Shipping & Moving Your Belongings to Saudi Arabia

Moving to Saudi Arabia is a big step, and getting your household belongings here smoothly can make the transition far easier. The good news is that first-time residents and returning citizens can often bring their used household items into the Kingdom without paying customs duty — provided they meet certain conditions and act within a set time window. This Saudi Living guide walks you through the exemption rules, the clearance process, and the fees to expect so you can plan your shipment with confidence.

The 6-month customs exemption

The most important rule to know is the timing. Personal belongings and used household items are exempt from customs duty when they are for personal use, brought from your previous place of residence, and arrive in Saudi Arabia within 6 months of your arrival to live in the Kingdom.

This exemption applies to two groups:

• Saudi citizens who have lived abroad for at least 6 months before returning.
• Foreigners moving to the Kingdom for the first time, with proof of first-time residence.

If any condition is not met — the items are new rather than used, not for personal use, not from your prior home, arriving after the 6-month window, or you lack proof of first-time residence — then customs duties apply

What is and isn't covered

The exemption covers personal belongings and used household items only. It's important to note what falls outside it:

• Cars and other vehicles are excluded — they remain subject to customs duties under the tariff schedule regardless of the exemption.
• Books and used clothing in reasonable quantities are generally exempt.
• Used household goods may enter duty-free when their total value is under SAR 10,000; above that, duty is assessed on the CIF value (cost, insurance, freight).

Registering in Fasah and using a customs broker

For personal importation shipments, the process is handled electronically. The beneficiary must:

• Register in the Fasah electronic platform.
• Delegate a licensed customs broker to handle clearance on their behalf.

A licensed broker will prepare and submit your customs declaration, coordinate inspection if required, and guide you through document requirements. Keep your residence documents and proof of first-time entry ready, as these are central to claiming the exemption.

Fees you should expect

Even when your goods qualify for exemption from duty, some service fees may still apply. Here is what to keep in mind:

• Customs service fee: ZATCA levies 0.15% of the shipment value, capped at SAR 500 on import shipments including personal ones.
• Low-value shipments: When the total value (goods + shipping + insurance) is under SAR 1,000, customs duties are exempt, and the declaration processing fee is capped at SAR 15.

Duty rates when the exemption doesn't apply

If your shipment doesn't qualify for exemption, duty is calculated on the CIF value. Typical rates on household goods are:

• Electrical appliances: 12% of CIF value.
• Audio-visual equipment: 12% of CIF value.
• Furniture: 12–20% of CIF value.
• Carpets: 12% of CIF value.

On top of any applicable duty, imported household goods and personal belongings are subject to 15% VAT on the value declared to customs when duties apply.

Practical tips for a smoother move

• Ship early so your goods arrive well within the 6-month window from your date of entry.
• Keep everything documented as used and for personal use; new items may lose the exemption.
• Prepare a detailed packing inventory with estimated values — this speeds up clearance.
• Ship vehicles separately and budget for duties, since they are never covered by the personal exemption.
• Choose a reputable licensed customs broker experienced in personal relocations.

Because fees, tariff classifications, and documentation requirements can change, always confirm the current details and any specific figures through the official ZATCA channels and the Fasah platform before you ship. A little preparation goes a long way toward getting your belongings into the Kingdom without unexpected costs or delays.

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