Important Things to Do Before Final Exit from Saudi Arabia
Leaving Saudi Arabia permanently is a major decision. For many of us working in the Kingdom, final exit is not just a travel process. It is a legal, financial, and personal closure. If we ignore important steps, we may face fines, legal trouble, or future travel problems. In this detailed guide, we explain things to do before final exit from Saudi Arabia in a structured and practical way. We cover mandatory requirements, financial settlements, documentation, bank matters, property issues, and post-exit precautions.
Our goal is simple. We want to ensure that we leave Saudi Arabia smoothly, legally, and without future complications.
Understanding Final Exit Visa in Saudi Arabia
Before we discuss the checklist of the things to do before final exit from Saudi Arabia, we must clearly understand what a final exit visa means and how it affects our residency status in the Kingdom.
A final exit visa is an official authorization issued by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat). It allows expatriates to permanently leave Saudi Arabia after cancelling their Iqama (residency permit). Once this visa is issued, our legal residency status is terminated.
This means we are no longer allowed to work, renew services, or remain in the Kingdom beyond the visa validity period.
Key Features of Final Exit Visa
- It cancels your Iqama.
- It allows a limited stay period before departure (usually 60 days).
- You cannot work once the final exit is issued.
- It legally ends your residency status.
- Overstaying after expiry leads to fines and bans.
Understanding this framework helps us prepare properly.
Mandatory Things to Do Before Final Exit from Saudi Arabia
These steps are legally required. Without completing them, the final exit request may be blocked in the system or delayed.
1. Pay Dependent Fees (If Applicable)
If we sponsor family members, we must clear dependent fees covering 60 days from the date of final exit issuance. The system checks these payments automatically.
Dependent fees apply to spouses, children, and other dependents under our Iqama. If unpaid, the final exit may not proceed.
Why this is important?
- System verification blocks unpaid dues
- Ensures legal closure of family residency
- Prevents future claims or penalties
Always verify payment status through Absher before proceeding.
2. Submit Proper Resignation with Notice Period
Employment contracts in Saudi Arabia require proper resignation notice unless both parties agree otherwise. Before requesting final exit, we must formally resign and complete our notice period.
Saudi Labor Law protects both employer and employee rights. Improper resignation may result in disputes or delayed End of Service Benefits.
Best Practices
- Submit written resignation
- Keep signed acknowledgment
- Complete handover properly
- Obtain clearance certificate
A clean professional exit protects our reputation and future opportunities.
3. Pay All Traffic Violations
Traffic fines are linked to our Iqama. The Saudi Traffic Police (Muroor) system records all violations electronically.
Unpaid traffic fines can block government transactions, including final exit processing.
How to clear fines?
- Check through Absher
- Use ATM or online banking
- Confirm payment receipt
Never assume fines are cleared without checking.
4. Sell or Transfer Vehicle Ownership
If we own a vehicle registered under our Iqama, it must be legally transferred or sold before leaving.
Leaving a vehicle under our name can create legal liability. If the new user commits violations, they may still be linked to us.
Available Options
- Sell vehicle through authorized platform
- Transfer ownership officially
- Export vehicle (if applicable)
Ensure the vehicle registration (Istimara) is updated properly.
5. Sell Real Estate Property (If Any)
Some expatriates own property in the Kingdom under specific legal conditions. If we own real estate, we must transfer ownership before final exit.
Leaving property under our name may create tax, municipal, or legal complications later.
Important Considerations
- Complete sale legally
- Update municipal records
- Clear utility accounts linked to property
Professional legal advice may be helpful in such cases.
Financial Settlement Before Final Exit
Financial closure is one of the most critical things to do before final exit from Saudi Arabia. Ignoring this area may lead to serious consequences.
6. Pay Off Loans and Credit Cards
All personal loans and credit card balances must be cleared. Saudi banks operate under the supervision of Saudi Central Bank (SAMA).
If installments remain unpaid:
- Banks may file civil cases
- Travel bans may be imposed
- Re-entry may lead to detention
Always request a loan clearance certificate after settlement.
7. Close Your Bank Account
Before leaving permanently, we should close our Saudi bank accounts properly. Leaving accounts active may cause dormant account issues or future complications.
- Withdraw remaining balance.
- Cancel ATM cards.
- Close online banking access.
- Request official closure letter.
Leaving an active bank account can lead to dormant account complications.
8. Collect End of Service Benefits (ESB)
End of Service Benefits are mandatory payments under Saudi Labor Law. They compensate employees for years of service. We must ensure ESB is calculated correctly and paid before final exit.
ESB Calculation Overview
| Years of Service | ESB Calculation |
|---|---|
| First 5 years | Half month salary per year |
| After 5 years | One month salary per year |
Transfer ESB to your home country account if needed. Keep transaction proof.
Utility and Contract Closures
One of the other things to do before final exit from Saudi Arabia are small unpaid bills, that can create unnecessary complications later. That is why utilities must be cleared carefully.
9. Cancel Ejar Rental Contract
Rental agreements in Saudi Arabia are registered under Ejar.
Before departure:
- Inform landlord
- Close Ejar contract
- Settle outstanding rent
If you plan temporary continuation, sign written agreement.
10. Pay All Utility Bills
Utility accounts often remain active unless cancelled.
- Electricity bills
- Water bills
- Internet bills
- Postpaid mobile bills
Though not always linked officially to exit, unpaid dues may result in future claims.
11. Disconnect Postpaid Services
Postpaid SIM cards and internet connections continue billing unless cancelled.
We must:
- Visit service provider
- Request cancellation
- Pay final bill
- Keep cancellation confirmation
Ignoring this can cause unexpected charges.
Documentation and Attestation Before Leaving
Documentation is often overlooked, but it becomes extremely important for future immigration or job applications.
12. Attest Government Documents
Documents such as birth certificates or marriage certificates should be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and then by your embassy.
This ensures international validity.
13. Attest Educational Documents
If we studied or our children attended school in Saudi Arabia, we should attest educational documents before departure.
Unattested documents may not be accepted in other countries.
14. Obtain Police Clearance Certificate (Optional but Recommended)
Although optional, police clearance is helpful for immigration or job processing. Obtaining it while still in Saudi Arabia is easier than applying from abroad.
15. Obtain Transfer of Residence Letter from Embassy
Some countries require a transfer of residence certificate for customs benefits when shipping household goods. Check embassy requirements in advance.
Things to Do After Final Exit is Issued
Even after final exit issuance, we must not leave immediately without verification.
Verify Exit Validity Period
Usually valid for 60 days.
Overstaying leads to:
- Fine up to SAR 1,000+
- Future entry ban
Confirm No Active Legal Cases
If there is:
- Unpaid loan
- Court judgment
- Travel ban
You may face problems at airport immigration.
Luggage and Cargo Planning
Airlines usually allow 46 kg baggage per passenger (varies by airline).
If you have heavy belongings:
- Use cargo service
- Ship furniture
- Send boxes via freight
Keep shipping receipts.
What Happens If We Ignore These Steps?
Ignoring things to do before final exit from Saudi Arabia may cause:
- Legal cases
- Court summons
- Travel ban
- Airport detention upon return
- Financial penalties
- Credit history damage
Prevention is always better than facing complications later.
Can We Return to Saudi Arabia After Final Exit?
Yes, we can return with a new visa. However, any unresolved financial or legal issue may cause detention or entry refusal.
Clear records ensure smooth re-entry if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can we leave Saudi Arabia with unpaid bills?
Technically possible, but risky. Service providers may pursue recovery later.
2. Is police clearance mandatory?
No, but highly recommended.
3. Can final exit be cancelled?
Yes, within validity period, through employer.
4. What if employer refuses to give final exit?
We can approach labor court if contractual obligations are fulfilled.
5. Is dependent fee refundable?
No, it is generally non-refundable.
Strategic Advice for a Smooth Final Exit
We recommend:
- Start preparation at least 60 days early.
- Keep digital and printed copies of all documents.
- Take written clearance from employer.
- Maintain zero outstanding liabilities.
- Inform bank officially of departure.
Planning avoids stress.
Final Thoughts (Things To Do Before Final Exit from Saudi Arabia)
Final exit is not just a ticket booking. It is a complete legal and financial closure process. If we carefully complete all mandatory and recommended steps, we can leave Saudi Arabia peacefully and confidently.
By following this complete guide on things to do before final exit from Saudi Arabia, we protect ourselves from legal risks, financial penalties, and future travel complications.
A responsible exit today ensures a smooth return tomorrow.
Also read: What Happens For Leaving Saudi Arabia With Unpaid Loan?