entry to these locations. Dressing modestly is important especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

Travel insurance website InsureMyTrip has named Madinah (Medina in English) in Saudi Arabia as the world's safest city for solo female travellers to visit.

Cost of living in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) is 24% cheaper than in Dubai (United Arab Emirates)

Working Women

Expat spouses need their own work visa if they want to take up employment in Saudi Arabia. Female expat spouses who accompany their husbands to Saudi Arabia don't have it easy.

Don't point at people – keep your hand flat and gesture instead. Don't wear tight clothing. Don't say anything critical of the royal family, Islam or a person's family. Don't show affection to the opposite sex in public.

What is considered disrespectful in Saudi Arabia? ›

You should refrain from holding hands and public displays of affection. This is also applicable in the UAE and the GCC. Gambling is banned in KSA as well as in the UAE. Look out for the family sections of cafes and restaurants; if you are a male who is alone, don't go in.

In Saudi Arabia, when we greet each other, we say “Salam Alaykum,” which means “peace be upon you.” It is usually followed by a handshake if it is a formal meeting, or a kiss on the cheek if it's been a while since meeting that person — especially if they are family or a close friend.

It's important to realize that importing illegal medication or drugs in Saudi Arabia carries stiff penalties – including imprisonment and fines. However, travelers who take prescription medicines such as sleeping pills, painkillers and treatments for ADHD can import these into Saudi Arabia.

The cultural environment in Saudi Arabia is highly conservative. Religious law forbids the sale or consumption of alcohol throughout the country, so there are no bars or nightclubs.

Smoking in Saudi Arabia is banned in airports, workplaces, universities, research centers, hospitals, government buildings, all public places, places involved with tourism, and in and around all places associated with religion, education, public events, sporting establishments, charity associations, all forms of public ...

Summary about cost of living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Family of four estimated monthly costs are 2,914.0$ (10,942.2﷼) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 811.4$ (3,046.6﷼) without rent.

Consuming alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the short answer to your question is no. Due to the fact that Islamic law forbids the manufacture, distribution, and use of alcoholic beverages, drinking alcoholic beverages is against the law in this country.

Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to the threat of missile and drone attacks on civilian facilities. Exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Experts say the KSA is safe — to a point. The crime rate in Saudi Arabia is low, according to official sources. The main risks to tourists are petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, which mainly happen in crowded areas.

What is the average rent in Saudi Arabia? ›

Saudi law prohibits the importation of weapons, alcohol, narcotics, pork and pork products, p*rnographic materials, distillery equipment, re-treaded or used tyres, used clothing and certain sculptures. Personal videos, books, and magazines may be subjected to scrutiny and be censored on arrival.

The Department strongly recommends that U.S. citizens enter Saudi Arabia on a U.S. passport and Saudi visa, and not a laissez-passer. Length of Stay: Bearers of tourist visas are generally admitted for a 90-day stay and may not remain in the Kingdom more than 180 days in a twelve month period.

Retirement Age Men in Saudi Arabia is expected to reach 60.00 Years by the end of 2023, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the Saudi Arabia Retirement Age Men is projected to trend around 60.00 Years in 2024, according to our econometric models.