Quick Summary
- You need a Saudi bank account to receive your salary — cash salary payment is non-compliant with Salary Protection System
- You need a valid iqama to open a full account — some banks allow limited accounts on visa
- Best banks for expats: Al Rajhi, SNB, Riyad Bank, SABB (HSBC), Arab National Bank
- Mobile banking in Saudi Arabia is excellent — most transactions done on apps
- International transfers are easy via Western Union, Wise or bank SWIFT transfers
- Keep your account active even between jobs — closing and reopening creates unnecessary hassle
Why You Need a Saudi Bank Account
Saudi Arabia's Salary Protection System (SPS) requires all private sector employers to pay salaries directly into employees' Saudi bank accounts. Cash salary payments are a violation that employers face penalties for. As an expat worker you need a local bank account from day one of employment — without it your employer cannot pay you compliantly.
Beyond salary receipt, a Saudi bank account is needed for paying rent, utilities, school fees, government fees via SADAD and virtually all official transactions in Saudi Arabia.
Best Banks for Expats in Saudi Arabia
| Bank | Best For | English Support | App Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Rajhi Bank | Most widely used, extensive branch network | Good | Excellent |
| Saudi National Bank (SNB) | Largest bank, comprehensive services | Good | Excellent |
| SABB (HSBC affiliate) | Western expats, international banking | Excellent | Good |
| Riyad Bank | Good all-round expat banking | Good | Good |
| Arab National Bank (ANB) | Strong for Arab nationals and expats | Good | Good |
Documents Required to Open an Account
- Valid iqama — primary requirement. Must be active and not expired. Some banks will begin the account opening process on a valid work visa but full account activation requires an iqama.
- Valid passport — original with valid visa page
- Saudi mobile number — essential for OTP verification. Your mobile number must be registered in your name on Absher. Get a Saudi SIM as soon as you arrive.
- Employment letter — some banks require a letter from your employer confirming your employment, salary and that your salary will be paid into this account
- Absher registration — many banks now verify your identity through Absher during account opening. Register on Absher before visiting the bank.
How to Open an Account — Step by Step
Get Your Saudi SIM First
Before anything else get a Saudi mobile number in your own name. Visit any STC, Mobily or Zain store with your passport and iqama. This number is required for bank OTP verification and Absher registration — without it you cannot open a bank account.
Register on Absher
Register on the Absher app using your iqama number and Saudi mobile number. Banks use Absher verification as part of the account opening process. This takes 10 minutes and is done entirely through the app.
Try Online Account Opening First
Al Rajhi, SNB and several other banks allow account opening entirely through their app without visiting a branch — using iqama verification and Absher identity confirmation. Try the app first — it saves significant time versus queuing at a branch.
Visit Branch if App Opening Not Possible
If app opening fails or is unavailable for your nationality, visit a branch with all your documents. Book an appointment online where available — many branches have long walk-in queues. Bring originals and copies of all documents.
Activate and Set Up Mobile Banking
Once account is open, immediately set up mobile banking and download the bank app. Saudi banking apps are excellent — you will manage almost everything through the app. Set up SADAD for bill payments and register for Mada (debit card) for local transactions.
Sending Money Home — Your Options
Remittances are one of the most important financial activities for expat workers. Saudi Arabia has excellent infrastructure for international transfers:
- Wise (formerly TransferWise) — excellent exchange rates, low fees, fast transfer. Works from Saudi bank accounts to most countries. Best rate option for most nationalities.
- Bank SWIFT transfer — reliable but typically higher fees and less favourable exchange rates than specialist transfer services. Good for large one-off transfers.
- Al Rajhi Bank remittances — Al Rajhi has an extensive network for sending money to South and Southeast Asia with competitive rates and fast delivery. Very popular with Indian, Pakistani and Filipino workers.
- Western Union / MoneyGram — available across Saudi Arabia for cash pickup transfers to countries with limited banking infrastructure.
- STC Pay — Saudi digital wallet that allows international transfers to several countries at competitive rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
My employer says they will pay me cash until I open a bank account. Is this legal?
Cash salary payment is non-compliant with the Salary Protection System for amounts above a certain threshold. While understandable in the very first days before your account is open, ongoing cash salary payment is a violation. Open your bank account within the first two weeks of starting work and notify HR immediately so salary can be transferred compliantly.
Can I keep my Saudi bank account after I leave Saudi Arabia?
Most Saudi banks require an active iqama to maintain a full account. When your iqama is cancelled after departure, banks may restrict or close your account. Before leaving Saudi Arabia, transfer all remaining funds to your home country account and ensure any pending payments are cleared. Do not leave significant funds in a Saudi account after your iqama is cancelled.
What is SADAD and do I need it?
SADAD is Saudi Arabia's centralised bill payment system. Almost all government fees, utility bills, telecom bills, traffic fines and iqama fees are paid through SADAD — either through your bank app or ATM. It is not optional — you will use SADAD for the vast majority of official payments. Set it up through your bank app as soon as your account is active.
Financial Questions About Working in Saudi Arabia?
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