Whether you’re relocating to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, or NEOM, this checklist will help you set up fast. We’ve grouped everything into pre-move, arrival week, and first 30 days—covering visas, medicals, Iqama, housing, banking, SIM, transport, schooling, and daily apps.
Before You Fly (2–4 Weeks Out)
- Employment Visa & Documents: Ensure your employer has shared the latest visa authorization and required scans (passport, photos, medicals, degree attestation if applicable).
- Medical & Insurance: Complete any pre-departure medicals; confirm health insurance coverage start date.
- Attestations: Degree/professional certificates may require attestation (home country + Saudi mission) for some roles.
- Accommodation Plan: Book temporary housing (10–14 days) near your work site while you search for a long-term lease.
- Cash & Cards: Carry a small amount of cash (SAR) and ensure your cards are enabled for international transactions.
- Essential Apps: Prepare login details for government/service apps your employer recommends (you’ll finalize post-arrival).
- Family & Schooling (if applicable): Gather school records, vaccination cards, and transcripts; shortlist schools and book tours.
- Shipping: Decide what to ship vs buy locally. Keep important items in carry-on (contracts, medicals, laptop, adapters).
Arrival Day & First 72 Hours
- Airport & Immigration: Keep your visa documents handy. Note your entry stamp details.
- Local SIM: Purchase a prepaid SIM at the airport or nearby mall with passport/visa. Save your employer HR and emergency numbers.
- Meet HR/PRO: Confirm your week-one schedule—medical tests, biometrics, Iqama processing, and contract formalities.
- Temporary Housing Check-in: Photograph the unit at check-in; grab essentials (water, snacks, charger, basic groceries).
- Transport: Use ride-hail apps initially; your employer may provide pickup until your ID is issued.
Your First 30 Days (Settle & Formalize)
Tip—Documents: Keep original passport, visa, photos, blood group card (if available), and employer letters together during week one.
Tip—Appointments: Many steps require scheduled visits—go early, carry copies, and keep digital scans.
| Area | What to Complete | Owner | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicals & Biometrics | Employer-guided medical tests & fingerprints for residency processing | Employee + HR/PRO | Week 1 |
| Iqama (Resident ID) | Submit documents; verify personal data once issued | HR/PRO | Week 1–2 |
| Bank Account | Open salary account (bring Iqama/passport); activate mobile banking | Employee | Week 2 |
| Mobile Plan | Switch to postpaid or keep prepaid; register SIM under your ID | Employee | Week 1–2 |
| Housing (Lease) | View units; check commute, utilities, and contract terms (deposit, agent fee) | Employee | Week 2–3 |
| Utilities | Electricity, water, internet (registration typically requires Iqama/lease) | Employee | Week 3 |
| Driving | Convert license (if eligible) or plan local testing; consider car lease | Employee | Week 3–4 |
| Schooling | Submit admissions, immunization records; confirm transport and fees | Parent | Week 2–4 |
| Payroll & Benefits | Verify salary date, allowances, medical insurance card activation | HR + Payroll | By first payday |
Useful Daily-Life Categories
- Navigation & Taxis: Save office/home locations; learn peak traffic times.
- Groceries & Food: Large supermarkets and delivery apps cover most neighborhoods.
- Payments: Cards are widely accepted; mobile wallets are common in major cities.
- Healthcare: Keep your insurance card and preferred clinic contacts handy.
- Social & Community: Join expat/industry groups for tips on services and neighborhoods.
Cost & Budget Pointers
- Housing: Leases may ask for multiple months upfront or quarterly cheques; confirm whether utilities/internet are included.
- Transport: If you plan to drive, budget for license conversion/testing, insurance, and fuel; otherwise estimate monthly ride-hail costs.
- Schooling: International school fees vary widely; ask about waitlists, uniforms, and transport.
- Setup Cash: Keep a buffer for deposits (housing, utilities), SIM, and initial groceries.
Common Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
Incomplete Docs: Missing attestations or photos delay Iqama—triple-check your file before appointments.
Lease Surprises: Clarify maintenance, early exit, and parking in the contract.
No Banking Plan: Opening a bank account usually requires Iqama—plan salary arrangements with HR until it’s ready.
Over-shipping: Many items are widely available; ship only what you must.
Free Download: Saudi Relocation Pack
Grab the editable toolkit to keep everything organized:
- Printable 30-Day Checklist (PDF)
- Budget & Deposit Tracker (Excel)
- Viewing-Day Housing Scorecard (Sheets)
FAQs
Q: How long does Iqama usually take?
A: Timelines vary by employer/city and documentation completeness. Many expats receive it within the first few weeks after medicals/biometrics.
Q: Can I open a bank account before Iqama?
A: Most banks require Iqama; ask your employer about interim salary arrangements until your account is active.
Q: Do I need an international driving permit?
A: Check your license eligibility for conversion. If not convertible, plan for local testing. Ride-hail apps are fine early on.
Related Resources
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