Your Quick Guide to relocating to
Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has become a much bigger part of the conversation over the last few years.

For a lot of professionals, especially in law and other corporate roles, it is no longer just an option. It is a serious move being considered.

But while there is a lot of focus on opportunity, there is less clarity on what the move actually involves day to day.

Here is a more practical look at the essentials.

If you’re still weighing up different destinations, you may also find our guide to relocating to Abu Dhabi useful.

A Market That Is Changing Quickly

Saudi Arabia is transforming at pace.
With Vision 2030 driving investment across multiple sectors, Riyadh in particular has become a hub for international talent and large scale projects.
For professionals relocating, that creates a mix of opportunity, growth and long term stability.
But it also means things are evolving quickly, including how people live, work and settle into the country.

Property: More Value, More Variety

One of the first things people look at is housing.
Compared to Dubai, rental prices in Riyadh are still relatively attractive, particularly given the level of demand and growth.
Most expats tend to choose between two main options.
City apartments in areas like Olaya or King Fahd District offer a more central lifestyle, with one-bedroom properties typically ranging from around SAR 50,000 to 100,000+ per year.
Alternatively, many choose to live in gated compounds such as Al Nakhla or Al Hamra.
These offer a very different experience, with villas, shared facilities like pools and gyms, and often international schools on site. Three-bedroom villas can range from SAR 130,000 to 250,000+ per year depending on the compound.

The key difference is lifestyle.
Apartments tend to be more central and practical. Compounds offer more space and a community feel.

Banking: Straightforward Once You’re Set Up

Opening a bank account is one of the first steps after relocating.
Once your residency permit, known as an Iqama, is in place, the process is generally quite straightforward.
Most employers will recommend a partner bank to help streamline salary payments, but you are free to choose your own.
Common options for expats include Riyad Bank, Al Rajhi, SABB, SNB and Emirates NBD.

To open an account, you will usually need:

Your Iqama
Passport
Employer letter

Most banks now offer English-language apps, debit cards and international transfer options, which makes day to day banking relatively simple.

Healthcare: High Standard, Employer-Led

Healthcare in Saudi Arabia is generally of a high standard, particularly in major cities.
There is a strong mix of modern hospitals and private clinics, many of which operate to international standards with multilingual staff.

Health insurance is mandatory for all expats and is typically provided by your employer as part of your package.

Coverage can vary significantly. Some plans are basic, while others include specialist care, maternity and international coverage.

Most policies cover:
GP visits
Emergencies
Prescriptions
Access to approved private hospitals
Pharmacies are widely available, often open late, and delivery services are common.

There is also growing access to telehealth, which makes it easier to speak to a doctor remotely.

If you’re comparing healthcare and day-to-day living across the region, our guide to life as an expat in Dubai provides another useful perspective.

Schools: Plan Early

For those relocating with families, schooling is one of the most important considerations.
Saudi Arabia has a growing number of private international schools, particularly in Riyadh, offering British, American, IB and other curricula.
Expat children are required to attend private schools, as public education is reserved for Saudi nationals.

Fees can vary depending on the school and level:
Primary: around SAR 20,000 to 70,000 per year
Secondary: around SAR 40,000 to 90,000+
Top tier schools can exceed SAR 100,000 per year
Places at the top schools fill quickly.

Most families apply 6 to 12 months in advance and may need to provide school reports, complete assessments or attend interviews.

Final Thoughts

Relocating to Saudi Arabia is a different experience to Dubai or other established expat markets.
There is a lot of opportunity, but also a need to understand how things work in practice.
From housing and banking to healthcare and schools, getting the basics right early makes a big difference to how smooth the move feels.
For the right person, it can be a highly rewarding move.
But like any relocation, it works best when you go in with a clear understanding of what to expect.

If you’re considering opportunities in Saudi Arabia, you can also browse our latest legal jobs to see current roles across the Middle East.