Which Saudi Visa Do You Qualify For?

Almost every work and family route is sponsor-led: your Saudi employer (or KSA-resident family member) files on your behalf via Absher, Qiwa or MOFA. Once the work visa is issued you fly in, complete a medical fitness test, and your Iqama (residence permit) is stamped. Standard timelines: Work / Iqama 3–6 weeks, Premium Residency 4–12 weeks, Family Dependent 2–5 weeks, Business Visit 3–10 business days, Tourist e-visa immediate to 24 hours. Full requirements, costs in SAR, and document checklists are produced by the tool above.

Yes — once your Iqama is issued, the major Saudi banks (SNB / Al Rajhi / Riyad Bank / Alinma) will open a current account in person. You'll need your Iqama, passport, a Saudi mobile number, and a letter from your employer (for salary accounts) or your tenancy contract (for non-salary accounts). Most banks now also offer digital onboarding through their apps once your Iqama is active. Expect 1–3 visits in the first month for signature cards and ATM setup.

Health insurance is mandatory for every resident and is listed as a requirement across every KSA visa stream. Most employers (kafils) provide it for sponsored employees; dependents on a family Iqama need their own policy from a CCHI-licensed insurer (Bupa Arabia, Tawuniya, Medgulf, AXA are the major ones). Saudi Arabia runs a public system for Saudi nationals, but expats use private hospitals and clinics — almost all are direct-billed by insurer. A medical fitness certificate from an accredited clinic is required at visa stamping for SAR 300–600.

International schools in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar cover British, American and IB curricula. Annual tuition runs SAR 30,000–75,000 depending on curriculum (British SAR 30k–60k, American SAR 32k–65k, IB SAR 40k–75k) — roughly 15–25% cheaper than Dubai equivalents. All resident children must take Arabic and Islamic Studies as subjects; your child needs a separate student residence visa sponsored by the school or via a parent's Iqama. Top names referenced in the data: British International School Riyadh, Manarat Riyadh, American International School, Jeddah Prep & Grammar.

For a family of four on a premium budget in a Riyadh gated villa, expect around SAR 11,000/mo (~$2,930) all-in: housing SAR 15,000–30,000 for the villa, groceries SAR 1,800–3,000, utilities SAR 200–450 (SEC, plus SAR 300–600/mo extra for AC in Jun–Sep), transport SAR 1,200–2,200 for a leased car, and SAR 800–960/yr per dependent in Iqama fees. Jeddah is about 10% cheaper across the board; Al Khobar trades with Dubai on premium housing. Full side-by-side breakdown on the cost-of-living comparison.