Moving To Saudi Arabia from
Sri Lanka
Our trusted international moving service makes relocating to Saudi Arabia simple. Request a free moving quote to begin your relocation.
Comprehensive Guide on Relocating to Saudi Arabia
Are you planning to move to Saudi Arabia?
Moving to a new nation may seem like a daunting prospect. Not if you are properly prepared! We at ISS are here to provide a comprehensive guide to migrating to Saudi Arabia from Sri Lanka.
Moving countries is a major life decision that requires careful consideration. If you are well-prepared before relocating and choose a reputable moving company in Saudi Arabia, such as ISS, this can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
Compared to other Middle Eastern countries, Saudi Arabia offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity that makes the transition relatively seamless with the right information and support. Having a clear plan and, most importantly, stable employment before relocating is highly recommended.
On the internet, living in Saudi Arabia often appears luxurious and fascinating. However, it is important to recognize that all the modern amenities and comforts come with a price. Saudi Arabia is among the wealthiest countries in the world, but the quality of life it offers makes it worthwhile.
Relocating to Saudi Arabia from Sri Lanka has numerous advantages, including a robust economy, rich cultural heritage, exceptional healthcare, high-quality education, and delicious cuisine. Given these benefits, many people choose to move to Saudi Arabia. If you’re considering making the move, our experts at ISS will help you transfer your belongings and other essentials. From pets to furniture, we ensure your transition is smooth and hassle-free!
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Capital | Riyadh |
| Population | 36 million Approx. |
| Official Languages | Arabic |
| Currency | Saudi Riyal [SAR] |
| Expat Population | 10.5 million Approx. |
| Popular Cities | Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam |
How to Move to Saudi Arabia
Proper research is essential when planning a relocation. Learn about the best cities to live in and which options are financially viable for you. Keep in mind that living in Saudi Arabia can be costly depending on your lifestyle. Before packing your bags, ensure your finances are in order and that you have a stable place to stay. If you’re unsure about finding accommodation on your own, it’s recommended to seek the assistance of a local real estate agent.
If you speak Arabic fluently or have access to a translator, finding a suitable place will be much easier. However, learning at least the basics of Arabic is highly recommended to navigate daily life more effectively. For extended stays, investing time in learning the language will significantly enhance your experience.
When planning your move, clearly consider the purpose of your visit. Your reason for relocating will determine the type of visa you need. If you’re moving for a long-term reason, such as work or education, you’ll need to secure specific documentation, which we will detail in the following section.
For an extended stay, make sure to use a reliable moving company in Saudi Arabia, such as ISS, to ensure your belongings arrive safely and your relocation process is stress-free!
Moving to Saudi Arabia Visa’s Requirements
The Gulf nation of Saudi Arabia is wealthy and oil-rich. Its thriving oil and gas industry is a major draw for foreigners. Saudi Arabia adheres to the sponsorship program, just like the other Gulf nations. Therefore, in order to apply for a visa, you need to have a sponsor. Naturally, citizens of the GCC’s member states do not need to get a visa in order to enter Saudi Arabia.
A work and residency permit is required if you are moving to Saudi Arabia. You must apply for a work permit first. You need a job offer from a Saudi Arabian company in order to do this. This business is going to sponsor you. Additionally, confirm that this business has the Saudi Ministry of Defense’s approval to employ international workers.
We can assist you in relocating to Saudi Arabia and applying for a visa. Our visa advisors and specialists can help you with your paperwork and provide you with information on the many kinds of visas and which one would be best for you.
Here is a list of visas that Saudi Arabia offers:
- Transit Visa: A transit visa is a type of short-term visa authorization that is valid for between 24 and 72 hours. This visa permission is intended for travelers who must spend several hours at the Saudi Arabian airport while changing planes. Your passport must be turned in to the appropriate authorities; you will receive it back when you depart.
- Visitor Visa: You must have a sponsor to obtain a visitor visa. The sponsor will take care of you and apply for the visa on your behalf.
- Work Visa: Once you have a job contract from a Saudi Arabian employer, you must apply for a work visa. This business will sponsor you and submit the visa application on your behalf.
- Residence visa: After obtaining your work visa, you must apply for a stamped residential visa—which you must always carry with you—at the Saudi embassy by submitting your visa number.
- Exit Visa: If an expat wishes to depart Saudi Arabia, the sponsor must apply for an exit visa. If you are temporarily departing, your residence permit will be revoked, and you 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 |
You must first have a job offer from a Saudi Arabian native company in order to apply for a work visa. As your sponsor, your employer will apply for a work and residency visa on your behalf. Make sure that the company making the offer has Saudi Arabian government approval to employ international workers.
To apply for a work visa, you must provide your sponsor with the aforementioned documents. Verify that your passport is current and valid. Complete the visa application in capital letters using a black pen. Then, submit the original copy of the sponsorship letter.
Verify that the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have both approved it. Along with the block visa number, the firm name, post, and joining date should all be mentioned in your sponsorship letter. Subsequently, you must submit a copy of your degree from the university, making sure the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission has accepted this copy.
In addition, your medical and lab tests, as well as a signed copy of your employment contract from your company, must be submitted. Verify that your medical reports are issued within three months of your visa application and are written by a licensed physician.
Your sponsor will assist you in obtaining both a family visa and a residency permit. For your family visa, you must submit your passport and passport-sized pictures. In addition, copies of each member’s birth certificate, marriage certificate, and medical certificate are needed.
As soon as all three of these visas are granted, you are free to move to Saudi Arabia with your family. However, be sure you always have all of your visas with you. Women are not permitted to work on their husbands’ work visas and must seek their work visa permits.
We can ease your transition and significantly lessen your moving-related stress. We offer moving services and can assist with moving offices, moving pets, and providing mobility and storage services. We are a moving company in Saudi Arabia and provide the best services at an affordable price.
Cost of Moving to Saudi Arabia
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Apartment contracts with deposits | SAR 15,000 to SAR 30,000 |
| Travel expenses | SAR 200 to SAR 500 [Single] |
| Food expenses | SAR 1,000 to SAR 2,000 per month |
| Gas, electricity, and water | Approx. SAR 300 to SAR 500 |
| Postage | Approx. SAR 100 to SAR 300 |
Housing in Saudi Arabia
Once your visa is processed, it’s time to find a place to live. Accommodation options in Saudi Arabia vary:
- Apartments: Ideal for individuals or small families, with monthly rents ranging between SAR 1,500 and SAR 4,000 in city centers.
- Villas: More spacious but pricier, preferred by large families.
- Expat Neighborhoods: Communities in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran are popular among expatriates for their amenities and English-speaking population.
Documents needed for renting include:
- Residency permit (Iqama)
- Proof of employment
- Passport copy
- Income certificate
Healthcare in Saudi Arabia
While all Saudi nationals have free access to public healthcare, foreigners do not. They must seek pricey private insurance. Saudi hospitals, however, have state-of-the-art equipment, first-rate medical facilities, and no waiting lists. Given that most doctors are foreign nationals and speak English, the process is simple.
Taxation in Saudi Arabia
Income tax is not owed by expatriates on their salaries. On tax-adjusted profit, non-residents of the nation must pay 20% income tax. Non-residents who do not have a permanent establishment in Saudi Arabia are required to have their income withheld from taxes. Moreover, the taxation of their payments varies depending on the kind of transactions made.
We are a moving company that can assist you with your relocation to Saudi Arabia. In addition to our other offerings, we provide our clients with goods transit insurance. This guarantees the complete safety of their precious belongings. Reach out to us to utilize our offerings.
Education In Saudi Arabia
The school system in Saudi Arabia has 4 parts:
Pre-School | Primary | Intermediate | Secondary |
3-5 years | 6-12 years | 13-15 years | 16-18 years |
Not Compulsory | Compulsory | Compulsory | Compulsory |
Students can opt for university or vocational education after completing their secondary education.
Work Market In Saudi Arabia
Like other Gulf nations, Saudi Arabia has been emphasizing its domestic workforce more than its international labor force in recent years. In addition to giving priority to its domestic labor force, the Saudi Arabian government has realized that it must expand outside the petroleum industry and explore prospects in other domains. As a result, in recent years, there have been significantly fewer career opportunities for expats.
The government has limited employment in 12 private industries as a result. Nonetheless, foreign nationals are still eligible to apply for specialized engineering employment. In Saudi Arabia, working hours are 7:30 or 8:00 am to 12 noon and 3:30 or 4:00 pm to 8 pm. You must put in 48 hours per week, and the weekend is on Friday and Saturday.
In Saudi Arabia, the minimum salary for foreign workers is around USD 7,585.00 annually. You are eligible to request up to 21 days of leave per year, and you will receive an additional 30 days if you have worked for the same company for five years. Should you become pregnant, you are entitled to a maternity leave of ten weeks.
At ISS, you can move quickly. We are a reliable logistics service supplier that guarantees the security of your products and handles each delivery with sincerity and morality. We offer services for international relocation, shipping, and moving. So come and settle in Saudi Arabia with us now!
Best Cities to Live in Saudi Arabia
- Riyadh: The capital, known for its modern infrastructure, career opportunities, and expat-friendly amenities, is ideal for professionals and families.
- Jeddah: A coastal city with cultural diversity, relaxed living, and lower costs compared to Riyadh, perfect for a balanced lifestyle.
- Dammam: A hub for the oil industry with family-friendly neighborhoods, excellent healthcare, and a serene environment.
These cities offer modern amenities, large expat communities, and diverse housing options. Let ISS handle your relocation and storage needs in Saudi Arabia!
Have Any Questions?
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