Expert guidance for legal careers
Lawyers Guide to Living & Working in Saudi Arabia
“Saudi Arabia is fast becoming one of the most dynamic and attractive legal markets in the Middle East”
The Saudi Arabian Legal Market
Saudi Arabia is fast becoming one of the most dynamic and attractive legal markets in the Middle East. Vision 2030 is driving unprecedented economic diversification and regulatory reform, and the Kingdom offers lawyers a rare chance to be at the forefront of transformative projects across a wide range of sectors, from energy and infrastructure to technology and finance.
Life in Saudi Arabia is evolving rapidly. While the country remains deeply rooted in its rich cultural heritage, recent years have seen a significant shift towards a more modern, internationally connected lifestyle. Residents can enjoy an expanding entertainment scene, world-class sporting events, and a growing number of leisure and hospitality options. Whether it’s exploring the historic wonders of AlUla, relaxing on the Red Sea coast, or experiencing the vibrancy of Riyadh’s new cultural and commercial districts, Saudi Arabia now offers a lifestyle that can appeal to a broad range of professionals.
But what about your career? A move to Saudi Arabia makes as much professional sense as it does personal. The legal market here is thriving, with increasing demand for high quality lawyers, particularly those with international law firm experience.
THE SAUDI ARABIAN LEGAL MARKET
The Kingdom has seen a significant influx of global law firms setting up shop, while top regional firms continue to expand, creating a wealth of opportunities for ambitious lawyers. With smaller teams and a rapidly developing regulatory landscape, this is an environment for lawyers who are commercially minded, adaptable, and ready to take on high-level responsibility early in their careers.
Financially, the benefits are clear. Salaries are among the best you will find, and with no personal income tax, the potential for significant savings is substantial. A mid-level associate in Saudi Arabia can expect a tax-free package that compares favourably to earnings in London, New York, or Sydney – especially when combined with lower living costs.
As Saudi Arabia continues to open up to international investment and talent, the legal market can offer outstanding opportunities for lawyers looking to accelerate their careers while enjoying the benefits of life in a rapidly modernising country.
If you’re considering a move to the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is a market you won’t want to overlook.
“Lawyers working in Saudi Arabia often gain hands-on experience faster than their counterparts in more established markets”
The fastest-growing legal market in the Middle East
Legal Recruitment Market in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has emerged as the fastest-growing legal market in the Middle East, driven by sweeping economic reforms under Vision 2030, a surge in foreign investment, and a push to modernise the Kingdom’s legal framework. International law firms have significantly increased their presence in Riyadh, through joint ventures, partnerships, or new office openings, creating a wealth of opportunities for lawyers looking to establish themselves in the region.
The recruitment landscape is seeing sustained, strategic hiring rather than rapid expansion. Law firms are looking for candidates with strong technical ability, high-quality training, and experience gained at leading international or top-tier regional firms. Key practice areas in demand include:
- Corporate (M&A, Private Equity, Joint Ventures)
- Banking & Finance
- Capital Markets
- Construction & Infrastructure
- Dispute Resolution (Litigation & Arbitration)
- Energy & Projects
- Regulatory & Compliance
Legal Salaries in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh is a highly competitive legal market in terms of remuneration, offering tax free salaries that can rival or exceed those in Dubai by up to 20%. International firms tend to align their salary structures with their UAE offices, though packages in Saudi Arabia can sometimes include additional incentives due to the Kingdom’s growing demand for top legal talent. As a guideline:
- NQs can expect to earn in the region of 32,000-45,000 SAR per month (equivalent to GBP £85k-£105k/ USD $110k-$135k per annum).*
- Salaries typically increase by approximately £10k ($13k USD) per year of PQE.
- Senior Associates (7+ PQE) can earn upwards of £200k ($259k USD) per annum.
By way of a comparison, someone earning the equivalent of £130k in Saudi Arabia would need to earn approximately £225k in the UK to take home the same net income, such is the benefit of the tax-free salaries in Saudi Arabia.
*based on standard tax and exchange rates in March 2025
“Lawyers working in Saudi Arabia often gain hands-on experience faster than their counterparts in more established markets”
“An exhilarating and highly rewarding experience”
LEGAL PACKAGES OFTEN INCLUDE:
- Private healthcare
- Housing allowances or company provided accommodation
- Relocation support, including flights and temporary housing
- Annual bonuses
- Schooling allowances for those with families
Accomodation
Riyadh offers a range of housing options, from luxury compounds catering to expatriates to high end apartments and villas. Compounds remain popular among international professionals due to their Western-style amenities, but standalone properties are increasingly in demand as the city modernises. Rental costs in Riyadh can be lower than in Dubai, though prime locations command premium prices.
Saudi Arabia has an expanding network of international schools, following British, American, or IB curricula. These schools cater to expatriate families and offer high academic standards alongside extracurricular activities in sports, arts, and STEM fields. Demand for places can be high, so early applications are advised
“Experienced gained here will be respected globally”
“A must have location for any firm with global aspirations”
Riyadh is rapidly improving its infrastructure, with significant investment in public transport, including the upcoming Riyadh Metro system. However, driving remains the dominant mode of transport, and most expatriates rely on private vehicles or company-provided drivers.
For international travel, King Khalid International Airport (RUH) serves as a key regional hub, with direct connections to major global cities:
- London – 6.5 Hours
- New York – 13 Hours
- Dubai – 1.5 Hours
- Singapore – 9 hours
Employers in Saudi Arabia sponsor residency visas and work permits for expatriate lawyers. The process is relatively straightforward but requires medical tests, background checks, and formal document attestations. Compared with Dubai, the process can take slightly longer, but firms will always help with the application.
Career And Progression
Saudi Arabia’s legal market is growing at an unprecedented pace, offering long-term career opportunities for lawyers who establish themselves early. Exposure to high-profile deals, sovereign wealth fund transactions, and complex regulatory work makes experience gained in the Kingdom highly marketable globally.
Many lawyers initially move to Riyadh for career progression, often with a medium-term view, but find the professional opportunities and tax-free earnings compelling enough to stay long term. For those who do move on, experience in Saudi Arabia is increasingly recognised as a valuable asset in legal markets worldwide.
“Experienced gained here will be respected globally”
CONTACT US
Jason Horobin
Jason has specialised in international legal recruitment since 2000. He has helped hundreds of lawyers, from NQ to Senior Equity Partner, make career-defining and life-changing moves to more than 20 jurisdictions worldwide.
ddi. +44 (0)1206 326 902
[email protected]
www.linkedin.com/in/jasonhorobin/
Charlotte Hooper
Charlotte has worked in the International Division of Origin Legal since 2018, specialising in the placement of qualified lawyers into the global offices of International and Offshore law firms.
ddi. +44 (0)1206 326 901
[email protected]
https://linkedin.com/in/charlottehooperoriginlegal
Lexi Nemeth
Lexi is a consultant in our International Team and has a particular focus on the Middle East. With an international background herself and having recruited across diverse markets and sectors worldwide, Lexi is ideally placed to advise lawyers seeking relocation, or organisations keen to recruit.
ddi. +44 (0)1206 326 908
[email protected]
https://linkedin.com/in/nemethlexi
Origin Legal is a specialist legal recruitment company launched in January 2005 by a management team that first came together in 1996. Origin Legal is recognised as one of the UK’s leading providers of legal jobs at all levels for lawyers, legal executives, solicitors and paralegals. The company’s primary goal is to deliver the highest quality of service and through successful legal recruiting develop and maintain long term client relationships.
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