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document attestation process

document attestation is hell of a process in saudi arabia..especially if you bring your documents here with you and want to get them attested, i did the following luckily i needed only 3 documents for FAMILY VISA 1- diploma 2- marriage certificate 3- birth certificate (in case if u have any children) 1- first you need to attest all these documents from MOFA (home country) 2- get them translated into arabic with trusted translators. 3- take these attestation to your (home) embassy and get them attested. 4- afterwards Finally take them to "wizarat kharjiya" MOFA (riyadh) once its done you can easily apply for family visa..plz correct me if im wrong...as i done the same for my family visa... all the above documents + origionals 1- letter from kafeel (salary Certificate) it has to be attested from "chamber of commerce" ghurfa tijariyah....( get the letter and get it attested by yourself) its easy. 2- VISA form correctly filled without spelling mistakes. it needs to be attested from kafeel and from "chamber of commerce" again you can do it yourself if its signed by kafeel. and thats it..deposit 2000 SAR in bank and apply for visa..hope this helps..

FAMILY VISA APPLICATION PROCESS : Step 1. Application Form, Original Certificate attested by Saudi Embassy, Copy of passport of dependants, Marriage and Birth Certificate Copies, Translated versions in Arabic for all relevant documents Step2. Attest application from COC Step3. Pay money to Bank Step4. Deliver application to MOI & await feedback Step5. Fill online application with MOFA Step6. Attest application from COC Step7. Deliver to MOFA, Receive application ref number Step8. Check MOFA website for visa release 2-3 DAYS

Delivery of visa.

Iqama visa in Saudi Arabia

If you are moving to Saudi Arabia, here is some useful information on the Iqama visa which is a residence and work permit. To be able to move to Saudi Arabia, you will need a residence or work permit. The Iqama is a residence and work permit which allows you to stay in Saudi Arabia. This document contains your personal data, including your marital status, nationality, your profession and religion. It is issued by the Immigration and Passports department of Saudi Arabia. To obtain the Iqama, you have to follow a series of procedures by calling the Saudi consulate nearest to your area. Note that you must always be in possession of your Iqama once in Saudi Arabia. This document will be essential when you are completing any formality and if you undergo a police check.

Procedures
To be eligible for this visa, you must hold a passport valid for at least twelve months with two clear visa pages. You must have an electronic authorization from your Saudi employer if you are going to work in Saudi Arabia. During your application, you must give a recent passport size and colour photo of you with a white background. The application form must be completed in block letters with black ink or be printed. You will obtain the application at the Saudi embassy or consulate of your region. You can visit the official website of the ministry of Foreign Affairs to locate the nearest Saudian embassy. If you are accompanied by a family member, you will need a copy of your marriage certificate for your spouse and a copy of birth certificate for your children. If your son is accompanying you, he should not be more than 18 years old, and if it is your daughter, she should not be married. If you are moving to Saudi Arabia from the United States, you must submit a copy of your green card or any other document that can prove your legal residence in the United States.

Medical report
You must submit three copies of your medical report during your application, along with three passport size photos. Your medical report must have been issued by a licensed physician who will have signed each copy, certifying that you are not suffering from any contagious disease. The doctor must register his license number and address on each copy of the report. Note that the medical report must be used within three months after the date of issue. Otherwise, you will have to undergo a new medical examination. Children under 16 years old do not need a medical report. You will have more information about this on the following link: enjazit.com.sa Good to know:

You must not exceed the duration of the period of stay granted by Saudi Arabia. You are also required to be respectful towards Islamic laws and regulations of the country, as well as towards the values and traditions of Saudi society

The Do's and Don'ts of Renting in the Kingdom

In most cases when one has accepted a job in the Kingdom housing will be part of the package and usually both identified and provided for by the employer. If one is employed by a large Western corporation then it is typical to be provided housing in a Western compound. This not only provides additional amenities and allows one to live a semblance of a Western lifestyle from within the compound but it is also worth noting that many Western corporations require their employees to live in a Western compound for security reasons. This is not to imply that the Kingdom is unstable or unsafe but emphasizes the importance the employer places on wanting its employees to feel secure and be comfortable. But what about those who come to the Kingdom and for whatever reason are responsible for finding their own housing? What do they do? What do they need to know? I can at least discuss housing in Riyadh as that is the city with which I am most familiar. I imagine that what is applicable to Riyadh w ould likely be very similar in other cities in the Kingdom as well. There are numerous real estate offices in Riyadh. However one thing my spouse and I discovered in addition to so many others sharing their own similar experience is that while there are so many real estate offices, if one is not contacting them to either buy or invest in property, they have little interest to assist. Although most real estate offices will accept rental properties in their portfolio there seems to be little interest or motivation to work with individuals who wish to rent. As a result, many individuals seeking to rent in Riyadh will make every effort to find and locate their own place whether it is an apartment or a villa. In regards to villas, if one is seeking a villa on a compound then the first step is to go out and purchase the small pocket size book called Riyadh Today. This book is published by the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and can be found at Tamimi grocery stores, Jarir, Obeikan and Thamamah bookstores. In fact, it is such a great reference it should be a must-buy item on arrival for any new resident to the Kingdom as it contains much more than just housing. However back to the topic of seeking a villa on a compound Riyadh today provides a detailed listing of all the compounds in Riyadh to include location, amenities, services, description and full contact information. It will also identify whether a compound is Western-only, Arabs-only or mixed. The most popular compounds among Westerners include Arizona Golf Resort (5 stars), Cordoba (5 stars), Granada, Fal, Al Hamza, Arabian Homes (4 plus stars). There are more to choose from too. Villas are available both furnished and unfurnished. In addition to villas, most compounds may also offer condominiums if one does not want or need a large villa to maintain. Rent is typically paid in a lump sum for one years rent. The compounds cited can range from 50,000 SAR to 500,000 SAR per year (1 SAR is equal to 3.75 USD). Due to the higher rents this may make compounds prohibited to those for whom their employer is not providing a substantial housing allowance. All compounds are heavily secured and in many ways it is more difficult to gain entre to a western compound than going to an embassy in the diplomatic quarter.

If one rents an unfurnished villa it will typically include the appliances unlike villas privately rented in local neighborhoods. Usually tenants at compound villas are responsible for their electricity, gas and water. Depending on villa, some may include satellite tv and/or internet. Now if you would rather live in a villa in a local residential neighborhood what most individuals do is first identify which area they would prefer to live in. After selecting a particular neighborhood or area (such as Olaya, Al Sulemaniyah, Muhammadiyah) they would not only visit the realtors within that area but also start driving through the streets of the neighborhood. Many property owners will place For Rent signs on the outside walls of a villa rather than list the villa with a local realtor. From my exposure it seems like the best deals can be found in this manner but it does take patience and can take time. And of course the word of mouth network is equally important here as well. When driving through the neighborhood ask local merchants or residents if they know of available properties. Once you have identified a property inspect it very carefully. It does not hurt to take a voltage tester to test the electricity not only to assure it is working properly but to know what voltage is in the house. For example my own current villa has outlets that are both 110 and 220. Make sure the property has a water heater. This may sound odd but some properties do not, solely relying on the natural heat to heat the water. That may not be a problem during the searing summer months but it does get cold in the winter and a water heater is necessary unless you dont mind shocking cold showers or washing dishes in cold water. Because the tradition in the Kingdom is for most families to have housemaids it is unlikely for homes that are not within a western compound to have a dishwasher. Additionally many homes will come not only without appliances but without the kitchen. In regards to appliances, one will need to factor in acquisition of stove, refrigerator, freezer if required, washer, dryer and microwave. The kitchen is also usually a bare room and there are actually shops which sell modular kitchen units which have kitchen cupboards, drawers and counter tops. A villa may or may not be carpeted so carpeting may be another factor of consideration. Which reminds me that if you view a villa and it has any kind of appliances, kitchen or carpeting make sure that these items do convey with the rent. Also be prepared when viewing villas in residential neighborhoods that they may not have closets in the bedrooms. Instead many Saudi families will buy armoires to hold all of their clothes. Many homes will not include a linen closet either. Saudi homes do not necessarily come equipped with a lot of storage space. Villas may or may not come with a garage. In some cases parking may be on the street. Be sure and ask so as not to be taken by surprise. Because villas in the Kingdom can be quite large it is also common for many villas to have been split and rented similar to a duplex. One family would reside on the top floor and another family reside on the ground floor. Villas that have been split in this manner do have separate private entrances and are supposed to be equipped with separate meters for utilities. My recommendation is to always have any residential dwelling inspected by an engineer or technician prior to signing any contract to ensure that the electrical wiring, a/c and heating units, plumbing and other items are all in good working order. While a landlord may appear very forthcoming and eager to please once that contract is signed and he has his money it could be another story. Like the compounds, even though one may have chosen to rent a private villa, the rent is usually paid one year up front in advance. Some landlords may agree to six months rent at a time but then the tenant leaves himself open to increases every six months. And because there are

a shortage of good rental properties in Riyadh, landlords usually have no difficulty finding eager tenants, especially if it is a nice property in a desirable location. The average monthly rent of a villa can certainly vary depending on location, size of the villa and what amenities and/or appliances are included. Plan on paying 30,000 SAR and up per year for renting a villa. And of course one would be responsible for all the utilities as well which would include gas, water, electricity, telephone, internet service, satellite tv. If you wish to live in an apartment instead of a villa, many of the same recommendations apply. Again, Riyadh Today also has a list of apartment buildings. Favored apartment residences are Kingdom Towers or Al Fasiliyah Residences which are both in the Olaya area. However rent at these locations can be comparable to the rent at a Western compound. Apartments can be found both furnished and unfurnished. In addition to calling apartment managers listed in Riyadh today, the same procedures apply as to finding a villa. Drive around in the neighborhood you wish to live in and look for the apartment buildings. Go into the buildings and ask around to find out who is the manager. At the same time, ask residents about the building. Is it well-maintained? Is the manager responsive if there are any problems? Do they perform routine maintenance in a timely manner? Is their security? Are the elevators in good working order? Are there smoke alarms? Is there a sprinkler system in the event of a fire? Again, in viewing any apartment check out to ensure all outlets, water heater is in good working condition. Make sure the heating and cooling are operable as well. Like a villa, many apartments will also NOT include appliances or kitchen fixtures or carpeting. Ask and have in writing what is included with the monthly rent such as any utilities or other amenities. Find out what parking options are available not only for yourself but any guests you may have. The lease of an apartment can vary depending on the apartment and manager. While the most common is 6 months to one year advance rent, some (although the minority) may allow month to month payments. Rents can vary starting from 30,000 SAR per year and up from there. There will be apartments which rent for less than 30,000 SAR per year but the lower rentals can be problematic from lack of security, maintenance issues, cleanliness as well as having residents who may not be in the Kingdom legally. Many Westerners are pet lovers and many Saudis are not comfortable with pets. If you have a pet this should be discussed upfront and in advance of signing any agreements. Yes; there are a number of westerners who do not acknowledge they have a pet and just move in but this can leave one open to eviction and other problems. In conclusion, when looking for a residence and particularly if it is a non-compound residence, it may be helpful to have a trusted Arabic speaker with you when meeting a landlord or apartment manager. Once one goes away from the western compounds language could be a barrier and miscommunications can occur. Be patient in your search. If you can, do as much advance research before arriving in the Kingdom to save time and headaches. You may wish to consider having a company which specializes in expat relocations assist you in your search.

Driving Licence Process in Saudi Arabia

Hello, Yes I got it, Before that, I was assuming it will be very tuff and I will have a hard time in order to get the D.L but its not like that (what I experience). To begin the story you need to prepare your file, You need the following, Iqama copy, passport copy, visa copy, filled form, medical report, 1 photograph, kafeel letter, copy of the driving license of your country & its translation in Arabic. Need a letter from your kafeel, get it attest from Chamber of commerce. Ok, now get the form from driving school, you can find guys there who can fill it for you, get a stamp from Maroor on the picture of you pasted on the form. Without the stamp you wont be able to get a medical report. Medical consist of blood group and eye test. If you have a driving license of your country then you need a translation of it. This all can be done from driving school. Go and submit your file, (100 SR admission fee for those who have valid driving licence of their country) he will give you 2 slips, they will ask you to attend the class, you need to come and attend the class, the will teach you about signals and violations point. After that class they will show you how to park the car in the test. Next day, you need to come for the test, The gate will open at 6, so try to come at 6:00 AM. They will give you the file, you have to go park the car at your turn, in case of failure examiner will take your file back. F you passed he will sign and return the file to you. Next step is the signal test, go to the room, you need to answer 15 correct out of 20 in order to pass the test, they will ask you to pick the file at 2:00 PM. You have to come at 2:00 to collect the file from reception, pay the fee (400 SR for 10 years) from the office in the school or else online, get the print out of the receipt with you. Next day come at 6 to collect the license, if you come late you wont be able to get the token for the day. You will get a token, and on your turn the guy will collect the file from you and give the license to you immediately. Note: This is done in Khobar Driving School, there might be a little change in other schools.