Leaving Saudi Arabia — Legal & Financial Checklist for Expats

TL;DR: Start at T‑90 with a single Exit Control Sheet (who/what/when) and build a zip archive of clearances as you go. Keep banking and telecom live until the last business day; collect EOS in a clean account; transfer remaining funds; close or convert accounts; then hand back cards/SIMs. Every step below has an owner, evidence, and a deadline.

How to use this playbook (and what not to expect)

• This is a sequencer. It assigns owners (you/partner/employer), dates, and evidence.

• We avoid volatile fees and agency UI steps. For legal, banking, visa specifics, rely on current official guidance and your employer’s checklist.

• Use this guide with our: Iqama Renewal & Banking Access, Driving, Insurance Hub, Tax & Double Taxation, and Remittances guides for deeper details (no duplication here).

The Exit Control Sheet (make this first)

Create a single‑page tracker with columns: Item, Owner, Due date, Status, Evidence saved (Y/N), Notes. Keep it in your cloud folder and update daily during the last two weeks.

Core sections to include:

• Employer & EOS (clearance letter, final payslip, EOS settlement, NOC if issued)

• Banking & Money (account to receive EOS, international transfer plan, closure/convert dates)

• Housing & Ejar (notice letter, inspection, deposit refund, meter photos)

• Utilities & Telecom (gas/water/electric, internet, mobile, TV subscriptions)

• Vehicles (sale/transfer, finance payoff letter, insurer cancellation)

• Schools (withdrawal letters, transcripts, bus pass)

• Insurance (health, car, travel, life/takaful)

• Shipping & Sales (movers booking, inventory, customs list)

• Immigration & Travel (tickets, exit permissions if applicable, document pouch)

• Loose ends (club memberships, PO boxes, storage units)

90‑Day Countdown — T‑90 → Exit Day

T‑90 to T‑75 — Decide & announce (internally)

• Set your exit date with your employer (target week, not the exact day yet).

• Build the Exit Control Sheet. Create folders: Employer/, Banking/, Housing/, Utilities/, Telecom/, Vehicles/, Schools/, Insurance/, Shipping/, Travel/, Receipts/.

• Inventory the home: sell vs ship vs donate. Photograph valuable items.

• School check‑in: note withdrawal lead times, transcript requests, bus pass rules.

• Banking strategy: pick one clean account to receive final pay + EOS; prepare remittance route (bank + one app).

• Lease review: read Ejar terms, notice period, deposit conditions, and move‑out checklist.

Evidence to save: Screenshot of employer acknowledgment, lease page with notice clause, school handbook page for withdrawals.

T‑75 to T‑60 — Notify & line up appointments

• Employer/HR: request final settlement sequence, expected last working day, and required clearance letters (equipment return, ID, medical insurance).

• Landlord/agent: send notice as per Ejar; propose inspection window; request deposit return process in writing.

• Movers: obtain 3 quotes; confirm packing day and insurance; ask for inventory templates and customs packing list format.

• Vehicle plan: decide sell vs ship; if financed, request a payoff letter with instructions for buyer’s bank transfer.

• Banking: open/confirm a clean account (no loans/cards attached) to receive EOS; verify international transfer capability; add beneficiaries now.

Evidence to save: HR reply, landlord confirmation, mover quotes, bank confirmation of transfer limits, buyer payoff letter template if selling.

T‑60 to T‑45 — Paperwork & pre‑bookings

• Schools: submit formal withdrawal request; ask for transcripts, references, and transport refund rules.

• Insurer: confirm policy end dates and how to cancel/transfer after your exit.

• Utilities/Telecom: schedule final meter readings and router pickup dates after your move‑out. Keep internet/mobile active until the last business day.

• Marketplace listings: photograph and list large items; schedule viewings.

• Car sale (if applicable): service + clean; compile service history and photos; gather spare keys.

Evidence to save: School withdrawal receipt, insurer policy schedules, utility cancellation appointment, car sale ad link.

T‑45 to T‑30 — Confirm flows and book travel

• Flights: book with flexibility; add luggage allowances and consider extra baggage vs shipping.

• Employer: align last working day vs final exit date; confirm EOS payment window and documentation needed to release it.

• Bank: test an international transfer of a small amount to your home account; verify arrival time and fees.

• Movers: lock packing date; set aside Do‑Not‑Pack items (documents, meds, devices, chargers).

• Vehicle: begin transfers or formal offers; line up a bank appointment if buyer needs financing.

Evidence to save: Flight confirmations, bank transfer receipt, employer email stating EOS timeline, mover booking.

T‑30 to T‑21 — The commitments

• Landlord walk‑through (pre‑inspection): agree snagging list; book handover.

• Car: sign sale agreement contingent on payoff letter; block time for transfer appointment.

• Telecom: plan SIM handover on the last day (keep OTPs working until all banks/wallets are closed).

• Insurance: schedule car policy cancellation/transfer on the ownership transfer day; note health policy end date.

Evidence to save: Pre‑inspection list, car sale conditional agreement, telecom cancellation draft, insurer acknowledgment.

T‑21 to T‑14 — The heavy lift

• Shipments: pack, inventory, and photograph boxes; obtain weight/volume docs; save tracker links.

• Banking: export 12 months of statements; download payslips; capture salary & EOS IBAN certificate.

• Employer: return equipment; obtain clearance letter(s); confirm final payslip date; list any expense claims pending.

Evidence to save: Shipment inventory, statement PDFs, clearance letters, pending expense list.

T‑14 to T‑7 — The closures

• Vehicles: complete bank payoff and ownership transfer; cancel/transfer insurance same day; keep proof.

• Utilities: final meter readings and closure receipts; photograph meters on the day.

• Landlord: final inspection; deposit refund method confirmed (bank transfer preferred).

• Telecom: port/cancel home internet; schedule router return after movers finish.

Evidence to save: Title transfer/ownership letter, insurance cancellation email, meter photos, deposit confirmation note.

T‑7 to T‑3 — Money and ID last mile

• EOS: confirm deposit date & account; save the settlement statement.

• Banking: transfer funds to home accounts in two batches (main + sweep); keep SWIFT/receipt PDFs.

• Credit cards: close or downgrade to avoid fees; get closure letters.

• Wallets/Remittance apps: export statement PDFs; close if appropriate.

Evidence to save: EOS settlement, transfer receipts, closure letters, statement exports.

T‑3 to Exit Day — Document pouch & airport

• Document pouch: passports, residency IDs, employer letters, EOS settlement, bank statements, school records, car sale proof, insurance confirmations, tickets, and movers receipts.

• SIMs: keep local SIM active until you board; set roaming or eSIM for OTPs after landing.

• Keys & access cards: return; photograph the handover receipt.

• Final sweep: empty safe, drawers, balcony, storage; photograph empty rooms.

Evidence to save: Handover receipts, digital copies of everything in your pouch saved to cloud + phone.

Employer & EOS — letters, payslips, and settlement math (conceptual)

• EOS basics: For many contracts, EOS is computed from length of service with tiered accruals. Your employer will compute it; you should verify the service periods and salary used.

• Your responsibilities: Return assets, complete clearance steps, and ensure your bank account can receive the settlement. Insist on a written breakdown of salary, leave encashment, EOS, and deductions.

• Documents to request: Final payslip, EOS calculation sheet, clearance letter(s), confirmation that health insurance ends on date X, and any NOC (if issued).

Banking & Money — salary, remittances, card closures, proof

• Receiving funds: Route last salary and EOS to a clean account in your name; avoid account freezes due to KYC timing.

• Transferring funds: Use fee + FX total‑received comparisons; do a test transfer weeks before.

• Closures: Close credit cards and overdrafts before the current account; request closure letters. Consider keeping one account open only if your bank supports non‑resident status and you still need it.

• Proof for later: Keep 12 months of statements, account confirmation letters, and SWIFT receipts for tax/immigration evidence at home.

Housing & Ejar — deposits, inspections, move‑out photos

• Notice: Follow the contract clause; send written notice and keep acknowledgement.

• Snagging & repairs: Fix minor items to speed deposit return; keep before/after photos.

• Final inspection: Attend in person; ensure the inventory matches your move‑in photos; get a signed handover with meter readings.

• Deposit return: Prefer bank transfer; save the credit slip and a short note from the agent confirming completion.

Utilities, Telecom & Internet — cancellations without service gaps

• Timing: Cancel after movers pack and your last home workday; schedule router pickup.

• Proof: Keep closure receipts and final invoices; photograph meters at handover.

• Mobile SIM: Keep active for OTPs until airport; move important logins to email‑based 2FA if you’ll lose the number.

Vehicles — sale/transfer, finance payoff, insurance wrap‑up

• If financed: Request a payoff letter with validity dates; coordinate buyer’s bank transfer at the branch.

• Transfer: Complete ownership transfer at the official counter; keep the ownership letter or digital proof.

• Insurance: Cancel or transfer the policy the same day; request a no‑claims letter if available.

• Records: Save ads, buyer IDs (as permitted), payment receipts, and transfer docs.

Schools & Childcare — notices, records, refunds, transport

• Withdrawal: Submit in writing; request transcripts and attendance records; verify refund policies for unused bus/canteen.

• Handover: Return ID cards and library books; settle any fee balances.

• Records: Store all academic records for placement in the new school abroad.

Insurance — close cleanly

• Health: Confirm end date and any post‑treatment claims; download policy schedule and settlement PDFs.

• Car: Cancel/transfer on sale day; keep letter.

• Travel: If flying via multiple tickets, keep assistance numbers handy through arrival.

• Family/takaful: Update beneficiaries and decide whether to lapse, paid‑up, or transfer ownership if the product allows.

Shipping, Storage & Sales — inventory, movers, receipts

• Inventory discipline: Label boxes; record contents and serial numbers for electronics.

• Customs list: Use mover’s template; keep copies.

• Local sales: Use reputable marketplaces; meet in safe locations; keep receipts.

• Storage: If leaving items, document hand‑over conditions and timelines.

Immigration & Travel — permissions, airport‑day, document pouch

• Permissions: If your status requires exit permissions, coordinate with employer; confirm timelines before you book.

• Airport pouch: passport(s), residency IDs, employer letters, EOS settlement, bank letters, ticket(s), insurance, and movers receipts.

• At departure: Keep digital copies on your phone; charge devices; carry a power bank; arrive early with family.

Checklists, Tables & Templates

A) Final Exit — 90‑Day Checklist (print this)

B) Responsibility Split — Employer vs Employee

C) Banking Exit Matrix (indicative)

D) Move‑Out Photos — What to capture

• Each room (four corners), wardrobes inside, appliances, bathrooms, meters, keys/cards, parking bay, mailbox.

Arabic & English scripts (short and useful)

HR — Final settlement & letters (EN)

“Please confirm my last working day, the EOS settlement date, and which clearance letters I must collect. My IBAN is attached.”

الموارد البشرية — التسوية النهائية (AR)

«أرجو تأكيد آخر يوم عمل، وموعد صرف المستحقات النهائية، والمخالصات المطلوبة. مرفق رقم الآيبان الخاص بي.»

Bank — Close credit card (EN)

“Please confirm card closure with a zero balance and send a closure letter PDF to this email.”

البنك — إغلاق بطاقة (AR)

«أرجو تأكيد إغلاق البطاقة برصيد صفري وإرسال خطاب الإغلاق بصيغة PDF إلى بريدي.»

Landlord/Agent — Notice & deposit (EN)

“This is my notice per the lease. Please confirm pre‑inspection on [date] and the deposit return method (bank transfer preferred).”

المالك/المكتب — إشعار (AR)

«هذه إشعار إخلاء حسب العقد. نرجو تأكيد المعاينة الأولية بتاريخ [..] وطريقة استرجاع التأمين (تحويل بنكي).»

Insurer — Car policy cancellation (EN)

“Ownership transfers on [date]. Please cancel/transfer policy #[###] effective that day and issue a no‑claims letter if available.”

شركة التأمين — إلغاء وثيقة مركبة (AR)

«سيتم نقل الملكية بتاريخ [..]. نرجو إلغاء/نقل الوثيقة رقم [###] في اليوم نفسه وإصدار خطاب عدم وجود مطالبات إذا أمكن.»

Telecom — Internet closure (EN)

“Please schedule router pickup and issue a final bill/receipt. Keep mobile SIM active until [flight date] for OTPs.”

الاتصالات — إغلاق خدمة (AR)

«نرجو تحديد موعد استلام المودم وإصدار الفاتورة النهائية/الإيصال. يرجى إبقاء الشريحة مفعّلة حتى [تاريخ السفر] للأكواد.»

Buyer — Vehicle transfer (EN)

“Per our agreement, we will meet at the bank branch for the payoff letter and ownership transfer. I’ll bring service records and both keys.”

المشتري — نقل ملكية مركبة (AR)

«حسب الاتفاق، سنلتقي في فرع البنك لإتمام خطاب السداد ونقل الملكية. سأحضر سجلات الصيانة والمفتاحين.»

Post‑Landing Week 1 — re‑entry to home systems

• Banking: Verify arrival of transfers; update address/phone; set up local SIM for OTPs; reopen or re‑enable any dormant accounts.

• Housing: Temporary accommodation to long‑term lease; keep deposit receipts.

• School: Submit transcripts; book assessments; request bus routes.

• Insurance: Join employer plan or purchase interim cover.

• Tax: Add Saudi year‑end documents to your home folder; schedule a consult if you rely on DTA tie‑breakers.

• IDs & licenses: Re‑activate or exchange driving licenses per local rules.

Money movement playbook — safe, staged, documented

• Stage 1 (T‑45): Small test transfer to home account; confirm landed amount and timeline. Save the receipt.

• Stage 2 (T‑7): Main transfer (salary + savings you won’t need locally). Split into two transfers if thresholds trigger manual checks.

• Stage 3 (T‑3): Sweep transfer after deposit refunds/EOS. Keep enough cash/card capacity for airport incidentals.

• If a compliance review is triggered: Send your employer letter, EOS settlement, and lease closure PDFs to the reviewer with the transfer receipt; replies move faster when everything is in one email with clear filenames.

Common pitfalls & fast fixes (read this once)

Legal & paperwork — optional but powerful extras

• Power of Attorney (POA): If you may need to finish a sale/clearance after leaving, consider a narrowly‑scoped POA to a trusted person. Keep notarized copies and scans.

• Notarized address letter: Some banks/landlords abroad ask for a letter confirming your new address; prep a simple template with utility bill once you land.

• Document index: Keep one INDEX.md at the root of your exit folder listing every file with dates and references.

Digital & data offboarding — avoid lockouts and data loss

• Export from employer systems (allowed docs only): payslips, tax letters, references.

• Download cloud backups of photos, school apps, and key chats (where policy permits).

• De‑link your old address from shopping/ride‑hail/delivery apps; cancel auto‑renew subscriptions (gym/club/streaming).

• Wipe devices you’re returning to employer; keep personal devices with you until you leave.

• Update email recovery and 2FA to long‑term addresses you’ll keep.

Subscriptions & memberships — make a clean break

• Gyms & clubs: Provide written notice; ask for prorated refunds if allowed; return access cards.

• Streaming & digital: Cancel in the app store and inside the provider’s account; screenshot the renewal off page.

• PO boxes & couriers: Close or forward; notify frequent senders of your new address.

Carry‑on “document pouch” — detailed packing list

• Passports + residency IDs + employer letters + EOS settlement + bank letters.

• School records + immunization cards + certificates.

• Car sale/transfer proof + insurance cancellation.

• Lease closure + deposit proof + utility closure receipts + meter photos.

• Flight/ticket confirmations + baggage receipts + mover bills + inventory list.

• Two payment cards (different banks), small cash, power bank, SIM ejector tool, spare passport photos, USB with document archive.

Case studies — choose your lane and mirror it

A) Single professional, no car

• Focus on employer, banking, and housing. Keep telecom live until the last day; sell furniture via one weekend sale; avoid storage.

B) Family with school‑age kids + car

• Run three tracks in parallel: school withdrawals and records, car sale/transfer with insurance wrap, and lease deposit with utility readings. Partner handles one track; you handle the others.

C) Couple shipping a 20‑ft container

• Movers booked at T‑30; utilities cut after packing; keep an overnight bag with essentials for 72 hours in case shipment timing slips.

D) Job ends before exit (gap month)

• Ensure health insurance coverage in the gap; ask bank about any KYC changes due to employment status; keep lease active through move‑out to avoid address issues.

Vehicle sale — micro‑playbook (printable)

1) Service & clean; gather service records, spare keys, and accessories. 2) Valuation: check market listings to price realistically. 3) If financed: get payoff letter with validity; plan a branch meeting. 4) Meet buyer at bank/transfer office; payoff first, then balance. 5) Ownership transfer; insurance cancel/transfer same day. 6) Provide buyer with copies of service history (no personal data). Keep your proof of sale.

Lease & deposit — micro‑playbook

1) Send notice per Ejar; book pre‑inspection. 2) Fix small items (bulbs, paint touch‑ups you caused). 3) Meter photos with timestamps; print last paid bills. 4) Final inspection; agree snag list and deposit timeline in writing. 5) Hand back keys/cards; obtain handover receipt with meter numbers. 6) Deposit arrives → save bank receipt and agent email.

Movers & shipping — micro‑playbook

1) Get 3 quotes; check insurance coverage (loss/damage, named value). 2) Agree packing day and elevator reservation. 3) Label by room; photograph high‑value items. 4) Confirm customs list; keep a copy on your phone. 5) Obtain tracking and ETA; set alerts; share with receiving party. 6) On delivery, snag list any damage immediately with photos.

Final 24 hours — exact sequence

• Morning: Confirm EOS landed (if due). Make final sweep of rooms; photograph empties; upload any last receipts.

• Mid‑day: Return router, keys, and access cards; keep receipts; move to hotel/airport.

• Afternoon: Transfer last sweep funds; close wallets/cards you no longer need; export final bank PDFs.

• Evening: Check document pouch; charge devices; verify boarding passes. Keep SIM active until gate; then switch to eSIM/roaming.

Post‑landing admin — three‑week cadence

Week 1 — SIM, bank reactivation, temporary housing, school assessments. Week 2 — Primary lease, utilities, local insurance, GP/dentist registration. Week 3 — Tax posture meeting; move Saudi documents into Taxes-Home/ and archive KSA-Exit/ with readme.

Troubleshooting matrix — quick decisions

Extra templates — you’ll likely reuse these

Email subject patterns

• Final Exit — [YourName] — EOS & Last Working Day — [Target Date]

• Move‑Out — [Address] — Pre‑Inspection & Deposit — [Proposed Date]

• Vehicle Sale — Payoff & Transfer — [Plate/Chassis] — [Date]

• Banking — Account Closure/Non‑Resident Conversion — [IBAN Last 4]

One‑line cover notes

• “All documents in this email are in PDF with filenames that match references.”

• “Please reply to this same thread so our timeline remains intact.”