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A guide to moving to Saudi Arabia

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Important information you need to know when moving to Saudi Arabia

Want to move to Riyadh? Considering moving to Jeddah? Here’s the moving advice you’ll need for any international removal to Saudi Arabia…

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Jeddah skyline - Arial View - Jeddah city Saudi Arabia
Wadi Al Disah valley views in Tabuk region of western Saudi Arabia

Moving Household Goods And Personal Effects To Saudi Arabia

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning an international removal to Saudi Arabia:
  • Copy of Passport (Of the individual moving/importing the goods) with entry visa page
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB) – We will take care of this if completing the entire international removal to Saudi Arabia for you.
  • Detailed and valued moving inventory
  • removal packing list – We will complete this if you want us to undertake a full packing service for your removal
  • Purchase receipts for electrical / electronic appliances
  • Certificate of insurance, if applicable
  • Letter of authorization attested by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce (for government employees, only the seal of the government agency is required)
  • Copies of residence permit (Iqama) / Saudi National’s ID (Bataqa)
  • Customs duty and inspection exemption certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
  • Copy of diplomatic ID / passport (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
We recommend providing these as soon as possible to reduce delays with your removal to Saudi Arabia. Late receipt of documentation can lead to missed shipments, additional charges and penalties at Saudi Customs. For your own protection, we will almost never ship your goods without the above in place.
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Riyadh skyline, King Abdullah Financial District, Saudi Arabia

Additional Removal Advice for Removals to Saudi Arabia

  • All incoming shipments are subject to a rigorous full inspection.
  • The format for the letter of authorization should be provided by agent to the consignee upon arrival at the destination.
  • Items valued over SR 10,000.00 (approximately US$ 3,000.00) are subject to Customs duty and payment assessed on the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value.
  • If purchase receipts for electrical / electronic appliances are unavailable, Customs authorities will assess the goods based on the local value of the items.
  • All containerized shipments must be on pallets or in lift vans; otherwise, the seaport authority will impose penalty for improper stowage.
  • The owner of the goods must be present in Saudi Arabia at the time of Customs clearance to clear the shipment.
  • The importation of prohibited items may be considered a smuggling attempt and may result in immediate confiscation, heavy penalties, fines, and/or imprisonment.
  • Diplomats must obtain the duty and inspection exemption certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; otherwise, the shipment will be subject to a physical inspection and duty payment.

Useful Links

We always recommend speaking directly to the relevant embassy for the most accurate and up to date moving advice:

Popular Destinations in Saudi Arabia

Gerson Moving Services is vastly experienced in international removals to cities all over the globe. Their long history and detailed knowledge of different countries makes them the perfect choice for your move. Here are some of the most popular destinations we are asked to move people to in Saudi Arabia:

Riyadh, Jeddah (Makkah), Mecca (Makkah), Medina (Al Madinah), Dammam (Eastern).

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Additional Services for your move to Saudi Arabia

Moving Your Money

If you’re moving to Saudi Arabia, it’s very likely you’ll need to exchange a significant amount of currency. Many people lose out by using their bank, assuming it’s the only option. However, there are specialist currency exchange providers that offer more competitive rates and can help you save thousands. To find out how to make your money go further during your move, speak to one of our move managers, click here, or give us a call: +44 20 7097 5335.

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Get Move Liability Cover for your international removal to Saudi Arabia

We always advise taking out move protection liability cover with us on every move. Although we like to think we’re the best in the industry, the odd accident can occasionally happen. For added peace of mind, make sure to speak to one of our move managers about this.

Download Liability Cover Form

Discover Our GMS Xtra Value Services

Gerson Moving Services goes beyond standard removals, offering a full range of relocation solutions to make your move seamless. Our value-added services include international currency transfer, home and school search, visa and immigration support, health insurance, container tracking, car purchase and leasing, and temporary accommodation. We also provide expert packing, secure storage, customs clearance, and pet relocation, ensuring a smooth transition whether you’re moving locally or internationally. With our end-to-end relocation management, you can trust Gerson for a stress-free, efficient move.

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Temporary
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Furniture
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Pet
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Language
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Moving Your Car Or Motorcycle

Documents required

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning to move your vehicle to Saudi Arabia:

  • Certificate of title / car registration
  • Saudi Arabian Standard Organization (SASO) conformity certificate from the country of origin
  • Proof of ownership (purchase invoice, etc.)
  • OBL
  • Police clearance / de-registrations from the country of origin
motorbike-crating for shipment

Additional Import Advice

  • The Customs duty for cars is approximately 5% based on customs final assessed value.
  • Cars must be left-hand drive.
  • Only one car can be imported (foreigners).
  • Cars older than 5 years are not allowed for import into Saudi Arabia.
  • Personal items may not be left inside the car.
  • The SASO conformity certificate can be obtained in Saudi Arabia locally.
    • SASO may require replacement or conversion to some parts of the car to meet the SASO Standard at owner of the goods’ expense.
  • The application for the SASO conformity certificate may be rejected, which may result in the export of the car back to origin of origin at the owner of the goods’ expense.
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Relocating Your Pets to Saudi Arabia

  • Note: Pets cannot be imported at this time.
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Restricted & Dutiable / Taxable Items

Think very carefully before moving these items to Saudi Arabia. Items on this list will be taxed and/or require specific permission to import. In all cases they must be declared prior to you relocating to Saudi Arabia:
  • Duties are applied as follows:
  • Electrical / electronic appliances 5%
  • Audiotapes, videotapes, CDs / DVDs 5%
  • Furniture 15%
  • All similar items manufactured in Saudi Arabia 5-15 %
  • Books and used clothing (reasonable quantities are exempt from duty payments)
  • The following items are subject to censorship, confiscation, or may result in penalties at the owner of the goods’ expense:
  • Exposed film, including prints, slides, etc.
  • Records, books, magazines, pictures, photos, other printed matters, etc.
  • Personal computers, audio/video CDs, diskettes, USBs, computer hard disks, printers, etc.
  • Mobile or cellular phones
  • Audio/video VHS/VCR/cassette tapes and phonograph recordings
  • Any items that store information
  • A penalty will be charged to the consignee for CD’s, VCR tapes and books confiscated after the censorship. (US$ 135.00 each for CD’s and VCR tapes; and US$ 14.00 each for books)
Note: If items subject to censorship are contained in the shipment, Customs Authority will remove them from the container for censorship or review. To reduce the time for clearance, these items must be packed separately for easy access and cartons must be marked clearly on the moving inventory or be sent by air. The delivery of censored articles may incur additional charges; contact agent for additional information.
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Prohibited / Banned Items

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Do not move any of these items to Saudi Arabia:

  • All games of chance (gambling paraphernalia) including chess sets, dice, backgammon and the likes
  • Animal skins in commercial quantities
  • Weapons and firearms (real or ornamental, antiques, etc.) including guns, ammunition, fireworks, spears, etc. (if imported, the owner of the goods will be subject to investigation that may result in fines and/or prison)
  • Alcoholic beverages or food products containing alcohol such as vanilla, flavoring extract, cooking wines, etc.
  • Books, wine making kits, or other items used in the preparation or manufacture of alcoholic drinks and beverages
  • Radio transmitter or communication equipment / devices (including receivers, VHF, Marine / police bands or walkie-talkies)
  • Stuffed animals (products of taxidermy), statues, figurines, carving or objects depicting human or animal forms
  • Pornographic materials and literature, including fashion magazines with people wearing underwear or swimsuits
  • Any foodstuffs containing pork and related pork meat products, etc.
  • Any books pertaining to religions other than Islam
  • Narcotics and unidentified medicines
  • Military uniforms or military equipment of any kind

The following additional items are prohibited in GMS Baggage/Courier Consignments:

  • Aerosols (all kinds, Hairspray, Deodorant etc)
  • Aftershaves / Perfumes / Fragrances
  • Airbags
  • Alcoholic Drinks or Bottles
  • Ammunition of any kind
  • Animals of any kind (Dead or Alive)
  • Any items containing Petrol (Liquid, Gas or Fumes)
  • Biological Samples
  • Car Batteries
  • Cash & Cards (Credit / Debit)
  • Chainsaws
  • Cheques (Bank)
  • Christmas Crackers
  • Counterfeit Currency
  • Dangerous Goods
  • Driving Licence
  • Drugs (Including Prescription)
  • Engines
  • Excrement / Filth
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Fish (Dead or Live)
  • Foodstuffs (all kinds)
  • Hazardous Goods
  • Human Remains (including ashes)
  • Infectious Substances
  • Knives
  • Laptop Computers, Mobile/Smart Phones or Tablets
  • Lighters
  • Lottery Tickets
  • Nail Varnish / Nail Varnish Remover
  • Oils
  • Paints
  • Passports
  • Perishable Goods (All)
  • Plants / Seeds etc
  • Printer Toner
  • Seatbelt Tensioners and Steering Wheels
  • Stamps
  • Tobacco
  • Water
  • Weapons (all kinds, including replicas)
  • Windscreens

Disclaimer: Customs regulations can change at any time with or without notice. This information is provided as a guide only. While Gerson Moving Services has exercised reasonable care in publishing this information, Gerson Moving Services makes no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.

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