Inside Saudi Arabia3 Dec 2025

If You’re Moving to Riyadh in 2026 (What You ACTUALLY Need to Know)

If you’re planning to move to Riyadh in 2026, this episode gives you the REAL information you actually need — from visas and family relocation to schools, compounds, and how people are getting jobs in Saudi right now.

Carly and Vesna share their honest experiences with the Saudi visa system, family visa challenges, passport tips, and navigating life in Riyadh with kids. We break down Premium Residency, different visa types, relocation packages, and what living in a compound really looks like.

Whether you’re a family preparing to move, a partner relocating ahead of you, or someone exploring Saudi work opportunities, this episode cuts through the confusion and tells you exactly what to expect.

What you’ll learn:

• The truth about Saudi visas in 2025–2026

• How long families can stay apart during processing

• Step-by-step breakdowns of Carly and Vesna’s visa routes

• School and nanny options in Riyadh

• HOT TIPS for passports + Saudi visa appointments

• Premium Residency explained

• How expats are actually getting jobs in Saudi today

• Roles that aren’t open to international applicants

• LinkedIn strategies for Saudi recruiters

• Compound vs non-compound living

• The best (and most popular) areas for new expats

This is your realistic, experience-based guide to moving to Riyadh in 2026.

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

00:10 – What We Cover in This Episode (Saudi Relocation Overview)

01:45 – Saudi Visa 101: Entry, Work & Residency Basics

03:51 – Vesna’s Visa Route: How She Moved to Saudi Arabia

11:57 – How Long Couples Can Stay Apart on Different Visas

13:06 – Carly’s Visa Process (Step-by-Step)

16:28 – Family Visa Process + Different Last Names & Passports Explained

18:32 – Schools & Nanny Options in Saudi Arabia

23:37 – HOT TIPS: Booking Passport & Visa Appointments in Saudi

24:40 – Can You Leave Saudi? Exit Rules & Types of Visas

28:01 – Premium Residency (Saudi Green Card)

29:24 – How People Are Relocating & Finding Jobs in Saudi

32:25 – LinkedIn Tips for Job Hunting in Saudi Arabia

36:40 – Relocation Packages & Reasons People Move to Saudi

39:10 – Compounds in Saudi: What They’re Really Like

40:50 – Compound vs. Non-Compound Living

47:42 – Choosing a Simple Life in Saudi

48:30 – Best Areas & Neighborhoods in Saudi (Overview)

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