Jessie is a native of South Africa with over 20 years of experience in the Relocation industry. She is passionate about delivering a fantastic customer experience and has helped hundreds of customers to move their household goods and lives around the globe.
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Are you planning an international relocation from the UAE to Saudi Arabia?
Moving to a new country involves various considerations and preparations. In this article, Jessie De Ryck, Crown Relocations' Corporate Sales Senior Consultant, shares valuable insights to answer five commonly asked questions about relocating to Saudi Arabia.
From transit times to customs duties and shipping vehicles, we’re here to help guide you every step of the way.
1. Transit Times for Sea and Road Shipments to Saudi Arabia
Sea Shipments:
You should allow 3 to 4 weeks for a sea shipment to reach your new home. For moves from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Crown offers sailing from Jebel Ali to Riyadh inland ports.
Road Transport:
For road shipments, door-to-door, you should allow between 3-7 days for an exclusive shipment and approximately two weeks for our shared service.
2. Door-to-Door Quotations – Avoiding Surprises
At Crown Relocations, we aim to provide comprehensive quotations for international moves. However, it’s essential to consider potential additional costs at the destination; some common examples include:
Bayan Fees & Duty Charges: These charges, which apply to all shipments of household and personal effects, are dictated by customs based on a depreciated value. The additional cost is generally between 250 and 1000 SAR.
Compound Access: Most compounds in The Kingdom have access restrictions that may require a gate pass and shuttle service. Be sure to confirm this with your compound management before your move to verify any costs and ensure access is available on your moving date.
Restricted Items: Shipping restricted items or content into The Kingdom may result in censorship or confiscation and incur penalties at the owner’s expense. Here are some typical items that may be subject to inspection:
- Exposed film, including prints, slides, etc.
- Records, books, magazines, pictures, photos, other printed matters, etc.
- Personal computers, audio/video CDs, diskettes, USBs, computer hard disks, printers, etc.
- Mobile or cellular phones
- Audio/video VHS/VCR/cassette tapes and phonograph recordings
- Any items that store information
If you have a final delivery address at the time of your enquiry, your dedicated Move Manager will work with you to discuss the details and provide tailored solutions to avoid surprises or unnecessary additional expenses.
3. Customs Duties on Household Goods
All household and personal effects shipments are subject to import duties at 5% and 15% VAT.
Only a reasonable number of books and clothing are exempt from duties.
A copy of your Iqama (residence permit), local Absher-registered mobile number, and the address linked to your Iqama are required for the Fasah (online customs portal) registration. Our team will work closely with you to obtain an OTP that allows us to clear your goods on your behalf.
Important Note: You must be present in The Kingdom for the customs clearance process.
4. Understanding Prohibited Items
Saudi Arabia has strict laws governing imports. Upon arrival in The Kingdom, all shipments are scanned and can be subject to further inspection by detection dogs and physical inspection by customs officials. To avoid unnecessary costs or delays, you should avoid shipping prohibited items. Here are some items that should be avoided:
Alcohol and Related Items:
- Alcoholic beverages or food products containing alcohol (e.g., vanilla extract, cooking wines).
- Wine-making kits or items used in the production of alcoholic beverages.
Animal and Cultural Products:
- Animal skins in commercial quantities.
- Stuffed animals (taxidermy), statues, figurines, or carvings depicting human or animal forms.
Communication Devices:
- Radio transmitters, VHF, marine/police bands, walkie-talkies, and similar communication equipment.
Gambling Paraphernalia:
- All games of chance, including chess sets, dice, and backgammon.
Narcotics and Medicines:
- Narcotics or unidentified medicines.
Pork Products:
- Any foodstuffs containing pork or related products.
Pornographic Materials:
- Pornographic materials, including magazines with images of people wearing underwear or swimsuits.
Religious Materials:
- Any books or items pertaining to religions other than Islam.
Weapons and Military Items:
- Real or ornamental firearms, ammunition, spears, and fireworks (importing may result in fines or imprisonment).
- Military uniforms or equipment of any kind.
Please refer to Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, for a complete list of prohibited items.
5. Shipping Vehicles to Saudi Arabia
You can ship a car or motorbike, along with your household goods, to Saudi Arabia. Vehicles and personal effects should have the same owner. Customs duty for cars is 5% based on the customs-assessed value.
Crown Relocations can assist with arranging transportation, customs clearance, handover, and delivery. You will be responsible for mandatory insurance, technical inspection, and registration of the vehicle in The Kingdom.
Important Notes:
- Non-GCC nationals cannot import 7-seater cars.
- Non-GCC nationals can import a maximum of one car.
- Car types not accepted for import:
- Vehicles with V8 engines
- Vehicles over five years old
- Vehicles that are right-hand drive
Relocating your household goods from the UAE to Saudi Arabia may seem daunting, but with proper planning and the assistance of Crown Relocations, the process can be smooth and hassle-free.
Our expert team of Move Managers are ready to guide you through each step, ensuring a seamless transition to your new home in Saudi Arabia. Contact us today for personalized assistance and a door-to-door moving quote without any surprises or hidden costs.
Ready to move?
Relocating your household goods from the UAE to Saudi Arabia may seem overwhelming, but with careful planning and support from Crown Relocations, the process can be seamless.
Our expert team of Move Managers will guide you through each step, ensuring a smooth transition to your new home in New Zealand.
Contact us today for personalized assistance and a door-to-door moving quote without any surprises or hidden costs.