Leaving Saudi Arabia: your checklist

Leaving Saudi Arabia for good means a final exit visa through your employer. It's only issued once your iqama, fines and dues are in order, so start with those.

Updated 29 October 2026 · 14 items

Work and final settlement

Resign with the notice your contract requires
Check your end-of-service awardHalf a month's pay for each of the first five years and a full month for each year after. If you resign, you get a third after 2 to 5 years, two-thirds after 5 to 10 years, and all of it after 10 years.
Collect final pay and unused leave

Before the final exit visa

Make sure your iqama has at least 30 days leftA final exit visa can't be issued on an iqama about to expire.
Make sure your passport has at least 60 days left
Pay traffic (Saher) and other finesUnpaid fines can block the final exit visa; check on Absher.
Clear loans and credit cardsUnpaid debts can stop you leaving.
Pay dependents' fees up to dateYour family also needs final exit visas.

Money, home and car

Move your money before you leaveAccounts are often frozen after a final exit; transfer savings and the settlement first.
End your tenancy (Ejar) and close the electricity accountCollect deposits and final bills.
Sell the car and transfer ownership
Close phone and internet contracts

Leaving

Your employer issues the final exit visaUsually valid for 60 days; leave before it expires to avoid fines.
Get children's transfer certificates attestedIf the new school asks.

Questions

How is end-of-service pay calculated in Saudi Arabia?

Half a month's wage for each of the first five years and a month's wage for each year after. If you resign, you receive a third of it after 2 to 5 years of service, two-thirds after 5 to 10 years, and the full amount after 10 years.

What do I need before getting a final exit visa?

A valid iqama (at least 30 days left), a passport valid for at least 60 days, and no unpaid fines or blocks. Your employer applies through the government's systems.

Are my ticks saved?

Yes, in this browser on this device. Nothing is sent to us. Clearing your browser data, or opening the page on another device, starts a fresh list.

Will your money last after the move?

The free retirement planner works it out year by year, with Indian inflation, your children's costs and a stress test.

Open the retirement planner

General information for planning, not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules change: check anything important with the official source.