Riyadh Expat Desk
Expat Desk: Riyadh.
Practical relocation guidance for professionals moving into Saudi Arabia's capital.
City desk
Plan the move around the job, the home and the household cost.
Riyadh links the employment route, offer checks, housing, schools, healthcare, banking, transport, setup, departure and cost planning in one practical desk.
Cost of living
Riyadh cost of living: realistic household budgets
Start with current rent bands by district and property type, then compare worked examples for a single professional, a couple and two families.
Open the cost guide
employment
Moving to Riyadh for a construction role
Sponsorship, work authorisation, contract records, Iqama sequencing and the first month.
Read the guide
offer
Checking a Saudi job offer before you travel
Salary structure, housing, medical insurance, schooling, flights and first-payroll cash.
Read the guide
housing
Renting a home in Riyadh
Districts, apartments, compounds, villas, deposits, contract checks and utilities.
Read the guide
schools
Choosing a school in Riyadh
British, IB and international options, admissions records, fees and family timing.
Read the guide
health
Health insurance and healthcare in Saudi Arabia
Employer cover, family cover, network checks, exclusions, claims and ongoing treatment.
Read the guide
banking
Banking in Saudi Arabia
Iqama-linked onboarding, salary transfer, remittances, cards, fraud controls and departure close-out.
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transport
Getting around Riyadh
Metro, bus, driving, school runs, site travel, employer vehicles and monthly journey costing.
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settling
Setting up a Riyadh home
A 90-day sequence for Iqama, housing, utilities, connectivity, family records and reimbursements.
Read the guide
departure
Leaving Saudi Arabia
Final settlement, End of Service Benefit records, tenancy, utilities, banking and exit evidence.
Read the guideRequirements, charges, asking rents and product terms can change. Recheck the relevant authority, employer, school, landlord or provider before paying, signing or applying.