Living in Saudi Arabia as an expat comes with a set of fees and costs worth planning for in advance. This complete guide brings together the most important expat cost items in 2026 — from the dependent fee and work permit levy to recruitment, remittances, and cost of living — with a summary table, plus a calculator and detailed guide for each item.
Summary of Fees 2026
| Item | Approximate amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent fee | SAR 400/mo per dependent | Resident |
| Work permit levy | SAR 700–800/mo per worker | Employer |
| Exit & re-entry (single) | From SAR 200 | Resident/Sponsor |
| Domestic worker recruitment | ~SAR 8,000–13,000 + salary | Head of family |
| VAT | 15% | Consumer |
Cost Items in Detail
Dependent Fee
SAR 400/month per dependent (4,800/year), paid at iqama renewal. Premium Residency holders are exempt.
Work Permit Levy
Paid by the employer: SAR 800/month if expats exceed Saudis, 700 if balanced or fewer. Industrial establishments are exempt.
Exit & Re-entry Visa
Single SAR 200 for 2 months + 100 per extra month. Multiple SAR 500 for 3 months + 200 per extra month.
Domestic Worker (Istiqdam)
One-time recruitment fee (~SAR 8,000–13,000 by nationality) + monthly salary (~SAR 900–1,500).
Sending Money (Remittance)
Amount received = (amount − fee) × exchange rate. Compare fee and rate together to pick the cheapest.
Cost of Living
Rent is the largest item, then food, utilities, and transport. Varies strongly between Riyadh/Jeddah and smaller cities.
Financial Planning Tips
- Calculate your iqama and dependent fees annually and save them before the renewal date to avoid penalties.
- When sending money, compare the net amount that reaches your family, not just the fees.
- Choose your housing location carefully; rent is usually the biggest item in your budget.
- Use the free calculators above to build a realistic annual budget.