Saudi Arabia is one of the strongest economies in the Middle East. More than 10 million ex-pats are living in the country. Anyhow, moving from Europe to KSA can be a challenging process. Thus, as one of the most respected moving companies in Saudi Arabia, we are here to help you. Here are some valuable tips to come in handy when you are relocating to KSA from Europe.
What are the documents and requirements for moving from Europe to KSA?
Planning to make KSA your new home comes with several documents and requirements you need to fulfill. We will review those below. Additionally, it is a good practice to plan ahead of time which of your belongings are traveling with you when moving from Europe to KSA. Find a good cargo service in Saudi Arabia to ensure a stress-free relocation. You will essentially need the following:
- A visa
- International relocation services
- Customs clearance services
- Understand and comply with the cultural differences
Before relocating to KSA from Europe, get your visa
Anyone traveling to Saudi Arabia from Europe needs to obtain a visa first. A basic requirement for this is having a sponsor. In most cases, this is your employer. This sponsorship system is known as ‘kafala’. Other visa requirements depend on the purpose of your stay. The Saudi Embassy nearest to you shell give you more information.
Take assistance from a good company
There are many moving companies on the market, but not all of them are worth your trust. Relocation is always a complex process. Even more so when you are moving to KSA from Europe. Hire the best international relocation services you can find. If you have a trusted mover by your side, it is much easier to deal with complex paperwork. You will have the time to do so. And in case you need guidance, it will be readily available to you. Most importantly, hire a reputable company when relocating from Europe to KSA.
Customs clearance services will help you with strict KSA regulations
When transferring your belongings from Europe, they must pass through customs before being allowed into the KSA. There is a long list of restricted items, that you will have to familiarize yourself with. Besides, the paperwork required could make your relocation process even more complicated and tiring. Consider customs clearance services to make the entire process easier. In case you own a pet that you wish to relocate with, ask your mover about services they may help you with when planning your relocation.
What to expect when moving to KSA from Europe
First of all, Saudi Arabia is a conservative country, governed by Islam. This results in some major cultural differences. When you move from Europe to KSA, you will need to adjust to local laws and customs. Mostly, ex-pats live in Western-style colonies. Jeddah and Riyadh are the two main ex-pat centers. Usually, the members form close friendships. Gender segregation is part of everyday life. All businesses close five times a day for prayer. As long as you respect the local culture, there is nothing to worry about. Actually, once you get adapted to your new environment, you may find out that the positive outweighs the negative. In other words, you can turn your moving to KSA from Europe into a positive lifelong experience. We wish you good luck!
