Everything You Need to Know About Moving to Saudi Arabia as an American

Basic Facts an American Moving to Saudi Arabia Should Know

When you are figuring out how to move abroad, besides finding an overseas shipping company, you should learn something about the place you will call home. So, all of you relocating to SA, remember:

• Expats should be aware that the laws and customs of Saudi Arabia are based on Sharia law.
• Alcohol and pork products are not allowed in the country.
• Expats should be aware that it is illegal to drink or even carry alcohol in SA, and the penalty for being caught could be imprisonment or lashes.
• There are strict dress codes for men and women in Saudi Arabia, which must be adhered to at all times.
• The currency of SA is the Saudi royal should (SAR).
• Expats should be aware that bribery is not accepted in Saudi Arabia.
• It is against the law to criticize the royal family, government officials, or Islam.
• Expats should be aware that leaving the country without their employer’s permission will result in them losing their visa and possibly having to pay a fine upon returning home.
• Smoking is prohibited in all public places.
• Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia, and expats should avoid any type of sexual activity with members of the same sex while living in the country.

When Moving to Saudi Arabia as an American, You Need to Fulfill Some Legal Requirements

Americans moving abroad to SA must ensure they have the following documents if they want to travel and live in the country – a valid passport, a visa, and an Iqama. Keep in mind that the visa allows you to enter the country, while the Iqama is your residency permit. Additionally, since you’ll be traveling during a covid pandemic, ensure to check the SA Embassy website for further information on the documentation.

You’ll Need a Visa to Enter the Country

All foreigners relocating across the world to SA must have a visitor’s visa before entering the kingdom. That being said, in order to obtain a visitor’s visa when relocating overseas, follow these steps:

• Fill out an online application form.
• Pay the fee using a credit or debit card via PayPal.
• Schedule an appointment to submit your visa application at a VFS (visa facilitation service) center near you. If applicable, make sure to bring the following documents: A valid passport; Two copies of your passport’s main page; One copy of the page stamped by customs authorities when entering Saudi Arabia, if available; One photograph.
• Visit the VFS center, where you will be fingerprinted before being sent to have your photo taken. This is simply to authenticate your identity.
• Wait for notification on whether your application has been approved or denied. If approved, pay an additional fee for new visa issuance at the time of entry into Saudi Arabia.

Bonus info – SA visas can be valid for 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days.

Obtain Iqama, and You’ll Have a Residency Permit

If your main reason to move is looking for work, then you’ll need to apply for Iqama. This is a residency permit given to expats living in SA for an extended period of time. While the rules vary, most foreigners must have their Iqamas renewed every year. The Iqama ensures all foreign workers are in compliance with labor laws, they are at their respective workplaces during working hours, and are paid on time.

Like visiting visas, most foreigners must apply for an Iqama before beginning work at their place of employment in the kingdom. To obtain your Iqama, follow these steps:

• Fill out an online application form.
• Pay the fee using a credit or debit card via PayPal.
• Schedule an appointment to submit your Iqama application at one of the VFS centers near you, if applicable. If you need to visit a VFS center for any reason, make sure to bring the following documents: A valid passport; Two copies of your passport’s main page; One copy of the page stamped by customs authorities when entering SA, if available; One photograph. The name and location on your Iqama application must match that which appears on your visa application form.
• Visit the VFS center, where you will receive a visa sticker to be placed in your passport before being sent to have your photo taken. This is simply to authenticate your identity.
• Wait for notification on whether your application has been approved or denied, as well as the renewal date of your Iqama. If approved, pay an additional fee for new visa issuance at the time of entry into Saudi Arabia.
• Bring a copy of your Iqama back to your place of employment within 90 days in order to avoid penalties or fines.

Affordable Cost of Living Will Make Moving Overseas Worth the Trouble

Relocating to another country, especially the one across, will knock some money out of your pocket. But if you want to move on a low budget, settling in SA might be the best option. Even though you’ll pay for international moving company services, you’ll still be able to save up.

Living overseas in the SA won’t be as pricey as being in the US. For starters, (according to the Numbeo website) the food there is way more affordable. Then, if you plan to ship a car overseas, you’ll be able to save up on gas as well. Add lower utility bills, and you got yourself a way to save up.

Check out the table below to compare the basic living costs in both countries.

You Can Save Some Money on Housing Costs

When figuring out how to live abroad, the first step is to find a roof over your head. Luckily, housing in SA won’t leave you broke. According to Niche, the prices here are way more affordable than in the US. To help you see just how much you’ll be saving, we created a table that shows the prices of housing in bout countries.

There Are Plenty of Job Opportunities Available for Expats

If the main reason for your move is employment, you should know that there are many job opportunities in SA for Americans. The country is looking to fill many positions in different fields, such as engineering, accounting, and teaching. The salaries for these jobs are also very good.

The working conditions in SA are also good. You can see that for yourself by asking your employer some basic work-related questions. Americans who are interested in finding job opportunities should start a job hunt by visiting the website of the Saudi Arabian Embassy.

For more tips on finding a job, check out the video below.

Be Prepared for a Culture Shock

When you are relocating halfway across the world, you should be prepared for a culture shock. And settling in SA will put you in a community with a culture you probably haven’t experienced before. Remember, the main religion here is Islam, and it is the official state religion as well. Over 90% of its citizens follow Sunni Islam, and about 85% of those Sunnis follow the Wahhabi sect.

The main religion dictates many different customs in the country. In regards to religious practices, as per the Quran, all Saudis are required to pray five times a day at specific hours. Most people prefer to perform their prayers in mosques, but some do pray privately as well. Furthermore, this is a very family-oriented country. So if you are moving to Saudi Arabia with family, you’ll be accepted by the locals, who will speed up the adjustment process.

Healthcare System Might Take Some Time Getting Used To

The healthcare system in SA is quite different from that in the United States. Most Saudis receive their healthcare through government-provided clinics and hospitals, which offer free or heavily subsidized care. Private healthcare providers are also common, and many Saudis have health insurance policies. As an American, it is important to be aware of these differences before relocating. Also, it is recommended that you obtain private healthcare insurance, just in case.

There Are Plenty of Different Cities You Can Settle In When Moving Abroad to SA

There are a few things that you should take into account when looking for a city to live in. The first is that different cities have different lifestyles and offer different opportunities. The second is that you should find a city that fits your needs and interests. The third is that you should be aware of the cost of living in different cities.

Some Cities Are Very Popular With Expats

Since you hired an overseas moving company to handle packing services, as well as car shipping ones, you’ll have enough free time to research each big city in the SA individually. However, if you want to save some time, check out the best cities to live in SA for newcomers:

• Riyadh – is the capital and is home to over six million people. It is a modern city with all of the amenities that you would expect, including malls, restaurants, and hospitals. However, the cost of living in Riyadh is one of the highest in SA, but it is still lower than in many cities in North America.
• Jeddah – Sometimes called the Bride of the Red Sea due to its clear waters, Jeddah has long been a center for trade and commerce. It is located on the coast of the Red Sea, allowing for a more relaxed atmosphere than Riyadh, and residents enjoy a relatively low cost of living.
• Al Khobar – Located on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, this city is known for its modern towers and beachfront location. Dotted with restaurants and malls, it has many entertainment options and business opportunities due to its strategic location.
• Dammam – This city is located on the shores of the Arabian Gulf like Khobar, but it is much less developed and more affordable. It offers many modern malls and restaurants as well as all of the conveniences you could want in a city.
• Jizan – The climate here is cooler than most other cities in the country, making it a popular choice for expatriates during the hot summer months. It is located on the Red Sea coast and has some of the best beaches in all of SA.

You Should Break the Language Barrier When Moving Internationally to SA

Sometimes, like when you are relocating to the UK, you are not expected to break the language barrier since everybody already speaks English. However, when relocating to SA, you’ll need to learn a new language because here, Arabic is the official one.

However, there are also many different dialects that are spoken throughout the country. Some of these dialects include Najdi Arabic, Hejazi Arabic, and Gulf Arabic. There are many other dialects that exist, but these are just a few of the most common. Despite the existence of different Arabic dialects, Modern Standard Arabic is universally understood throughout Saudi Arabia.

If you want to fit in faster, check out some tips for learning Arabic.

Get Ready for Some Hot Weather

If you want to save up when using international moving services, figure out what you should pack when relocating. To do so, you need to understand the temperatures in the country you are going to. The weather in SA is usually hot and dry. However, there are areas in the country that have a more temperate climate because they are near the mountains or the ocean. The temperature in these areas can get quite cold in the winter.

The climate in SA is also quite varied. The country experiences a lot of rain in the winter, and it’s quite common to see thunderstorms and flash floods. However, the summers are very hot and dry. So, when relocating, pack accordingly.

You’ll Fall in Love With a Mix of Different Flavors Cuisine in SA Offers

All the foodies relocating to this country might just fall in love with all the different tastes. Cuisine in SA is a mix of Arab, Persian, and Turkish flavors. With the most common and popular dishes like lamb or chicken served with rice or flatbread.

Some other popular Saudi dishes that you might like to try when you settle in are:

• Biryani: a dish made with spices, chicken, and yogurt
• Kabsa: a dish made with rice, chicken, and vegetables
• Mandi: a dish made with lamb or beef, rice, and spices
• Shawarma: a sandwich made with lamb or chicken
• Sajiya: flatbread served with vegetables, yogurt, tamarind, and spices
• Tas Kebab: skewers made of beef or lamb.

Keep in mind that if you have ever been to Turkey and enjoyed their cuisine, Saudi food is very similar in form to it. Also, it is normally eaten by hand in the Middle East.

Relocating Overseas to SA Can Be a Start of Unforgettable Adventure

There you have it – all you need to know before relocating to SA. Keep in mind that this is a great place to move to, especially if you are looking for a more traditional lifestyle. The people are friendly and welcoming, and there are plenty of opportunities available in the country. That’s why if you are considering making a move, be sure to do your research and plan ahead so that you can make the most of your time there.