Expat questions, answered honestly.
Without the right guidance moving your life in a rapidly transforming Saudi landscape can feel like a maze of conflicting advice and endless paperwork. We know that the transition often feels confusing and overwhelming.
The Falcon Mobility Advisory team has lived through these transitions and is here to help you navigate the complexities of process, life and business with clarity and the honesty we wish we’d had when we first arrived.
Visa, Residency & Legalities
What is the "Saudi Green Card" (Premium Residency) and should I get it?
The Premium Residency allows expats to live, work, and own property without a local sponsor. While a standard Iqama (work permit) is tied to your job, the newly expanded Premium Residency offers long-term stability and is available via various routes, depending on your situation and skillset.
Is my residency (Iqama) tied to my employer?
Yes, for standard work visas, your employer remains your legal sponsor. However, the Qiwa platform has made it significantly easier to transfer sponsorship to a new employer after your contract ends without needing the "No Objection Certificate" (NOC) that was required in the past.
How long does the visa "attestation" process take?
Legalizing your degrees, marriage, and birth certificates usually takes 4–8 weeks. This must be done in your home country before you arrive. Falcon Mobility Advisory can support with this process.
Can I bring my family on a visit visa while my Iqama is processing?
Yes, many expats use the 1-year multi-entry tourist visa to bring family early. Once the 'yellow slip' is ready for submission to the Saudi Embassy in your home country, the family will need to return home and submit their passports to the embassy. Note that dependents cannot enroll in school or access employer-provided health insurance until their residency (Dependent Iqama) is finalized.
What are the medical requirements for a Saudi work visa?
Saudi Arabia requires a comprehensive medical examination for work or residency visas (Iqama) to screen for infectious diseases. Key requirements include a physical exam, chest X-ray (for tuberculosis), and blood tests for HIV, Hepatitis B/C, and Syphilis, performed by approved clinics. Documents must be signed, stamped, and valid for 3 months.
Finances & Education
Is Saudi Arabia truly "tax-free"?
There is no personal income tax on salaries. However, there is a 15% VAT on most goods and services. Most salaries are in SAR (Saudi Riyal - the local currency) or USD, so don't forget to consider the impact of this on your financial plans.
How much does international schooling cost?
Fees in Riyadh, Khobar or Jeddah range from SAR 40,000 to SAR 100,000+ per child per year. Many of the top schools have long waiting lists. Contact Falcon Mobility Advisory for up-to-date information on school waitlists.
Can I buy property as an expat in 2026?
Yes! Under the 2026 Real Estate Law, foreigners can now own residential and commercial property in designated zones across the Kingdom. For investors without an iqama (residency permit), there is a minimum property purchase price of 1M SAR. Buying property worth 4M SAR also qualifies you for Premium Residency.
How do I open a bank account?
You need your Iqama and a National Address. Most expats set up a bank account with one of the traditional banks like SNB, SAB (formerly a subsidiary of HSBC) or Al Rajhi for their main salary. However Saudi Arabia is now seeing an increase in digital-first banks like STC Pay or neoleap.
What is the "End of Service" Benefit (ESB)?
In lieu of a pension, Saudi law mandates an End of Service payment. You typically get 15 days' salary for each of the first five years and a full month's salary for every year thereafter. However, resignation by the employee reduces this entitlement. Falcon Mobility Advisory can support with ESB calculations for your personal circumstances.
Lifestyle & Housing
Do Expats still have to live in compounds?
It's no longer a requirement, but it is a lifestyle choice. Compounds offer more familiarity for expats (pools, no dress code inside, gyms). However, it comes at a premium cost and more exclusive compounds have extensive waitlists. Many expats opt to live in the community, where they have larger spaces and more access to the local culture.
What is the "National Address" and why is it mandatory?
Every resident must register a National Address (via the SPL portal). It is the only way to receive government mail, open a bank account, and get Amazon/local deliveries. Saudi national addresses are not applied sequentially like you may assume!
Is alcohol available in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
Alcohol remains illegal for the general public. However, in 2026 a small number of stores have opened with access tightly controlled. Diplomats and non-muslim expats holding premium residency or with a salary over 50,000SAR per month may have access to these stores, but the general rule for expats is total abstinence in public.
What should Western women wear in public?
Abayas and hijabs are not required for non-Saudis. However, modest dress (covering shoulders and knees) is expected. Many malls, business and healthcare facilities have security guards at entrances and they can turn you away so it's recommended to keep a light cover-up in the car. While it might be hot outside, everywhere has aircon so it can be chilly indoors!
Can I drive with my home country's license?
You can use a Western license at most car hire places until your Iqama is issued. After your iqama is issued, you must convert it to a Saudi license. For most Westerners, this just requires a vision test and a small fee - no driving test needed.
Daily Life & Healthcare
How do I handle the summer heat?
Life shifts to the evening. During summer (June–August), temperatures exceed 45°C. Most social activities happen indoors with aircon - even the sea and pools can be too warm! Most international schools have long summer breaks and families tend to head back home at this time.
Is healthcare up to Western standards?
Yes, private hospitals like Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib and King Faisal Specialist are world-class. Your employer is legally required to provide you and your dependents with private health insurance.
Can I bring my dog or cat?
Yes, but you need a "Pet Import Permit." This import permit may require additional vaccinations and tests to be carried out. Certain dog breeds (e.g., Pitbulls, Rottweilers) are banned. Falcon Mobility Advisory can support you with the administrative headache of bringing your pet with you.
What is "Absher" and why does everyone talk about it?
Absher is the government "super-app." You will use it for everything: renewing your visa, paying traffic fines, authorizing your family to travel, and even digital ID. Falcon Mobility Advisory can help with a personalized settling-in checklist which walks you through how to do these tasks.
Is it safe for Westerners?
Saudi Arabia is consistently ranked as one of the safest G20 countries. Street crime is extremely low, and it is common to see people walking safely late at night. The main risk for expats is driving, and Falcon Mobility Advisory can help you purchase the right car to keep you and your family safe!