The first month in Saudi Arabia is mostly paperwork — and the order you do it in matters. This sequence is built from how relocations actually unfold, with the registrations that gate other steps put first. Iqama is required for almost everything. Importing alcohol, pork, religious texts of other faiths and certain media is prohibited. Confirm details with MOI / General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) and Absher, ZATCA (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority) and a licensed local adviser before relying on any time estimate.
Week 1 — arrival and identity
- Activate or pick up your initial visa / residency stamp from MOI / General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) and Absher.
- Get a local SIM card with a national ID-linked number (most banks and government portals require it).
- If your country needs an in-person address registration step (e.g., empadronamiento, anmeldung-equivalent), do it now — many later steps depend on it.
- Open a non-resident or newcomer bank account to receive your first salary or transfer.
Week 2 — money and tax
- Apply for the local tax number issued by ZATCA (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority) (where applicable).
- Convert your initial transfer using a regulated FX broker, not an airport currency desk.
- Set up direct debits for rent and utilities — get the IBAN / account details from your landlord.
- Register at the bank with your residency document so the account becomes fully resident-tier.
Week 3 — healthcare and home
- Register with Mandatory private health insurance for expat workers (where eligible) and pick a primary-care provider nearby.
- Activate or buy a resident health-insurance plan if your visa class requires it.
- Inspect your rental and document any pre-existing damage in writing (and photos) before paying any deposit balance.
- Schedule the inbound shipment delivery; confirm last-mile access (lift bookings, narrow-street parking, gated communities).
Week 4 — settling in
- Convert or apply for a local driver's licence (rules and timeframes vary; some countries require this within 90 days).
- Enrol school-age children and confirm uniform, transport, after-school care.
- Update your home-country bank, broker, insurer and government services with your new address (or a forwarding address).
- Join one or two local communities — embassy clubs, parent groups, country-of-origin associations — early friendships save months of trial and error.
Country-specific quirks
Iqama is required for almost everything. Importing alcohol, pork, religious texts of other faiths and certain media is prohibited.
What to bring on the plane
- Originals + scans of passports, visas, marriage / birth certificates (apostilled where required).
- 30 days of essential prescriptions in original packaging plus a doctor's letter.
- Proof of address abroad (last bank statement, lease) — useful for opening accounts and registrations.
- A short-list of pre-vetted contacts: lawyer, mover, school admissions, healthcare adviser.
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Plan my moveFrequently asked questions
What's the most common mistake newcomers make in Saudi Arabia?
Doing steps in the wrong order. Most registrations gate the next step — for example, you usually can't open a fully-functional resident bank account until you have your Iqama (residence permit).
How long does residency processing take?
Timelines for MOI / General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) and Absher vary materially with category and city. Plan for weeks not days; have backup access to funds and short-term accommodation.
Can I bring my pet on the same trip?
Sometimes — but rules and forms differ by species, breed, origin country and airline. See our pet relocation guide for the destination country and start the paperwork at least 3–6 months ahead.
When can I drive on my foreign licence?
Many countries allow short-term use of a foreign or international permit. Saudi Arabia typically requires conversion or a local test within a defined window — confirm current rules with the local transport authority.
Do I need a local accountant in year one?
Most newcomers benefit from at least one consultation with a tax adviser registered with ZATCA (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority) in their first year, especially if income, pensions or assets remain in the home country.