Moving to Saudi Arabia: visas, cost of living & citizenship

About $1,850 a month for one person and $3,900 for a family of four in Riyadh, including rent. A city-centre 1-bedroom flat costs around $1,100 a month and a 3-bedroom around $2,050. Prices are 50% of US levels. Saudi Arabia is the 46th cheapest of the 76 countries in the index.

Saudi Arabia scores 66/100 for safety (safe), ranking 40th of 76. The homicide rate is 0.94 per 100,000 people (US 5.8, UK 1.0, Japan 0.2).

Saudi Arabia scores 57/100 for stability (moderate), ranking 47th of 76, based on the World Bank's indicators for political stability, rule of law, control of corruption and government effectiveness.

Saudi Arabia scores 58/100 for family-friendliness (good), ranking 46th of 76. Life expectancy is 79 years and under-5 mortality is 6 per 1,000 births. Premium Residency lets you sponsor family without an employer.

There is no standard route to permanent residence. Only through Premium Residency.

Citizenship by naturalisation is very rare. Rarely granted. Dual citizenship: not allowed.

Yes. Premium Residency: Special Talent / Gifted: One of five category residencies (SAR 4,000, up to 5 years) for executives, scientists and specialists.

GCC citizens can live and work across Gulf Cooperation Council states. (Gulf Cooperation Council: United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar.)