Freedom Score

Emigrating from Germany to Saudi Arabia: tax and cost of living

How does Saudi Arabia score against Germany? The Freedom Score weighs six dimensions, built on primary government sources.

Net per month€4,200
Per year vs. Germany+€18,155

0% income tax · Premium Residency · Vision 2030

Tax

100/100

Residency

87/100

Cost of living

83/100

Living environment

75/100

Mobility

98/100

Ownership

85/100

Compared by dimension

On an average Germany income of €50,400 gross per year, you keep €50,400 net in Saudi Arabia: a difference of €18,155 per year compared with Germany.

  • Tax: on this income Saudi Arabia lands at an effective rate of about 0%, against 36% in Germany.
  • Passport and mobility: from Saudi Arabia you travel visa-free to 89 countries.
  • Residency: on our accessibility scale Saudi Arabia scores 87 out of 100 for obtaining residency.
  • Living environment: banking, internet, safety and healthcare together give Saudi Arabia a living-environment score of 75 out of 100.

The tax regime in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia levies no personal income tax on salaries or private investment income. Corporate income tax is 20% for entities with foreign ownership; Saudi and GCC ownership pays zakat (2.5%). VAT is 15%. No wealth tax, no inheritance tax.

Residency and visas in Saudi Arabia

Premium Residency (the 'Saudi green card'): unlimited duration for a one-time SAR 800,000 (approx. €196,000) or renewable for SAR 100,000 (approx. €24,500) per year. Since 2024 there are also categories for investors, entrepreneurs, top talent and real estate owners (property from SAR 4 million). The employer-sponsored work iqama remains the standard route.

  • Premium Residency — Unlimited Duration (الإقامة المميزة الدائمة) · €196,000
  • Premium Residency — Limited Duration (jaarlijks verlengbaar) · €24,500
  • Premium Residency — Real Estate Owner · €980,000
  • Premium Residency — Investor (SAR 7 mln + 10 banen) · €1,715,000
  • Werk-iqama (werkgever-sponsoring)
Read the full guide to Saudi ArabiaTax, residency routes, property rules and quality of life, with sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is the financial difference between Germany and Saudi Arabia?
On an average Germany income it differs by roughly €18,155 net per year. Your own figure depends on your income and situation; calculate it with the free freedom check.
Is this tax advice?
No. Libaros compares on the basis of primary government sources and provides information. For personal decisions, consult a qualified adviser.
What sources is this based on?
The Freedom Score uses the OECD Tax Database, IATA Timatic, the Henley Visa Index and Eurostat, with direct links to primary government sources.
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Figures from primary government sources. Information, not advice.

Sources