The order in which a newly resident investor sets up a driving licence, car, phone, address and utilities in Saudi Arabia, and what each step needs.
Once your residency is issued, most of daily life in the Kingdom unlocks through your resident identity and Absher: a Saudi driving licence, a car in your name, a mobile contract, a registered national address and utility accounts. Whether you can exchange your foreign licence or must train and test depends on your nationality and the rules of the General Department of Traffic, so confirm that first. The order below avoids steps that stall waiting for another.
Before stage one
Almost every step needs an active iqama or Premium Residency and working access to Absher, and several need Nafath, the national digital identity app used to log in and approve transactions. Get these working in the first days after your residency is issued. Visitors can usually drive for a limited period on a valid foreign or international licence, but residents are expected to obtain a Saudi licence.
- Residency issued and visible in Absher.
- Nafath set up and working on your phone.
- Your foreign driving licence, with translation if the rules ask for one.
- A lease for your home, ideally registered on Ejar.
- A bank account, or at least a plan to open one in the first week.
Stage 1: Mobile number in your name
Register a mobile line against your resident identity. Many government and bank services send verification codes to a number registered to you, so this comes first.
- Deliverable: A mobile number linked to your identity.
- Owner: Investor.
- Approval gate: Absher and your bank can send codes to it.
Stage 2: National address
Register your home national address with Saudi Post (SPL). It is used by banks, government services and deliveries, and it is often requested for other registrations.
- Deliverable: A registered national address.
- Owner: Investor.
- Approval gate: Address shows against your record.
Stage 3: Driving licence
Check whether your nationality can exchange its licence directly or needs a course and test at an approved driving school. Book through the official channels, complete the medical and eye check, and pay the fees shown at the time.
- Deliverable: A Saudi driving licence.
- Owner: Investor.
- Approval gate: Licence issued before any grace period for foreign licences ends.
Stage 4: Car purchase or lease
Buy or lease a car, register it in your name or the company name, and take out the mandatory insurance. Understand how accident reporting works, which in many cases goes through Najm, and how traffic fines from Saher cameras appear in Absher.
- Deliverable: Registered, insured vehicle.
- Owner: Investor.
- Approval gate: Insurance valid from the day you drive.
Stage 5: Utilities and home services
Transfer or open electricity and water accounts linked to your lease, and arrange internet. Landlords sometimes keep utilities in their name; agree in the lease who pays and how.
- Deliverable: Utilities active in the agreed name.
- Owner: Investor with landlord.
- Approval gate: First bills arriving and paid on time.
Stage 6: Healthcare registration
Confirm your insurance card and the clinics and hospitals in your network near home and work, and register the family with a primary clinic.
- Deliverable: Insurance cards and a chosen clinic.
- Owner: Investor.
- Approval gate: Every family member knows where to go for routine care.
Handovers between stages
The steps connect through identity. If the name order on your residency differs from your passport or your foreign licence, the mismatch follows you through each registration. Check spelling and dates on the residency record before starting, and correct errors at once rather than working around them.
How you know it is finished
Your daily life is set up when you can drive legally, receive verification codes, pay bills, see fines and documents in Absher, and use healthcare without calling the office for help.
Domira works with foreign investors on the property side of entering Saudi Arabia: finding land or premises, due diligence, design, construction and asset management. For licensing, tax and legal steps, work with a licensed adviser; we coordinate with yours so the property decision fits the structure you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in Saudi Arabia with a foreign licence?
Visitors can generally drive for a limited period with a valid foreign licence, often with an international driving permit, subject to the rules of the traffic authority. Residents are expected to obtain a Saudi licence. Some nationalities can exchange their licence, while others must complete training and a test. Confirm the current rule for your nationality before your grace period ends.
How do I get a Saudi driving licence as an expat?
With an active residency, you book through official channels, complete a medical and eye check, and either exchange your licence if your nationality qualifies or complete a course and test at an approved driving school. Fees are paid electronically. The licence then appears in Absher alongside your vehicle and any fines.
What is Nafath and why do I need it?
Nafath is the national digital identity service used to log in to government and many private platforms and to approve transactions. New residents set it up after their residency is issued. Without it, many online services, including some banking and government steps, cannot be completed.
How do I pay traffic fines in Saudi Arabia?
Traffic violations, including those recorded by Saher cameras, are linked to your identity and your vehicle, and you can view them in Absher. They are usually paid electronically through your bank, often via the SADAD bill payment system. Unpaid fines can block other transactions, such as renewing vehicle registration or issuing a final exit, so settle them promptly and check the record before any major step.
Have a Property Question?
Domira can help you navigate property, financing and investment decisions in Saudi Arabia. Speak with our team for an initial consultation.