How to repatriate your earnings from Saudi Arabia

If you’re living or working in Saudi Arabia and planning to move your money home, you want to get the most money when converting Saudi Riyals into your home currency. Many people decide to use their bank or a money‑transfer app, only to find out high fees and unfavourable exchange rates give you less than you anticipated.

As a specialist in international currency exchange and cross‑border payments, we help both individuals and businesses transfer currency from Saudi Arabia with ease. We offer bank beating exchange rates, no hidden fees and you get a dedicated account manager who is always available to support you throughout the whole process.

How do I send my earnings from Saudi Arabia home?

Repatriating funds from Saudi Arabia means transferring earnings or profits generated in the Kingdom into your home currency. This is typically salary savings, business profits or anything in between.

1. Registration

The first step for any new client is to register with us, which only takes a few minutes. Registration is necessary to comply with Anti-Money Laundering regulations. Before any client can transact with us, they need to be registered. This is standard for all FCA regulated providers.

2. Fund your Regency FX account

Once your account is active we will provide you with the relevant client account details for your transaction. You will then need to arrange the transfer of your funds to your Regency FX account. You can send SAR from most major Saudi banks and if the funds are sent before your bank’s cut off time, they typically arrive either the same day or the next working day.

3. Get your exchange rate

Regency FX aims to secure competitive rates on the day you choose to transfer money from Saudi Arabia to the UK. Since we handle a high volume of Saudi Arabia transfers, we can provide strong pricing compared to traditional banks and other competitors.

4. Make your payment

Once you confirm the transfer details, your funds are sent to the intended recipient account. Fund are often received on the same day but can take between one to three days in some cases. Sending money from Saudi Arabia to your home currency does not need to be complicated. With the right support, it can be quick, secure and cost effective.

Where can I convert my Saudi Riyals?

There are multiple different options you have to convert your Saudi Riyal back home but each method has different costs and timings.

High Street Banks (e.g., LLoyds, HSBC, Nationwide)

• Trusted but often higher costs.
• Exchange‑rate mark‑ups + service/correspondent fees.
• Slower for large or complex transfers due to send limits.
• Online banking transfers usually have limits in the range of SAR 50,000 to SAR 200,000 per day depending on the bank and your account tier.

Money‑transfer apps (e.g., Wise)

• Transparent fees for many personal transfers.
• May lack flexibility or specialised documentation support for large sums or business‑related transfers.

Currency Exchange Experts (e.g., Regency FX)

• Competitive exchange rates compared to banks.
• Transparent cost structure.
• Experts in repatriating funds (personal and business).
• Ideal for larger amounts or scheduled transfers.
• Your free dedicated account manager is always on hand to offer support with documentation and answer your questions.

Common reasons that can delay sending Saudi Riyals home

When sending Saudi Riyals home, there can be a variety of reasons that delays happen such as:

• Incorrect or incomplete IBAN
• Missing proof of earnings or source of funds
• Missing beneficiary address
• Unverified ID
• Delays from intermediary banks used by high street banks
• Compliance checks for large transfers

What do I need to know if I am planning on moving to Saudi Arabia?

If you are planning on relocating for work, investment or lifestyle reasons, a bit of planning goes a long way, especially if you expect to send money home from Saudi Arabia as an expat.

Key points to keep in mind

Visa and sponsorship‍

Most foreign workers enter Saudi Arabia on employer sponsored visas. Make sure you understand your contract, your rights and the rules that apply to your residency.

Banking requirements‍

You will need a local bank account to receive your salary. Some banks let you open one before you arrive, although most need you to be in the country.

Tax implications‍

Saudi Arabia does not tax personal income for most expatriates. Your home country might still tax foreign income, so it is worth checking with a tax adviser if you have any doubts.

Financial planning‍

Higher earnings and low tax can feel like a big advantage, but it is still worth having a plan. Set aside savings, think about investing and keep your long term goals in mind while you are living overseas.

Record keeping‍

Hold on to your employment contracts, salary statements, bank details and any local documents. Keeping everything organised saves time if you move again or need to show proof of income.

How can Regency FX help?

Regency FX is here to make your currency transfers straightforward and stress free.

Here is what you can expect from us:

• A dedicated account manager available whenever you need support
• Clear quotes that show your rate, no hidden fees and when the funds should arrive
• Help with compliance checks when sending Saudi Riyals
• Options for regular payments or forward contracts that help you secure a rate
• Faster delivery times compared with most banks and standard apps

Our service is built around your situation rather than a generic approach. You receive personal support at every step and you can reach your account manager by email, WhatsApp or phone.

Frequently asked questions

Can I repatriate funds from Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Individuals and businesses can move funds out as long as the required documents and checks are in place.

How much do banks usually mark up exchange rates?

Banks often add margins of around 3 percent to 5 percent and sometimes extra conversion fees on top. The difference adds up quickly on larger transfers.

Are apps like Wise suitable for large transfers?

Apps tend to work well for smaller personal payments. For larger sums or for transferring business profits, a specialist provider like Regency FX is usually a better choice.

Apps are DIY. You enter all the recipient details yourself and they are not checked. With our service, your account manager reviews everything to make sure the information is correct, reducing the risk of errors and preventing delays.

How long does a repatriation transfer take?

Timing depends on the currency, the destination bank, the documents and the size of the transfer. With a specialist, many transfers complete the next day if sent before the cut off. Others may take one to three business days once approved.

Will I owe tax on money I send home?

Possibly. Saudi Arabia may not tax your salary, but your home country may tax global income or remittances. If you are unsure, a tax professional can advise you.

Why choosing the right partner for currency matters

Repatriating your earnings from Saudi Arabia does not need to be difficult or costly. When you understand the process and work with a specialist like Regency FX, you can keep more of your money, avoid hidden fees and get support from someone who understands your needs.

Whether you are sending savings, business profits or investment returns, planning ahead and choosing the right partner makes a meaningful difference.

Regency FX are a UK based independent currency broker, specialising in high volume transfers.

We pride ourselves on our premium level of customer service, you will be allocated your own personal account manager whom you will have direct access to.

All funds transferred through Regency FX are made using client segregated accounts in accordance with the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) guidelines.

Get a free quote today!