No personal income tax, a growing job market around Vision 2030 and a long route to residence: what moving to Saudi Arabia offers, how to prepare for the heat and the rules, and who it fits best.
In brief
Saudi Arabia suits people who come with a clear role: a job, a regional headquarters posting or a business. Tax guides report no personal income tax and a 15% VAT (since July 2020), and a one-bedroom flat in the centre of Riyadh costs about SAR 4,127 a month (Numbeo, 1 June 2026). Summers are very hot, with highs near 42 to 43 degrees C. If you plan it well, the first 90 days are manageable. Status as of 7 November 2026, from secondary sources.
What moving to Saudi Arabia gives you
- A tax picture that is easy to read. Several tax guides report that Saudi Arabia does not levy personal income tax on salaries, so expatriates keep the full salary, while 15% VAT applies to most goods and services (introduced at 5% in 2018 and raised to 15% in July 2020). Social insurance for expatriates is described differently by different sources: most say the employer pays about 2%. Ask your employer to confirm in writing what is deducted. This is not tax advice, and your home country may still tax you, which is why our guide on tax residency when relocating is worth reading before you sign.
- A job market built around large projects. Vision 2030 projects and the Regional Headquarters programme bring international companies to Riyadh. One consultancy-commissioned study counts more than 676 multinationals licensed to set up regional headquarters by the end of 2025, so treat the number as an indication rather than an official statistic. Companies on the programme are reported to offer extras such as spouses who can work and a dependants' age limit extended to 25.
- A path to longer residence. The Premium Residency programme gives long-term residence without a sponsor, and reports in January 2026 say the state is considering a wider list of categories. These are proposals, not rules, so check the official portal before planning around them. Our article on Premium Residency and property for expats explains the current structure.
- Housing that costs less than in many Gulf cities. Numbeo, read through Expatica, puts a one-bedroom flat in the centre of Riyadh at SAR 4,127 a month (1 June 2026) and about SAR 3,188 outside the centre (May 2026). Other sites give very different numbers, so use these as a starting range and check live listings.
- A single country-wide system. Once your iqama is in place, many services run through apps such as Absher and Ejar, which makes everyday paperwork more predictable. Our first 30 days checklist shows the order.
What to prepare for
- The heat. Riyadh reaches about 42 degrees C in June and 43 degrees C in August, with almost no rain (figures differ by source). Plan your move for the cooler part of the year, choose a home with reliable air conditioning, and ask the landlord who pays the cooling bills before signing.
- The sponsor and iqama system. Most newcomers get the resident ID through their employer. Ask for the submission date of the iqama request and for your Absher request number, and keep copies. The first 30 days checklist covers the 90-day window and the medical test.
- Local rules and norms. Alcohol, dress and public conduct follow local law and custom. We did not review them in detail here, so read the official guidance for visitors and residents and ask your employer for an orientation before the first week.
- Health cover. Private health insurance is reported to be required for residence, and the regulator is now called CHI (formerly CCHI). Check that your policy covers your family and any existing conditions, and read our guide on health insurance after moving abroad.
- Schools and fees. We did not find reliable international school fee data for this article. Request fee schedules directly from the schools you shortlist, and ask whether your employer includes an education allowance.
- Banking. Banks ask for the iqama and compliance documents. We found nothing specific about Russian, Belarusian, Kazakh or Ukrainian passports, so ask your bank which documents it will want before you transfer large sums.
Who it suits, and who may prefer another country
It fits specialists and managers with an employer or a project, entrepreneurs who want to work with Saudi clients, and families on a corporate package where housing and schooling are covered. Remote workers who need a flexible visa, retirees looking for a mild climate and people who want an easy social life without local rules may prefer another country; our article on how to choose a country helps compare. There is no wrong answer, only a better fit.
A first-90-days plan
- Days 1 to 30: arrive with your paperwork, follow the first 30 days checklist, register the lease on Ejar, start the iqama process and arrange health cover.
- Days 31 to 60: open the bank account, set up a phone number and complete any remaining medical or registration steps; test your commute in the afternoon heat.
- Days 61 to 90: review costs against your budget, compare rents again with live listings and decide whether to bring the family or extend the stay.
A shorter trial first is also possible: see a trial year abroad for the logic.
How a property purchase fits
Most newcomers rent first. Buying has become more open to foreigners under the 2026 ownership law, which we explain in what changes in the foreign ownership law, and price ranges are in what you can buy in Saudi Arabia for SAR 500,000 to 2,500,000. Do it after the first months, when you know the city.
Where to go next
Start with the overview should you move abroad: pros and cons and how to decide, then the checklist above. This article is general information, not legal or tax advice.
FAQ
Is there really no income tax in Saudi Arabia? Several tax guides report that there is no personal income tax on salaries, but they are not official sources, and your home country may still tax you. Check with an adviser and read the ZATCA pages.
How hot does it get? Riyadh reaches about 42 degrees C in June and 43 degrees C in August in the sources we saw, with almost no rain. Many residents plan indoor routines and travel in July and August.
Can I move without a job? The usual route is through an employer. The Premium Residency programme exists for those without a sponsor, but its categories and costs change, and a January 2026 expansion is only reported, so confirm on the official portal.
How much does a flat cost in Riyadh? Numbeo, through Expatica, gives SAR 4,127 for a one-bedroom in the centre (1 June 2026) and about SAR 3,188 outside it. Other sites differ widely.
Is it worth buying property right away? Usually not. Rent for a few months, learn the districts and then read the ownership law guide.