Move to Medina for Work Purpose to Settle Permanently with Family in 2025

Medina (Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah), the second-holiest city in Islam, isn’t just a spiritual sanctuary—it is also evolving into a thriving economic and urban center in Saudi Arabia. With Vision 2030 transforming the country into a globally competitive economy, Medina has become a prime destination for skilled workers and professionals seeking to build a life with their families. In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through how to move to Medina for work purposes and settle there permanently in 2025 with your family.

Why Choose Medina?

Medina is witnessing rapid urban development, especially under the Rua Al Madinah project (Ref) aimed at enhancing religious tourism and urban infrastructure. The city offers a peaceful, family-friendly lifestyle, a lower cost of living than Riyadh or Jeddah, and a strong sense of community rooted in Islamic traditions.

Medina also boasts modern healthcare facilities, reputable universities like Taibah University, and a growing employment market thanks to Saudi Arabia’s push to diversify its economy beyond oil.

Skill Shortages and In-Demand Jobs in Medina (2025)

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic plan (Ref) has accelerated Medina’s growth, particularly in the fields of construction, technology, hospitality, and healthcare. In Q1 of 2025, the following workforce patterns were observed in Medina:

• 24% of the workforce engaged in construction
• 20% in trade and vehicle maintenance
• 12% in manufacturing
• 11.2% in tourism and hospitality

These figures suggest strong demand across multiple sectors. If you have skills in these areas, your chances of employment—and eventually residency—are much higher.

High-Demand Occupations in Medina as of July 2025

Here are key sectors currently experiencing skill shortages:

• Construction & Engineering: Civil engineers, project managers, site supervisors, and safety officers are in high demand due to major infrastructure developments like Rua Al Madinah.
• Tourism & Hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, and Hajj/Umrah services need front desk staff, F&B associates, hotel managers, and travel coordinators.
• IT & Technology: There’s growing demand for AI specialists, cybersecurity analysts, cloud engineers, and software developers.
• Healthcare: Nurses, general practitioners, and specialized doctors are urgently needed to fill staffing gaps in public and private hospitals.
• Finance & Administration: Financial analysts, accountants, HR specialists, and executive assistants are frequently listed on job portals.
• Sales & Marketing: With the city expanding as a commercial hub, professionals in business development and digital marketing are in demand.

You can find these opportunities on platforms like: LinkedIn – Jobs in Medina, Bayt.com, GulfTalent, and Saudi Ministry of Labor Portal (Taqat).

How to Legally Work and Settle in Medina in 2025?

There are two major legal pathways that allow you to work and settle permanently in Medina:

1# Employment-Based Residency (Work Visa with Sponsorship)

If you receive a job offer from a Saudi employer, they will usually sponsor your work visa. Once you begin working, you can apply for dependent visas for your spouse and children.

Requirements:

• Valid job contract with a Medina-based employer
• Employer sponsorship (Kafeel system)
• Educational and experience documents
• Medical clearance and police verification
• Compliance with Saudization (Nitaqat program), which gives preference to Saudi nationals for some roles.

Pros:

• No upfront large fees
• Employer typically handles documentation.

Cons:

• You are tied to one employer unless you transfer sponsorship
• No property ownership rights
• May be subject to expatriate fees.

Apply: https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/eservices/Pages/svc4.aspx.

2# Premium Residency (Saudi Green Card)

For long-term security and freedom, the Saudi Premium Residency system is ideal for those with sufficient financial means.

Options:

Unlimited Duration (Permanent)

• One-time fee: SAR 800,000
• Grants indefinite stay, ability to switch jobs, start a business, and more

Limited Duration (Annual Renewable)

• Annual fee: SAR 100,000
• Same rights as permanent, but renewable each year

Family Inclusion:

• Spouse and children under 25 can be included
• Parents can be sponsored
• Spouse gets a work permit (Talent Passport–Family)

Application Steps:

1. Apply via Saudi Premium Residency Portal
2. Submit passport copies, medical exams, criminal record certificate, and proof of financial solvency
3. Pay application processing fee ($170 USD)
4. Await approval.

Bonus: Premium Residency holders do not need employer sponsorship, can start their own business, and are exempt from expat fees.

Note: Foreigners cannot own land in Medina, but usufruct (99-year lease) agreements are allowed.

Housing & Cost of Living in Medina as of July 2025

While property ownership is restricted in Medina, long-term leasing is common and affordable.

• Apartment Rent: SAR 15,000–30,000/year depending on location
• Villa Rent: SAR 40,000–80,000/year
• Utilities & Internet: SAR 500–800/month
• International Schools: SAR 10,000–30,000/year per child.

The popular residential areas of Medina include: Al Awali, Al Zahra, King Fahd District, and Al Shuhada.

Education, Healthcare, and Connectivity in Medina (2025)

For families planning to settle in Medina, the city offers a strong foundation in both education and healthcare. There are local Arabic-medium schools along with several international private schools that follow English or French curricula, making it easier for expatriate children to adjust. Higher education is anchored by institutions like Taibah University and the Islamic University of Medina, which welcome students from across the Islamic world. Healthcare is accessible and modern, with leading facilities such as King Fahd Hospital, Al Ansar Hospital, and numerous private clinics catering to diverse medical needs.

In terms of connectivity, Medina is well-linked through the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, providing global access. While public transportation is currently bus-based, a metro system is in development under Vision 2030. Additionally, Uber and Careem ride-hailing services are widely available, and car rentals are convenient for families seeking mobility within the city.

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