Saudi Arabia as Your Next Destination? Explore Studying, Working and Life There

Your plans to move to Saudi Arabia may begin with a scholarship, a job offer or the ambition to start a business. But making that decision requires an understanding of residence conditions, your rights and living costs. ElWijha brings together the essential information to help you assess your options and prepare for your move.

Entry requirements vary according to nationality, the purpose of travel and the length of stay. Consult the Saudi visa platform and the Saudi diplomatic mission responsible for your country of residence to identify the appropriate route.

The tourist visa allows tourism, visits to relatives and Umrah, subject to the applicable rules. However, it does not permit employment, study or Hajj. Online applications are subject to specific eligibility conditions.

Choose your programme, then check the university’s website for requirements relating to previous qualifications, language proficiency, tests, documents, fees and application deadlines. These vary by institution and subject.

The “Study in Saudi” platform helps you explore educational opportunities. Educational visa requirements include admission to a licensed and accredited institution, a valid passport, and proof of financial resources or a financial guarantee. Additional requirements apply according to age and visa type.

University admission does not replace the need to meet visa requirements.

There are full scholarships, partial scholarships and fee-paying programmes. The programme announcement specifies the fees covered, the expenses you must pay, and any benefits relating to accommodation, allowances, healthcare or travel.

Review the conditions of your chosen opportunity before preparing your budget. Not every benefit is guaranteed to every student.

Employment of non-Saudi nationals is subject to work authorisation requirements, the required work permit, professional requirements and Saudisation rules. The contract must be written and for a fixed term.

Before accepting it, check the salary, allowances, accommodation, transport, working hours, leave and probation period.

Under labour law, the employer pays recruitment costs, the employee’s residence and work permit fees and renewals, fees for changing profession, exit and re-entry fees, and the return ticket at the end of the employment relationship, subject to the applicable legal provisions and exceptions. Check your rights before paying recruitment-related charges.

Define the business activity, legal structure and licensing requirements. Investment law requires foreign investors to register with the Ministry of Investment before investing, in accordance with the applicable regulations.

Commercial registration and the necessary licences must then be completed, taking account of restricted activities. Registering a business does not automatically grant the right to reside in Saudi Arabia or work in that business.

A temporary family visit differs from residence for family members. Check the route available for your circumstances and the requirements for bringing your family. Budget for accommodation, insurance and children’s education.

Premium Residency offers categories for highly skilled professionals, talented individuals, investors, entrepreneurs and property owners, alongside limited-duration and unlimited-duration options.

It is granted after the conditions of the selected category are met and the Premium Residency Center approves the application. Years of employment alone are not enough to obtain it.

Your budget will depend on the city, housing type and benefits provided by your employment contract or scholarship. Calculate rent, bills, food and transport, then add education, travel and family expenses where relevant.

The “Ejar” network allows rental contracts to be registered, payments to be organised and the property’s condition to be documented at move-in and move-out. Read the payment, renewal, termination and maintenance terms before accepting.

Private-sector employers must provide health insurance for employees and family members covered by the regulations, and pay their premiums. Students and visitors should check the insurance required for their particular route.

Review the healthcare network, coverage limits, exclusions and cost-sharing amounts: having insurance does not make every service free. The Council of Health Insurance provides information about rights and complaint procedures.

The Ministry of Education lists part-time work during study and full-time work during holidays among the benefits of the educational visa. Check the applicable rules and procedures before starting work.

The “Study in Saudi” platform lists the opportunity for two years of practical training after graduation among the benefits of the educational visa. Consult your institution and the relevant authority about eligibility and requirements; this does not guarantee a job.

Paying the employee’s residence and work permit fees does not mean the employer automatically pays every family-related fee. These charges are separate from health insurance premiums for family members covered by the regulations, which are the employer’s responsibility.