Saudi Arabia simplifies license conversion for residents from 48 countries
Published: 07 December 2025 | By Calm Gulf Life Blog
Big update for expats and residents: Saudi Arabia now allows direct conversion of a valid foreign driving license into a Saudi licence for nationals from **48 approved countries**. If your licence is from an eligible country you can avoid the driving test — just follow a few administrative steps, complete a medical check, and submit documents through Absher.
At a glance — What this means
In short: eligible licence holders can convert directly, saving time and money. If your country is not on the list you will need to follow the standard Saudi licensing route (driving school + tests). The process uses the Absher portal and ends at the Muroor (traffic) office.
Full list of eligible countries (summary)
The 48 approved countries cover most European nations, key Asia-Pacific countries, North America, GCC states and South Africa. Below is a grouped summary — use Absher for the definitive official list and to confirm your exact nationality entry.
- Europe: Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
- Asia-Pacific: Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea.
- GCC & Middle East: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates.
- North America: United States, Canada.
- Africa: South Africa.
Who benefits — detailed breakdown
This change helps many groups. Here’s specifically who benefits and how:
1. Skilled professionals & employees
Workers on employment visas who need to drive for work (engineers, site supervisors, sales reps, technicians) save the downtime and expense of driving lessons and tests — their existing experience counts. Employers also save on arranging courses and lost work hours.
2. Family dependents
Spouses and adult dependents can convert quickly and legally drive for family errands, school runs, and daily life — without multiple visits to driving schools.
3. Students and short-term residents
International students and other long-term visitors (with residency) who hold licences from eligible countries will find it simpler to become fully legal drivers in KSA.
4. Employers and logistics companies
Companies that rely on staff drivers (delivery, maintenance, transport) can onboard employees faster and ensure compliance without extra training costs.
5. New residents settling permanently
Residents who plan to stay long-term benefit because converting early removes driving uncertainty and lets them use their vehicles legally and immediately.
Required documents — get these ready
- Original foreign driving licence (valid, not expired).
- Arabic translation of your licence by an approved translator.
- Valid Iqama (residency permit) or passport for visitors.
- Medical report (including eye test) from an approved clinic.
- Passport-style photos (if required by the clinic or Muroor).
- Payment receipts (Sadad payment confirmation for licence fees).
Make photocopies and keep digital scans ready for Absher upload.
Step-by-step: How to convert using Absher (simple guide)
- Translate your licence: Get an official Arabic translation from a certified translator. Keep both original and translated copies.
- Medical check: Visit an approved medical center for the mandatory health and eye test. Keep the medical report and receipt.
- Login to Absher: Open Absher → Services → Traffic Services → Replacement/Conversion of Driving License (or the exact menu shown in your Absher app).
- Upload documents: Upload digital copies of your translated licence, Iqama/passport, medical report, and any requested photos.
- Pay fees: Complete the Sadad payment for issuance/administration fees. Keep the payment confirmation.
- Attend Muroor if asked: In many cases verification is completed online; if Muroor requests an in-person visit, take originals and receipts on your appointment date.
- Receive Saudi licence: After verification the Saudi licence is issued — often the same day or within a few working days depending on verification time.
Estimated fees and costs (typical range)
Costs vary slightly by city and clinic. Here are typical estimates to help you plan:
| Service | Estimated Cost (SAR) | Notes |
| License translation | ~100 | Certified translator |
| Medical & eye test | 150–200 | Clinic fee + tests |
| Licence issuance (2 years) | ~80 | Paid via Sadad |
| Licence issuance (5 years) | ~250 | If available/preferred |
| Photos & copies | 50–75 | Miscellaneous |
Timeline — how long the process takes
- Translation: same day to 1–2 days depending on translator availability.
- Medical check: same day in most clinics.
- Absher submission & verification: immediate upload; approval can be same day to a few working days.
- Muroor visit (if required): same day if appointment available, otherwise a short wait is possible.
If your country is NOT on the approved list
Don’t worry — you still have options. Nationals from non-approved countries must follow the standard route: register with a licensed driving school, complete required lessons, pass the theory exam, and then clear the practical driving test to obtain a Saudi licence. This takes longer and costs more than direct conversion.
Common FAQs (simple answers)
Q: Can tourists convert their licence?
A: Tourists can drive on their foreign or international licence for a limited time (usually up to one year), but conversion is mainly for residents. Check Absher and immigration rules for exact limits.
Q: Do I need to be a resident (Iqama) holder?
A: Direct conversion targets residents. You usually need proof of residency (Iqama). Temporary visitors should check rules that apply to them.
Q: Is translation really mandatory?
A: Yes. An Arabic translation by an authorized translator is a mandatory document for conversion. Keep both translated and original licences.
Q: Will I lose my original licence?
A: The original is returned after verification in most cases — but always confirm at Muroor before handing over any original documents.
Tips to make the process smooth
- Scan all documents first so you have digital backups for Absher uploads.
- Choose an approved translation office (ask your employer or community for recommendations).
- Book the medical test early — clinics can get busy at month end.
- Keep Sadad payment receipt and clinic receipts safe for Muroor checks.
- If in doubt, call your local Muroor traffic office — they often confirm small document questions quickly.
Complete the process via Absher and the Muroor office
Final checklist before you apply
- Valid original driving licence
- Authorized Arabic translation
- Iqama or passport scan
- Medical/eye test report
- Sadad payment confirmation
- Photos & copies
Final thoughts
This policy is a clear win for many expats and residents. If your country is on the approved list you can convert faster and avoid lengthy driving school procedures. Follow the steps above, prepare documents carefully, and you’ll likely receive your Saudi licence with minimal fuss. If your country isn’t included — the driving-school path remains available and reliable.
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