Why Riyadh, and why this guide
Riyadh is one of the busiest construction and infrastructure markets in the world. Preparations for Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034, along with major transport, real estate and giga-projects, mean demand for experienced programme, project and construction management professionals continues to grow.
For most people, though, a move to Riyadh is a family decision and not just a career one. The questions we hear most are about housing, schooling, visas and what day-to-day life really looks like.
At One95 Global we’ve spent 16 years helping construction and infrastructure professionals, and their families, make international moves. This guide brings together what we share with candidates every day. Every situation is different, so use it as a starting point and speak to us for advice on your own circumstances.
Cost of living in Riyadh
Housing and schooling are by far the biggest costs for a family, so how your package covers them matters more than the headline salary. Saudi Arabia has no personal income tax, but VAT is charged at 15% on most goods and services.
| Cost | Typical range (2026) |
|---|---|
| 2-bedroom apartment, popular expat areas | SAR 4,600–5,500 per month |
| 3-bedroom apartment | SAR 5,900–7,000 per month |
| Villa in a Western-style compound | SAR 15,000–20,000 per month |
| Utilities (electricity, water, internet) | SAR 450–2,000 per month, higher in summer and for villas |
| Groceries, family of four | SAR 2,400–3,500 per month |
| Car ownership, all-in | SAR 700–1,200 per month |
| Riyadh Metro 30-day pass | SAR 140 |
| International school, per child | SAR 35,000–110,000 per year (see Schools) |
| Dependent levy | SAR 400 per dependent per month (see Visas) |
Three things catch people out:
- Rent is often paid upfront. Landlords traditionally ask for a year in advance, sometimes split into two payments, although registered platforms increasingly allow monthly instalments. Check whether your employer pays housing directly or as an allowance.
- School fees go beyond tuition. Registration, development fees, transport and uniforms can add SAR 15,000–40,000 per child each year.
- Health insurance is mandatory. Employers must provide it for foreign employees, so check whether your policy also covers your spouse and children and at what level.
Sources: Four Winds, Ejari, Expatica. Figures are guides only and change often.
Visas, iqama and bringing your family
Your employer sponsors your work visa and residence permit (iqama). Once your iqama is issued, you can sponsor your spouse and children to join you. Start the paperwork early: document attestation is the most common cause of delays.
- Accept your offer and start attestation. Your degree certificates, marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates usually need attesting in your home country and then by the Saudi embassy or consulate. This typically takes several weeks.
- Travel on your work visa and receive your iqama. Your employer handles this, including your medical and registration.
- Apply for family visas.This is done online through Absher or your employer’s government relations team. Your registered salary needs to meet the minimum for family sponsorship, typically SAR 4,000–6,000 a month depending on family size.
- Visa stamping and travel. Your family’s visas are stamped at the Saudi mission in your home country before they travel.
- Dependent iqamas and levy.Once your family arrives, their iqamas are issued and the dependent levy is paid: SAR 400 per dependent per month, or SAR 4,800 a year each.
Engineering roles usually also need registration with the Saudi Council of Engineers, which your employer or One95 Global can guide you through.
Premium Residency is worth knowing about for senior professionals. The Special Talent route offers residency without an employer sponsor, lets you bring your family, and exempts you and your dependents from the expat levies. Salary thresholds are high and depend on the category, for example SAR 80,000 a month for executives, and your employer must be an approved entity.
Sources: GulfVisaHub, KSA Expats, Centuro Global. Rules change, so always confirm current requirements with your employer.
Schools, neighbourhoods and family life
Choose your school first and your home second. Riyadh traffic is heavy, so living close to school and work makes a big difference to family life. Popular schools can have waiting lists, so apply as soon as your move is confirmed.
| School tier | Typical tuition per year | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Premium British and IB | SAR 65,000–110,000 (upper secondary) | British International School Riyadh, SEK International School, Reigate Grammar School Riyadh |
| Mid-range British and American | SAR 35,000–60,000 | One World International School, Modern Global International Schools |
| National curriculum with English | SAR 18,000–35,000 | Various |
Budget for registration, development fees, transport and uniforms on top, plus a refundable deposit of around one term’s fees.
| Area | Why families choose it |
|---|---|
| Diplomatic Quarter | Calm, green and established, with controlled access |
| Al Nakheel | Well connected and close to schools and services |
| Al Malqa | Modern north Riyadh area, popular with young families |
| Hittin | Spacious homes with a premium feel, at higher rents |
| Western-style compounds | Pools, gyms, play areas, maintenance and a ready-made community |
Life in Riyadh has changed a great deal in recent years, with far more entertainment, dining, sport and events for families. Summers are very hot, often above 45°C, so family life moves indoors or into the evenings from around May to September. The winter months are mild and pleasant.
Sources: iSchoolAdvisor, doris, CompoundIn.
Working life and culture
Most private-sector employers in Riyadh work Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend. Construction sites often start early in the morning, particularly in the summer months.
| What to know | Under Saudi labour law |
|---|---|
| Standard working hours | Up to 48 hours a week, reduced to 36 hours during Ramadan for Muslim employees |
| Annual leave | 21 days a year, rising to 30 days after five years with the same employer |
| Probation | Up to 90 days, extendable to 180 days by written agreement |
| End-of-service gratuity | Half a month’s wage per year for the first five years, then a full month’s wage per year |
| Income tax | None on salaries |
Understanding your package. Offers in Saudi Arabia are usually split into basic salary plus allowances such as housing and transport. Some employers also offer schooling support, annual flights home and family medical cover. Compare packages on what they’re worth to your family once housing, schooling and the dependent levy are accounted for, rather than on the headline figure alone.
Culture. Saudi Arabia has opened up significantly in recent years, but it remains a conservative country. Modest dress in public, respect for prayer times and a slower pace during Ramadan are part of daily life. Relationships and trust matter a great deal in Saudi business culture, and taking time to build them pays off.
Source: GSDA Legal Consultants. Always check the terms in your own contract.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in Riyadh with a family?
A family of four living in an apartment typically spends around SAR 20,000 a month including rent and schooling, and more in a compound or with premium schools. A 3-bedroom apartment costs around SAR 5,900–7,000 a month, and a compound villa SAR 15,000–20,000.
How much are international school fees in Riyadh?
Tuition ranges from about SAR 35,000 a year at mid-range British and American schools to SAR 65,000–110,000 at premium British and IB schools. Extra costs such as registration, transport and uniforms can add SAR 15,000–40,000 per child.
Can I bring my family to Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Once your iqama is issued, you can sponsor your spouse and children, provided your registered salary meets the minimum, typically SAR 4,000–6,000 a month depending on family size. A dependent levy of SAR 400 per dependent per month applies.
How long does it take for my family to join me?
It usually takes several weeks to a few months. Attesting marriage and birth certificates is the most common delay, so start as soon as you accept your offer.
Do I pay income tax in Saudi Arabia?
No. There is no personal income tax on salaries in Saudi Arabia. VAT of 15% applies to most goods and services.
Is health insurance included?
Employers are legally required to provide health insurance for foreign employees. Cover for your spouse and children varies by employer, so check it before you accept an offer.
What are the best areas to live in Riyadh for families?
Popular choices include the Diplomatic Quarter, Al Nakheel, Al Malqa, Hittin and Western-style compounds. The best area for you depends on where your school and project are, as Riyadh commutes can be long.
What is the working week in Saudi Arabia?
Most private-sector employers work Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday off. Standard hours are up to 48 a week, reduced during Ramadan.
What construction and infrastructure roles are in demand in Riyadh?
Demand is strong for programme directors, project managers, PMCM professionals, commercial and cost managers, planners, and engineering leads across infrastructure, transport, real estate and giga-projects. View our current roles in Saudi Arabia.
Thinking about a move to Riyadh?
Every family’s situation is different, and the right move is about more than the salary. At One95 Global we’ll talk you through the package, the practicalities and what life in Riyadh could look like for you and your family, before, during and after your move.
Speak to our team or browse our latest roles.
Figures in this guide are indicative, drawn from published 2026 sources, and should be checked against your own offer and current regulations.