Saudi Arabia
Asia · Capital: Riyadh
Vision 2030 has rebuilt the Saudi remote-work story — new Premium Residency tracks, zero personal income tax, and serious infrastructure investment
About Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia post-2019 is unrecognizable to anyone who hadn't visited recently. Tourist visas exist (they didn't before), women drive (they couldn't before 2018), and a Premium Residency program targets high-earning remote workers. Riyadh and Jeddah have growing nomad communities anchored around major coworking spaces (Spaces, AstroLabs). Internet is fiber-fast across the major cities. The country pairs zero personal income tax with the cost of living of an oil-funded service economy — expensive in Western Europe terms, structurally different from anywhere else in Asia.
Visa & Entry (US Citizens)
Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency program is the closest equivalent to a digital nomad visa and grants either a 1-year renewable permit or a lifetime permit depending on the tier purchased. Apply through the Premium Residency Center online portal. The temporary 1-year permit costs SAR 100,000 (~USD 26,700) and grants the right to live, work, and own real estate without a Saudi sponsor (kafala). The permanent permit costs SAR 800,000 (~USD 213,000) one-time. Both tiers require a clean criminal record, comprehensive health insurance, and proof of financial solvency. The standard 90-day tourist eVisa is the lower-friction alternative for shorter remote-work stays.
Minimum Income: $2,225/month
US citizens can apply for the 90-day tourist eVisa online (USD 100) for short-stay remote work — there's no specific prohibition on remote work for foreign employers during a tourist stay. The Premium Residency replaces this for long-term stays and grants real estate ownership and no-sponsor work rights — a meaningfully different legal status from any other Asian nomad visa.
Full application checklist, income thresholds, and tax implications for the Premium Residency (Special Residency).
Full Visa Guide →Currency & Banking
Al Rajhi Bank, NCB (SNB after the 2021 merger), Riyad Bank, and Saudi British Bank (SABB, an HSBC affiliate) are the major retail banks. SABB is the most foreigner-friendly for non-Arabic speakers. Opening a local account requires an Iqama (residence permit) — typically 2–3 weeks after Premium Residency issuance. Wise covers Saudi Arabia inbound; Revolut works for daily life. ATMs are widespread; cards are universally accepted in cities. STC Pay (the dominant local mobile-pay app) is increasingly required for small vendors and taxis.
Wise
International banking without the fees
Language
Arabic is the only official language. English is widely spoken in Riyadh and Jeddah's business districts, in coworking spaces, in modern restaurants, and across the major hospital and university systems. Outside these contexts (markets, government offices, smaller restaurants), Arabic phrases are essential — even basic greetings significantly improve interactions. Saudis appreciate visible effort with the language.
Tax Residency
Saudi Arabia has zero personal income tax. Triggering 183-day tax residency creates no local income-tax liability. There's a 15% VAT on most goods and services and a small Zakat (Islamic religious wealth tax) on net wealth for Muslim citizens — neither typically applies to foreign nomads. For US citizens, FEIE qualification still requires the standard tests on the US side. Capital gains are also generally untaxed for individuals.
Healthcare
King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Saudi German Hospitals, and Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib hospitals are the standard private hospitals and provide internationally-recognized care. Health insurance is mandatory for both tourist and Premium Residency stays; SafetyWing covers Saudi Arabia. Private GP visits run SAR 200–500 (~USD 53–133). Pharmacies are widespread; prescription requirements are stricter than in Southeast Asia.
SIM & Connectivity
STC, Mobily, and Zain are the three carriers; STC has the widest 5G coverage. Prepaid SIMs require Iqama or passport at carrier shops (SAR 30–60 setup, USD 8–16). Unlimited 30-day data plans run SAR 100–250 (~USD 27–67). 5G is universal in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Airalo and Holafly eSIMs work — install before arrival to skip the in-person SIM setup which has gotten stricter under the Tabaki regulations.
Airalo
eSIM for 190+ countries
Cultural Tips
- 1
The country has changed dramatically since 2017 — restrictions on entertainment, public spaces for unmarried couples, and women's mobility have been substantially relaxed. Many guides written before 2019 are out of date.
- 2
Friday is the primary day of rest (not Sunday), with the Saturday weekend pairing. Government offices and most businesses are closed Friday; major restaurants and malls are open. Plan logistics around this.
- 3
Dress code remains modest in public — long sleeves and long pants/skirts for both men and women are the practical standard, though the abaya is no longer mandatory for women. Beach resorts on the Red Sea coast follow more relaxed rules.
- 4
Tipping is 10% in sit-down restaurants where service isn't included; SAR 5–10 for taxis. Hospitality service jobs are largely held by foreign workers — tipping is appreciated.
- 5
Ramadan transforms the entire month — most restaurants close during daylight hours, business hours shift to nights, and respecting the fast (no public eating or drinking during the day) is expected of everyone, including non-Muslims.
Free tools for Saudi Arabia
Plan your move with these free calculators.
Frequently Asked Questions — Saudi Arabia
Common questions from digital nomads researching Saudi Arabia.
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?
Does Saudi Arabia have a digital nomad visa?
Is Saudi Arabia in the Schengen Zone?
What language is spoken in Saudi Arabia and how much English is there?
What are the tax implications of living in Saudi Arabia as a digital nomad?
What is healthcare like in Saudi Arabia for expats and digital nomads?
How do I get a local SIM card in Saudi Arabia?
Gear up for Saudi Arabia
Tools the Settled Nomad community relies on — vetted, nomad-tested.
SafetyWing
Travel & medical insurance for nomads
Flexible monthly coverage starting at $42/mo. Cancel anytime, covers 180+ countries, and pays out in USD.
Airalo
eSIM for 190+ countries
Skip the airport SIM queue. Buy a local eSIM before you land and stay connected from day one.
Wise
International banking without the fees
Hold 50+ currencies, get local bank details in 10 countries, and send money at the real exchange rate.
NordVPN
Stay secure on public Wi-Fi
Essential for coworking spaces and coffee shops. Access home streaming services and keep your data private.
Booking.com
Monthly stays & apartments worldwide
Filter by monthly price, kitchen, and workspace. Thousands of nomad-friendly apartments not on Airbnb.
Skyscanner
Find the cheapest flights anywhere
Compare hundreds of airlines in seconds. Set price alerts and book when the fare drops.
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New city guides, visa changes, and nomad intel for Saudi Arabia and beyond — monthly, no spam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries have digital nomad visas in 2026?
Over 60 countries now offer official digital nomad or remote worker visas, including Portugal, Spain, Germany, Georgia, the UAE, Barbados, Costa Rica, Colombia, Greece, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Iceland, and many more. Income requirements range from $0 (Georgia) to $3,500+/month (Portugal, Germany). Most programs grant 1–2 year renewable permits with a path to residency.
How do I know if I am a tax resident in a country?
Most countries use the 183-day rule — if you spend 183 or more days in a country in a calendar year, you trigger tax residency. Some countries like France and Germany also consider 'center of vital interests' (where your family, home, and economic ties are). Territorial tax countries like Georgia, Paraguay, and Panama only tax income earned within their borders, making them popular bases for nomads earning foreign income.
Which countries have territorial tax systems beneficial for digital nomads?
Georgia, Paraguay, Panama, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand (on remitted income) all operate territorial tax systems — they only tax income sourced within their borders. Digital nomads earning from foreign clients typically owe zero local income tax in these countries. Always confirm with a tax professional, as rules change and your home country's exit tax obligations still apply.
How do I choose the right country as a digital nomad base?
Start with the visa question: can you legally stay long enough to justify the move? Then check cost against your income, timezone alignment with your clients, and tax implications for your home country. For most US-based nomads under $120,000/year, the FEIE shields most or all foreign income regardless of base country. Filter our country guides by nomad visa availability or continent to narrow your shortlist.