Saudi Arabia has strict regulations regarding the importation of personal effects. If your shipment exceeds a value of US$3,000, duties will apply at various rates, with the exception of books and used clothing. Electronics are subject to a 12% customs duty, while furniture is taxed at 20% of the landed value, with invoices required for verification.
Items such as printed materials, videos/DVDs, photos, and personal computers are subject to censorship and will be held for inspection, with fines imposed on confiscated items. All shipments undergo a 100% customs inspection, and the owner must be present in the country before their goods arrive.
For your move to Saudi Arabia, we offer door-to-door shipping services, using either crates or full container loads. We also provide airfreight services. Our agents in Saudi Arabia will handle customs clearance, delivery, unpacking, and removal of debris on the day of delivery. To clear your goods, you will need to provide a copy of your passport, a valued inventory, an insurance certificate, and a residence permit.
City Moving & Storage can provide guidance on the customs formalities for Saudi Arabia, providing forms and supporting documentation you will need. However, please note that the responsibility for completing and submitting these customs forms to us for approval lies with the customer. It’s advisable to prepare all formalities in advance of your move to ensure a smooth transportation process. We highly recommend these documents are in place before you and your belongings leave the UK.
Many expats move to Saudi Arabia for better career opportunities and tax-free salaries, but it can also be an exciting destination for those open to experiencing a different culture and lifestyle. Saudi Arabia is an extremely conservative country, and expats should expect a significant cultural adjustment, especially for women. That said, most expats live in Western-style villa compounds that offer a comfortable, though sometimes limited, lifestyle.
Saudi Arabia is located in the Middle East, occupying most of the Arabian Peninsula and bordered by countries like Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, and Yemen. It operates as an absolute monarchy governed by Islamic law. With the world’s largest oil reserves, Saudi Arabia’s economy heavily relies on oil, which accounts for over 90% of exports and more than 70% of government revenue. Despite its high per capita income, the country faces high unemployment and issues with corruption.
Saudi Arabia’s conservative culture imposes significant restrictions on women, including the requirement for a male guardian’s permission to travel, work, or open a bank account.
For those open to the experience, living in Saudi Arabia can be a fascinating adventure. You’ll have the opportunity to explore its rich history, desert landscapes, and enjoy sports like scuba diving and windsurfing. However, it’s important to research thoroughly before moving and understand the cultural restrictions, even if you plan to live in a Western villa compound.
UK citizens entering Saudi Arabia must have a visa. The most common is the Employment Visa, issued to individuals who have secured a job in the country. The employer sponsors this visa and applies on your behalf. You’ll need to provide proof of qualifications and undergo a medical examination.
Once you enter Saudi Arabia with an Employment Visa, you will need to obtain an Iqama (Residence Permit) from the Ministry of Interior. This document allows you to live, work, open a bank account, and rent property. Your employer will handle the Iqama application process. If you change jobs, your new employer must take over your sponsorship.
Saudi Arabia also offers the Premium Residency Program, or Saudi Green Card, which allows expats to live and work without a sponsor. The program comes with a significant fee: SAR 800,000 (around £170,000) for a one-time payment, or SAR 100,000 (around £21,000) annually.
Saudi Arabia offers numerous business and professional opportunities, particularly in sectors aligned with its economic diversification goals, such as oil, engineering, IT, healthcare, and telecommunications.
The official work week runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend. As an Islamic country, daily prayers are observed, and business operations pause during these times. While mixed-gender offices are becoming more common, many workplaces, especially in government, continue to maintain gender segregation.
In general, it is in your interest not to import the following items:
Narcotics/illegal drugs
Weapons, explosives and ammunition.
Products originating from Haiti, including drums made of animal skins.
Plants
Transit times can vary based on your chosen transport method, the size of your consignment, and the destination. Once you provide this information, City Moving & Storage will be able to advise you on expected transit times. Please reach out to them for further assistance.
