Immigration Options

Premium Residency

The Premium Residency (Saudi Green Card) program offers foreign nationals the opportunity to live, work, and own business and property in Saudi Arabia without a Saudi sponsor. There are two types:

• Permanent Premium Residency: A one-time fee of SAR 800,000 (approximately CAD 290,000)
• Temporary Premium Residency: Annual fee of SAR 100,000 (approximately CAD 36,000)

Work Visas

Work visas require sponsorship from a Saudi employer and are typically valid for 1-2 years with possibilities for renewal.

Family Visas

Residents can sponsor their spouse and children under 18 years of age. Adult children typically require their own visa status.

Islamic Environment

As the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi Arabia offers an unparalleled Islamic environment:

• Prayer times are observed nationwide with businesses closing during prayers
• The call to prayer (adhan) is heard five times daily
• 100% halal food throughout the country
• Modest dress is the norm
• Islamic education is widely available
• Pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina is facilitated for residents

Employment Opportunities

Key sectors for Canadian professionals include:

• Education: International schools and universities
• Healthcare: Expanding healthcare system with many Western-style hospitals
• Engineering & Construction: Ongoing megaprojects
• Information Technology: Growing tech sector
• Finance: Banking and investment opportunities
• Oil & Gas: Traditional strength of the economy

Salaries are typically tax-free, though this may change in the future as the kingdom diversifies its economy.

Housing

Housing costs vary significantly by city and neighborhood:

• Riyadh (Capital): Modern apartments range from SAR 25,000-80,000 ($6,700-$21,500 CAD) annually
• Jeddah: Slightly lower than Riyadh
• Eastern Province: Popular with Western expats, similar costs to Riyadh
• Medina & Mecca: Higher costs near the holy sites

Most expats live in compounds or apartment buildings with other international residents. These often include amenities like pools, gyms, and community spaces.

Education

Islamic Education

Saudi Arabia offers world-class Islamic education options:

• Islamic University of Medina: Offers free education to Muslims from around the world
• Umm Al-Qura University: in Mecca
• Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University: in Riyadh

International Schools

Major cities have international schools following various curricula (American, British, Canadian, IB):

• Riyadh: American International School, British International School
• Jeddah: American International School of Jeddah, British International School of Jeddah
• Eastern Province: Dhahran British Grammar School, International Schools Group

Tuition ranges from SAR 30,000-90,000 ($8,000-$24,000 CAD) annually.

Healthcare

Saudi Arabia offers excellent healthcare in major cities:

• Public Healthcare: Available to residents with insurance
• Private Healthcare: High-quality international standard facilities
• Insurance: Required for all residents and typically provided by employers

Top hospitals include King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, and Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group.

Cost of Living

While no income tax is currently levied, Saudi Arabia introduced a 15% VAT in 2020. Monthly budget estimation for a family of four:

• Housing: SAR 5,000-15,000
• Utilities: SAR 500-1,000
• Groceries: SAR 2,500-4,000
• Transportation: SAR 1,000-2,000
• Healthcare: Usually covered by employer
• Education: SAR 3,000-8,000 per month if not covered by employer
• Miscellaneous: SAR 2,000-3,000

Cultural Considerations

Language

Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in business settings and expat communities. Learning basic Arabic is recommended and appreciated.

Cultural Adjustment

• Prayer times structure the day
• Friday and Saturday are the weekend
• Ramadan observance affects business hours
• Gender segregation in some public spaces, though this has decreased in recent years
• Conservative dress is expected (though full face covering is no longer mandated for women)

Canadian Community

There is a significant Canadian expatriate presence in Saudi Arabia, particularly in:

• The healthcare sector
• Educational institutions
• Oil and gas industry
• Engineering and construction

Many Canadians form community groups for social and cultural activities.

Recommendations for Visitors

Before making a final decision, it's highly recommended to:

• Visit Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa
• Connect with Canadian Muslims already living in the kingdom
• Research employment opportunities in your field
• Understand the cultural expectations and adaptations required
• Consider which city aligns best with your professional and personal needs

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia offers an immersive Islamic environment with increasingly accessible pathways for skilled professionals and their families. The ongoing economic and social reforms under Vision 2030 are creating new opportunities while maintaining the kingdom's strong Islamic identity. For Canadian Muslims seeking to live in a society where Islamic values permeate daily life, Saudi Arabia represents one of the strongest options to consider.