Relocating an employee to Saudi Arabia: the first 30 days

Before they travel

• The work visa issued through Qiwa, and stamped by the Saudi embassy or visa centre in their country.
• Medical check and police clearance as the visa requires.
• Degree and qualification certificates attested where the role or professional licence needs them.
• Temporary accommodation booked for the first weeks, and an airport pickup.

Week one

• Medical insurance active from arrival and linked to the iqama; it is a condition of issuing and renewing it.
• Medical examination in the Kingdom, then fingerprints and the iqama (residency) issued through Muqeem. The iqama must be issued within 90 days of arrival.
• Work permit and contract documented on Qiwa, and registration with GOSI.
• A local mobile number, registered to the iqama.

Weeks two to four

• A National Address registered, which banks and many services ask for.
• A bank account opened with the iqama, ready for the first salary through Mudad.
• A long-term home found, with the lease registered on Ejar.
• A Saudi driving licence. Holders of licences from many countries can convert them without a road test.

If the family is coming

• Family visas applied for once the employee’s iqama is issued, subject to the profession and salary conditions that apply.
• Medical insurance for each dependant.
• School places, which fill early in Riyadh and Jeddah; apply as soon as the move is confirmed.
• Dependant iqamas, and the monthly fee charged for each dependant.

How we run it

We plan the move with the employee before they travel, handle the visa, residency and insurance steps, and help with housing, banking and schools, so they arrive ready to work.