Moving to the UK from Saudi Arabia: Guide
A guide for Saudi nationals moving to the UK, covering visa routes, document requirements, costs in Saudi riyal, and the Saudi community.
- Section
- Moving to the UK From...
- Reading time
- 6 min
- Last checked
- 6 March 2026
- Source
- The published Immigration Rules and GOV.UK guidance, linked throughout this guide.
- Rowan does not
- Look at your own case, tell you which route to choose, or say what the Home Office will decide. This guide shows the published rules and where to read them.
In short
- TB test IS required; English language test IS required.
- Student visa is the most popular route (government scholarship programmes).
- Budget SAR 20,000 to 50,000 for visa costs.
- Police certificate available through Absher.
- Saudi Arabia does not recognise dual citizenship.
Saudi Arabia has a significant student community in the UK, supported by government scholarship programmes. Saudi nationals can also move through work and family visa routes. This guide covers the main pathways and requirements.
Visa Routes for Saudi Citizens
- Student visa. The most common route. Many Saudi students are funded by government scholarships. See the student visa guide.
- Skilled Worker visa. Requires a licensed sponsor at the minimum salary.
- Family visa. See the spouse visa guide.
- Graduate route. See the Graduate route guide.
Document Requirements
- Valid Saudi passport.
- TB test. Required. Available at approved clinics in Riyadh and Jeddah.
- English language test. Required. IELTS widely available across Saudi Arabia.
- Police certificate. Through the Ministry of Interior or Absher portal.
- Certified translation. Arabic documents must be translated into English.
Costs in Saudi Riyal
- Skilled Worker visa fee: £819 to £1,618 (approximately SAR 3,400 to 7,100)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (per year): £1,035 (approximately SAR 4,900), or £776 for students and their dependants
- Student visa fee: £558
- English test: approximately SAR 1,000 to 1,400
See our UK visa fees guide.
The Saudi Community in the UK
The Saudi community in the UK is primarily composed of students and their families. London, Oxford, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh are popular destinations. The Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau in London coordinates student affairs and scholarship programmes.
After Arrival
- Create a UK Visas and Immigration account and check your online immigration status (eVisa). Biometric residence permits are no longer issued.
- Apply for a National Insurance number if working
- Register with a GP
- Open a UK bank account
- Know how to contact the Home Office
Important: Dual Citizenship
Saudi Arabia does not recognise dual citizenship. Acquiring British citizenship would mean losing Saudi citizenship. This is a critical consideration before applying for British citizenship. Many Saudi nationals choose to maintain their Saudi citizenship and hold ILR instead.
Next Steps
For official information, visit the British Embassy Riyadh and the GOV.UK Student visa page.
Questions and answers
Do Saudi citizens need a TB test for a UK visa?
Yes. Saudi Arabia is on the Home Office list requiring TB screening.
Do Saudi citizens need an English language test?
Yes. Saudi Arabia is not a majority English-speaking country.
How do I get a Saudi police certificate?
Apply for a criminal record certificate through the Saudi Ministry of Interior. This can be done through Absher (the government services portal). Processing is typically quick.
How much does it cost to move to the UK from Saudi Arabia?
Budget approximately SAR 20,000 to 50,000 for the visa process including visa fee, IHS, and related costs.
This guide is general information about published immigration rules. It is not advice about an individual application under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and Rowan is not regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority. Immigration rules change several times a year. For advice on a particular situation, contact an adviser authorised by the Immigration Advice Authority or an immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.