Leaving KSA on Final Exit Visa A Practical Checklist Before You Go
If you are leaving Saudi Arabia permanently, a final exit visa is the step that officially ends your residency status. This final exit visa Saudi Arabia checklist focuses on the real blockers people run into, plus the small things that are annoying to fix at the last minute.
Use it as a practical pre flight plan. The exact buttons and fees can vary by case, so always double check your status and any payable amounts in Absher before you pay or book tickets.
Final exit visa Saudi Arabia checklist clear the official blockers first
- Make sure you can access Absher and your digital ID is active
Issuing a final exit visa requires an active account and a digital ID on Absher. If you have not logged in for a while, fix access early so you are not dealing with OTP issues during your last week. - Check passport validity
Absher lists a passport validity requirement of at least 60 days for a final exit visa. If you are close to that, renew first and then proceed. - Make sure your iqama is valid
Absher also lists a valid residency permit as a condition. If your iqama is expiring soon, align the timing with your employer before you start the final exit step. - Clear traffic violations tied to you and your sponsor side
Absher states that traffic violations must be settled for the individual and also for the worker and employer where applicable. This one is a classic reason the system refuses to proceed, so check it early. - Confirm fingerprints are registered for age 15 and above
Absher lists a registered fingerprint as a condition for males and females aged 15 and above. If you have dependents, do not assume they are already done. - Make sure you have no vehicles registered under your name
Absher states you must not have any vehicles registered under your name at the time of issuing a final exit visa. If you own a car, plan enough time to sell it or transfer ownership properly. - Be physically inside Saudi when the visa is issued
Absher lists being present in Saudi Arabia at the time of issuance as a condition. If you are travelling right before your planned exit, time the final exit request carefully. - Plan for the payment step
Absher lists payment of the visa fee as part of the conditions. The amount can vary by case, so instead of relying on a number from a blog, check the payable amount shown inside Absher right before you pay.
Get aligned with your employer or sponsor before you trigger final exit
If you are on a work iqama, your employer usually drives the process on the employer side even if you can see the status in Absher. Do these steps early so you are not stuck in a loop of approvals during your notice period.
- Agree on your last working day in writing
Ask HR for a simple confirmation of your last working date and the date they plan to submit the final exit request. This matters for salary cut offs, housing, and ticket timing. - Settle your final salary and end of service benefits plan
Saudi labor rules include end of service benefits, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development provides an official end of service benefit calculator you can use to estimate your entitlement based on your situation. Use it to sanity check your settlement conversation with HR. - Confirm what HR needs from you
Common items are a handover, laptop return, access card return, and a signed clearance. Your company may also require a loan clearance letter or asset return form before they proceed.
Handle dependents cleanly
If you are the head of household, treat each dependent like a separate mini checklist.
- Check every dependent’s passport validity, iqama status, and fingerprint status
Absher requirements like passport validity and fingerprints can apply per person. Do not leave this to the final week. - If a dependent is outside Saudi
Some families find this is where things get tricky. Your safest approach is to check the dependent’s status in Absher and coordinate with your sponsor on the correct route, because issuance conditions can depend on the exact situation and sponsor setup.
Money and accounts the boring stuff that saves you stress later
- Bank account timing
Do not close your bank account too early if your final salary, end of service, or reimbursements are still pending. Once your settlement lands and you have transferred what you need, you can decide whether to close the account or keep it open for a short buffer, depending on your bank’s rules. - Bills and subscriptions
In your last two weeks, go through
Mobile plan and any device installments
Home internet
Utilities if they are in your name
Gym memberships and auto renewals
App subscriptions tied to your local card - Housing and deposits
If you rent, confirm your move out inspection and when the deposit is returned. Take date stamped photos when you hand back the keys.
Documents to save before you leave
Think in two folders one you can show at the airport, and one you will need months later.
- Keep copies of these
Passport photo page
Iqama front and back
Final exit visa details or screenshot from Absher
Receipts for paid violations and any key settlements - Save proof that you exited
This sounds obvious, but it helps later when you apply for a new visa, change employers, or need to prove you closed your residency properly. Save whatever confirmation you can access after departure.
If you want more step by step Saudi guides in the same style, you can also browse the KSA Buddy homepage for related checklists and portals explained in plain English.
Departure week checklist
- Two to three days before your flight
Confirm your final exit status in Absher
Double check you have no last minute violations showing
Make sure your passport validity still meets the requirement
Make digital and printed copies of your key documents - Day of travel
Carry your passport and any printouts in your hand luggage
Keep screenshots available offline on your phone
Arrive early enough to handle any unexpected system checks
