Moving to Saudi Arabia from the UAE
Trusted Relocation Services for a Smooth Transition by ISS Relocations
Are you planning a move from the UAE to Saudi Arabia? Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or new opportunities, ISS Relocations makes the process easy, secure, and stress-free. With decades of experience in international moving, our team specializes in end-to-end relocation services from the UAE to Saudi Arabia, offering everything from professional packing and customs clearance to secure transportation and post-move assistance.
We understand the challenges of relocating across borders — including documentation, cultural adjustment, logistics, and more. That’s why we’ve designed our services around one simple goal: to handle the heavy lifting, so you can focus on your future.
If you are wishing to relocate to Saudi Arabia, ISS Relocations is here to assist you at every step of the way right from packing to delivering. Our team is considered the best moving company in Saudi Arabia to help you move all your belongings stress-free. Below is a brief of the many things we can help you move to Saudi Arabia.
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APARTMENT MOVING
The main factor for the success of any apartment relocation in Saudi Arabia is finding the right moving company in Saudi Arabia to generate a solid project plan and manage it. ISS Relocations is a one-stop solution for moving to Saudi Arabia.
OFFICE MOVING
Deciding to relocate your office to Saudi Arabia can be the right opportunity to attract enterprise-level clients along with high calibre talent. The major benefit of moving to Saudi Arabia in a new office will help with a more efficient workflow.
PET RELOCATION
You need thorough planning quiet in advance to relocate your pet to Saudi Arabia. ISS Relocations is a reliable and professional pet relocation service provider that renders personalized moves for your dearest pets.
PIANO MOVING
Leaving behind a piece that is very close to your heart will leave you shattered. ISS Relocations is a professional piano moving company that will help you move your piano to Saudi Arabia.
| Capital | Time Zone | Currency | Population | Official Language | Dialling Code | Emergency Number | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh | GMT +3:00 | Saudi Riyal SR/SAR | 35,740,791 | Arabic, English | +966 | 999 | On the right side |
Our Relocation Services to Saudi Arabia
Complete, Customized Moving Solutions from the UAE to Saudi Arabia
Relocating to Saudi Arabia is more than a simple move — it’s a major life transition that demands trusted planning, reliable logistics, and complete peace of mind. At ISS Relocations, we offer a full suite of international moving services from the UAE to Saudi Arabia, designed to handle every detail with care and precision. Whether you’re moving your household, car, pet, or entire office, we ensure your transition is smooth, timely, and stress-free.
Our services are tailored to meet your exact needs:
- Expert packing & secure transportation for all household goods
- End-to-end customs clearance support to avoid delays or penalties
- Vehicle shipping with compliance assistance
- Safe pet relocation following Saudi import requirements
- Corporate and employee relocation services
- Short- and long-term storage options in both UAE and KSA
With ISS Relocations by your side, every aspect of your move to Saudi Arabia is handled professionally — from your doorstep in the UAE to your new home or office in the Kingdom.
ISS Relocations offers moving services to and from Saudi Arabia to:
Dubai, UAE Oman Qatar Bahrain Kuwait India
Professional Relocation Services to Saudi Arabia
Moving to Saudi Arabia? ISS Relocations provides secure and efficient international moving services. From documentation to delivery, we take care of the entire process – so you can focus on settling in.
Visa’s Requirements While Moving To Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is an oil-rich and prosperous country in the Gulf. It attracts many ex-pats due to its flourishing oil and gas industries. Similar to other Gulf countries, Saudi Arabia follows the sponsorship program. Thus, you must have a sponsor if you wish to apply for a visa. Of course, nationals from the member states of the GCC don’t need a visa permit to enter Saudi Arabia.
If you are relocating to Saudi Arabia, you must have a work and residence permit. First, you need to apply for a work permit. For this, you need a job offer from a Saudi Arabian company. This company will be your sponsor. Also, ensure that this company has permission to hire foreign personnel from the Saudi Ministry of Labor.
We can help you with your visa application and relocation to Saudi Arabia. Our visa consultants and experts can help you with your documents and tell you about the various types of visas and which one is suitable for you.
Following is a list of visas provided by Saudi Arabia:
- Transit Visa: A transit visa is a visa permit given for a very short amount of time, ranging from 24 hours to 72 hours. This visa permit is for those who have to change planes at the Saudi Arabia airport and have to stay there for a few hours. You need to surrender your passport to the authorities and can get it back at the time of departure.
- Visitor Visa: To avail of the visitor visa, you require a sponsor. Your sponsor will be responsible for you and will apply for the visa on your behalf.
- Work Visa: You need to apply for a work visa once you have obtained a job contract from a company in Saudi Arabia. This company will act as your sponsor and file for the visa on your behalf.
- Residence visa: Once you receive your work visa, you need to submit the visa number to the Saudi embassy to apply for a stamped residence visa which you will have to carry with you everywhere.
- Exit Visa: If an ex-pat wants to leave Saudi Arabia, their sponsor must apply for an exit visa. Your residence permit will be withdrawn if you are leaving temporarily and will be surrendered if you are leaving permanently.
Your sponsor company will apply for a work visa on your behalf. The documents required are:
- Your passport
- Your recent passport-sized photo
- Separate (for each specialty) Electronic Authorization
- Filled visa application form
- Date of issuance of employment visa
- Original letter of sponsorship
- Copy of your university degree
- Copy of employment contract
- Copies of medical report and lab report
- Copy of a police report
Following are the visa fees applied on types of visas:
| Type of company | Overall fees | Iqama | Work permit | Insurance |
| >50% of employees are natives | SAR 7,200 | SAR 750 | SAR 6,000 | SAR 450 |
| <50% of employees are natives | SAR 8,400 | SAR 750 | SAR 7,200 | SAR 450 |
To apply for a work visa, you first need a job offer from a native company in Saudi Arabia. Your company will be your sponsor and file for a work and residence visa on your behalf. Ensure that the company you’ve got the offer from has permission from the Saudi government to hire foreign personnel.
You will need to submit the documents mentioned above to your sponsor to apply for a work visa. Make sure your passport is valid and updated. You have to fill out the visa application form in capital letters with a black pen. Then you need to submit the original copy of the sponsorship letter.
Make sure that it is approved by both the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Saudi Chamber of Commerce. Your sponsorship letter should also include the date of joining, company name, post, and the block visa number. Followed by this, you need to submit a copy of your university degree and make sure that this copy is approved by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission.
Apart from these, you need to submit your employment contract signed by you and your employer and your medical and lab reports. Make sure your medical reports are issued by a licensed physician and are issued within 3 months of your visa application.
Your sponsor will help you apply for a residence visa and family visa too. You need to submit the passports and passport-sized photos of your family visa. Apart from this, the birth certificate, marriage certificate, and medical certificate of every member are also required.
You can live in Saudi Arabia with your family once all these three visas have been issued. But make sure that you carry all your visas with you everywhere. Women need to apply for a work visa permit separately and cannot work on their husband’s work visas.
We can help you make your move easier and reduce a lot of your stress about moving. We provide relocating services and can help with office relocations, and pet relocations, and provide mobility and storage services. We are a moving company in Saudi Arabia and provide the best services at an affordable price.
More Than Movers - We're Your Relocation Partners
Most Desirous Cities To Live In Saudi Arabia
A majority of the expats move to 3 major cities of Saudi Arabia and they are:
Moving to Riyadh
Riyadh, being the capital city of Saudi Arabia is home to a wide expat community with a population of over 7 million. Situated on a desert plateau, Riyadh is the power hub for the Royal family and the government.
Moving to Jeddah
Jeddah is a key transit point for pilgrims and expats due to the holy places of Mecca and Medina. Sprawled by the Red Sea coastline, Jeddah boasts a population of 3.5 million.
Moving to Dammam/Dhahran/Al Khobar
Dammam is considered to be the heart of Saudi Arabia and is blessed with a population of 4.5 million people. This area has the biggest industrial plants and oil installations which has attracted major expats from all over the globe.
Comprehensive Guide on Moving to Saudi Arabia
Everything You Need to Know Before Relocating from the UAE
Planning to move from the UAE to Saudi Arabia? Whether you’re relocating for career opportunities, family reasons, or business expansion, it’s essential to understand the logistics, legal requirements, and cultural considerations involved. This guide from ISS Relocations walks you through everything you need to know for a successful transition.
As one of the Gulf’s most dynamic countries, Saudi Arabia offers growing job markets, world-class infrastructure, and a deeply rooted cultural heritage. But moving there requires more than just packing boxes — it means understanding how to navigate customs clearance, shipping procedures, entry permits, and lifestyle adjustments.
Cost of Moving to Saudi Arabia from UAE
What Affects the Price of Your Move?
Moving costs vary depending on:
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The volume and weight of your shipment
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Whether you’re choosing air freight or sea freight
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Origin and destination cities (e.g., Dubai to Riyadh vs. Abu Dhabi to Jeddah)
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Add-on services like packing, car shipping, or insurance
At ISS Relocations, we offer transparent pricing with no hidden charges. Request a free quote today and receive a personalized estimate based on your specific needs.
Housing In Saudi Arabia
Navigating through the rental markets in Saudi Arabia is not easy. After finding a suitable rental place, you need to be very careful because all the major documentation is done in Arabic even though the agents and landlords communicate in English. Saudi Arabian expat compounds are walled, guarded and lauded by expats but unfortunately due to high demand, they aren’t easily available.
Most people in Saudi Arabia live in apartments or villas, and the cost of these can vary significantly in different places.
| Type of Properties | Cost |
| Two-Bedroom Apartment (Compound) | SAR 6000 per month and more |
| Three-Bedroom Apartment (Compound) | SAR 16000 per month |
| Two-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Compound) | SAR 2000 per month |
| Three-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Compound) | SAR 2500—3500 per month |
What Can You Move? (And What You Can’t)
Saudi Arabia has strict regulations on what can and cannot be imported. While most personal belongings are allowed, there are restrictions on items considered religiously or culturally sensitive.
Permitted:
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Furniture, electronics, clothing, kitchenware
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Cars (with certain restrictions)
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Pets (with valid vaccination records and import permits)
Prohibited or Restricted:
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Alcohol, pork products
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Gambling items, adult content
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Drones, walkie-talkies, religious literature not aligned with Islamic teachings
Our team at ISS Relocations will review your shipment to ensure full customs compliance — avoiding fines, delays, or confiscation.
Shipping Options from UAE to Saudi Arabia
Depending on your budget and timeline, we offer flexible shipping options:
Sea Freight:
Ideal for full or partial household moves. Cost-effective, with delivery to major Saudi ports (Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh).
Air Freight:
Faster delivery for small shipments or urgent moves. Higher cost but quicker customs processing.
Land Transport:
Popular for UAE–KSA routes due to proximity. Efficient for large household moves and vehicle relocation.
ISS Relocations will assess your volume, timeframe, and destination to recommend the best option — and handle all logistics from start to finish.
Taxation In Saudi Arabia
Ex-pats don’t need to pay income tax on their salaries. However, non-residents of the country need to pay a 20% income tax on tax-adjusted profit. Non-residents with no permanent establishment in Saudi Arabia have to undergo tax withholding on their income. Their payments are also taxed in different ratios depending on the type of purchases.
We are a relocating agency who can help you in moving to Saudi Arabia from UK. Among our various services, we also provide our customers, Transit insurance for your goods. This ensures the absolute safety of your valuable goods. Contact us to avail of our services.
Education In Saudi Arabia
The school system in Saudi Arabia has 4 parts:
| Educational Level | Age Range | Compulsory |
| Pre-School | 3-5 years | Not Compulsory |
| Primary | 6-12 years | Compulsory |
| Intermediate | 13-15 years | Compulsory |
| Secondary | 16-18 years | Compulsory |
Students can opt for university or vocational education after completing their secondary education.
Work Market In Saudi Arabia
In recent years, just like other Gulf countries, Saudi Arabia, too, has been reducing the foreign workforce working in its country and focusing more on the natives. Apart from prioritizing its native workforce, the Saudi Arabia government has also realized that they need to grow out of its fuel sector and look for opportunities in other sectors too. Thus, job openings for ex-pats have reduced drastically in the last few years.
Due to this, the government has restricted jobs in 12 private sectors. However, ex-pats can still apply for specialist jobs in the area of engineering. The working hours in Saudi Arabia are from 7:30, or 8:00 am to 12 noon and from 3:30 or 4:00 pm to 8 pm. You need to work for 48 hours per week and the weekend is on Friday and Saturday.
The minimum wage of an ex-pat in Saudi Arabia is about US$7,585.00 per annum. You can apply for leaves for 21 days in a year, and if you have been working with the same employer for 5 years, then you are entitled to 30 days of leave. In case of pregnancy, you are allowed to have a 10-week maternity leave.
At ISS, you can move with ease. We are a trustworthy logistics service provider that ensures the safety of your goods and makes every delivery with honesty and integrity. We provide shipping, shifting, and international relocation services. So emigrate to Saudi Arabia with us today!
Settling In: Housing, Lifestyle & Integration
Saudi Arabia’s cities, particularly Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, offer modern living, international schools, expat communities, and advanced healthcare. Still, lifestyle expectations can be quite different from the UAE.
Here’s what to expect:
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Housing: Expats often live in gated compounds or serviced apartments. ISS Relocations can connect you with trusted real estate partners.
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Schools: Numerous international schools are available, especially in major cities (British, American, Indian curricula).
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Dress code & laws: More conservative than the UAE. Understanding social etiquette and public behavior laws is important.
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Weekend: Saudi Arabia’s weekend falls on Friday and Saturday, similar to the UAE.
With ISS Relocations, you don’t just move — you adapt and integrate confidently into your new environment.
Moving To Saudi Arabia? Start Your Stress-Free Move Now!
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
How long does it take to move from the UAE to Saudi Arabia?
The relocation timeline from the UAE to Saudi Arabia typically ranges from 7 to 21 days, depending on the size of your shipment, the mode of transport (land, sea, or air), and customs clearance time. With ISS Relocations, we ensure each step is efficiently managed — from expert packing in the UAE to timely delivery in Saudi Arabia — using our established GCC logistics network and on-ground teams in both countries.
What documents are required to move to Saudi Arabia from the UAE?
Commonly required documents include a valid passport, Saudi entry visa or Iqama, UAE residency cancellation, a detailed inventory list, and supporting documentation for any pets or vehicles. At ISS Relocations, we provide complete customs documentation assistance, ensuring you have every paper in order and avoid delays at the border.
Can I move my car to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, you can ship your personal vehicle from the UAE to Saudi Arabia, provided it meets Saudi import regulations (age restrictions, left-hand drive, etc.). Our automobile shipping service at ISS Relocations ensures your car is transported safely, and we handle all documentation including clearance, registration, and delivery — offering a true door-to-door experience.
How much does it cost to move from UAE to Saudi Arabia?
Costs vary based on volume of goods, transportation mode, and additional services like packing, storage, or insurance. A small apartment move may cost less, while a full villa move or one involving pets/cars will cost more. ISS Relocations offers customized quotes with no hidden charges, ensuring cost transparency and tailored relocation solutions that fit your budget.
Are packing and unpacking included in your services?
Yes, professional packing and unpacking are key components of our international relocation service. At ISS Relocations, our trained team uses high-quality materials to secure your belongings and label every item accurately. Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, we can also unpack and reassemble furniture, making your transition smooth and stress-free from start to finish.
Can I store some of my items before or after the move?
Absolutely. We provide secure short- and long-term storage facilities in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia. If you’re relocating in phases or still searching for permanent housing, our flexible storage options give you the freedom to move at your own pace. All items are stored in clean, climate-controlled environments with full inventory tracking.
What about relocating pets to Saudi Arabia?
Pet relocation is possible with valid vaccination records and import permits. At ISS Relocations, our pet relocation experts handle everything — from crate preparation and vet checks to transport booking and customs clearance. We ensure your furry friend arrives safely and stress-free, fully compliant with Saudi animal import laws.
Why should I choose ISS Relocations for my move to Saudi Arabia?
With over 20 years of international relocation expertise, ISS Relocations provides end-to-end moving services trusted by families and businesses across the UAE. From expert packing, customs clearance, and vehicle/pet relocation to settlement support and storage, we offer a complete solution tailored to your needs. Our goal is simple: to make your move as smooth, secure, and stress-free as possible.
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