People who want to immigrate to Saudi Arabia from New Zealand have several options in terms of visas and residence permits. Both types of relocation forms allow for short and long-term stays in the country, based on meeting certain conditions. Below, our agents who specialize in immigration to Saudi Arabia explain the main ways through which a person can relocate here from New Zealand.
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Move to Saudi Arabia from New Zealand based on an eVisa
The electronic visa system is one of the simplest ways to relocate to Saudi Arabia from New Zealand on a short-term basis. The visa can be used to:
- enter Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes;
- come to Saudi Arabia and attend business meetings, conferences, and similar events;
- join family members who live in Saudi Arabia (however, it is not the same as the residence permit for family reunification);
- complete religious visits.
The eVisa can also be used by New Zealand businesspersons interested in company formation in Saudi Arabia.
How to obtain a residence permit as a New Zealander
The Saudi Iqama is the equivalent of a residence permit in other countries, and people who want to immigrate to Saudi Arabia from New Zealand can obtain this document through various means. Some of the most common are:
- employment;
- investment through dedicated programs;
- company registration in Saudi Arabia;
- family reunion.
Each of the situations above is subject to specific procedures and documents, as such we recommend using the services of our lawyers in Saudi Arabia who can help you.
How to relocate to Saudi Arabia from New Zealand based on employment
Employment is one of the most common pathways for relocation to Saudi Arabia, as the country is open to a foreign specialized and skilled workforce. If you plan to move to Saudi Arabia from New Zealand this way, here are the most important highlights:
- you must first obtain a job offer from a Saudi employer;
- get both a work permit and a residence visa.
In this case, the Saudi employer will act as a sponsor for the incoming employee.
Among the documents to prepare for moving to Saudi Arabia are:
- a valid passport with a minimum validity period of 6 months;
- a medical certificate which cannot be older than 3 months at the time of arrival in the country;
- the employment contract;
- other documents attesting to your qualifications.
If you immigrate to Saudi Arabia from New Zealand as an employee, you must also consider the tax implications of obtaining income here. You can discuss these matters with one of our accountants in Saudi Arabia.
Business relocation to Saudi Arabia
As mentioned above, there are two ways through which you can move from New Zealand to Saudi Arabia as a businessperson. You can obtain the eVisa and open your Saudi company or choose the premium residency program.
The second option has the advantage of being a self-sponsorship program, meaning you do not need a Saudi company or citizen to vouch for you. The options are:
- to apply for the business investor stream;
- to enter the entrepreneur residence stream.
Our local specialists can offer more information about both options if you are interested in residency by investment in Saudi Arabia.
How many foreign residents does Saudi Arabia have?
According to the General Authority for Statistics, by the end of the first half of 2024, Saudi Arabia had a population of 35.3 million inhabitants. Out of these:
- 19.6 million people were Saudi residents;
- 15.7 million were non-resident persons living in the country.
If you decide to immigrate to Saudi Arabia from New Zealand and need support, do not hesitate to contact us.