As Saudi Arabia's expanding economy and opportunities continue to draw top international and regional talent, a growing wave of individuals, couples, and families are putting down roots in the Kingdom. Whether you are relocating to attend university or taking the next step in your career, moving between the Gulf states and Saudi Arabia often means bringing your trusted car along for the ride.

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, collaborating directly with the General Directorate of Traffic, has enacted a new regulatory framework governing GCC-registered private transport inside the Kingdom. Drivers in Saudi Arabia with private vehicles registered in other GCC nations face a major operational update.

Traffic dubai via unsplash imad-786

Traffic Road Riyadh Via unsplash anas-maqsood

Under these new rules, non-Saudi registered passenger vehicles owned or operated by Saudi citizens and resident expats — including those driving under an official power-of-attorney — can only remain in the country for a maximum of 90 days per 365-day period. This new cap applies whether you accumulate the 90 days in one single stretch, or the days are spread out over multiple visits across the year; the days and visit duration is tracked from the precise timestamp of your initial border entry.

For vehicles already located within Saudi territory prior to the official launch date, authorities have outlined a transition window to allow motorists to comply without immediate penalty:

Transition Deadline: Motorists have a three-month grace window ending in late November to update their vehicle's status.
Option A (Departure): Transport the car out of the Kingdom through any official border point before the grace period closes.
Option B (Permanent Importation): Transition the vehicle to local registry by securing official Saudi license plates.
Option C (Temporary Extension): Motorists requiring additional time beyond the initial 90-day threshold can request a single 30-day renewal prior to the expiration of their original allowance. This extension system is being integrated into the Absher portal in coordination with traffic management authorities.

Traffc Riyadh via unsplash jens-aber

Vehicles undergoing permanent registration do not need to return to their original port of entry. Customs filings can be processed digitally via the Fasah portal through a licensed customs agent, provided all standard clearance fees, import duties, and VAT is settled.

Failing to clear or regularise a foreign vehicle's status within the allotted timeframe carries strict enforcement measures. Drivers who exceed the permitted duration risk monetary fines ranging from SAR 1,000 to SAR 2,000. Additionally, non-compliant vehicles are subject to impoundment until all outstanding violations, customs duties, towing charges, and storage fees are fully resolved.

You Might Like: Your Guide to Getting Around Riyadh

car-imports-saudi-arabia