The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is rapidly transforming under Vision 2030, creating massive demand in logistics, construction, and transportation. However, for expatriates in 2025, the landscape for driver jobs in Saudi Arabia has shifted significantly due to stricter “Saudization” (Nitaqat) policies.
If you are searching for driver jobs in Saudi Arabia latest vacancies 2025, you must navigate a market where some traditional roles are now closed to foreigners, while others are booming. This guide provides an honest breakdown of high-demand vacancies, realistic salary expectations, and the step-by-step visa process you need to follow.
High-Demand Driver Vacancies for Expats in 2025
While the government has reserved “light vehicle” roles for nationals, the need for heavy transport and private service drivers remains critical.
1. Heavy Truck & Trailer Drivers (Top Opportunity)
With megaprojects like NEOM and the Red Sea Project in full swing, logistics companies are desperate for experienced heavy drivers.
- Role: Transporting construction materials, fuel, and goods between cities.
- Requirements: A valid Heavy Vehicle License (HTV) from your home country is mandatory.1 A valid or expired Saudi Heavy License is a massive advantage.
- Visa Status: Widely open for expats under corporate sponsorship.
2. Family Driver (Saiq Khas)
This is the primary legal route for expats to drive cars (sedans/SUVs). Since corporate “Light Vehicle Driver” roles are reserved for Saudis, working as a private family driver is the best alternative.
- Role: Personal driver for a Saudi household (school runs, grocery trips, family transport).
- Visa Type: Domestic Worker Visa (exempt from Nitaqat corporate Saudization).
- Benefits: Accommodation and food are almost always provided by the sponsor (Kafeel), allowing for higher savings.
3. Heavy Equipment Operators
Skilled operators for cranes, bulldozers, forklifts, and excavators are highly sought after.
- Salary Potential: These roles pay significantly more than standard driving jobs due to the technical skill required.2
- Certification: You may need specific safety certifications (like Aramco certification) to work on top-tier sites.
4. Delivery Drivers (Proceed with Caution)
While apps like HungerStation and Noon are growing, regulations are tightening.
- The Risk: The Transport General Authority (TGA) is enforcing Saudization on ride-hailing and freelance delivery.
- The Legal Path: Expats can work as delivery drivers only if sponsored by a logistics company and driving a company-owned vehicle. Using a private car for delivery is illegal for expats.
Salary Expectations vs. Cost of Living (2025)
Salaries have stabilized, but the cost of living is rising. It is crucial to calculate your “Net Savings” before accepting an offer.
Average Monthly Salary Ranges (SAR)
| Job Role | Monthly Salary (SAR) | Typical Benefits |
| Heavy Truck Driver | 2,500 – 3,500 | + Trip Allowances (SAR 20-50/trip) |
| Family Driver (Saiq Khas) | 1,800 – 2,200 | + Free Housing + Food (or allowance) |
| Delivery Driver | 2,500 – 4,000 | Often incentive-based (per delivery) |
| Forklift Operator | 3,000 – 5,000 | + Overtime + Accommodation |
Realistic Monthly Expenses (If Not Provided)
If your contract does not include food or housing, expect to spend:
- Shared Room (Bed Space): SAR 600 – 900/month (Riyadh/Jeddah).
- Food (Self-cooking): SAR 500 – 800/month.
- Mobile/Data: SAR 100 – 150/month.
- Total Basic Cost: ~SAR 1,200 – 1,800/month.
Financial Tip: A Family Driver earning SAR 2,000 with all expenses paid often saves more cash than a Company Driver earning SAR 3,500 who must pay for their own rent and food.
Saudization: Who Can Drive What?
Understanding the rules prevents deportation.
- Light Vehicle Driver (Company): This profession is 100% Saudized.3 Companies cannot legally issue visas for expat car drivers. If an agent promises this, they may be using a fake visa profession (like “Laborer”), which is illegal for driving.
- Ride-Hailing (Uber/Careem): Strictly reserved for Saudi nationals using their own cars. Expats cannot register.
- The Exemption: The “Family Driver” visa is exempt from these rules because it falls under “Domestic Labor,” not the private sector labor law.
Step-by-Step Visa Application Process
For applicants from India, Pakistan, Philippines, etc., here is the 2025 workflow:
Step 1: The Job Offer & Wakala
- Find a job via licensed agencies or trusted portals (Bayt, Naukrigulf).
- The employer issues a Wakala (Power of Attorney) to a recruitment agency in your country to process your visa.4
Step 2: Medical Check (GAMCA/Wafid)
- You must book an appointment via the Wafid (formerly GAMCA) website.
- Go to the assigned medical center for blood tests (Hep B/C, HIV) and chest X-ray (TB).
- Cost: Approx. $80 – $120 USD.
Step 3: Visa Stamping (Enjaz)
- Submit your passport, medical report, and photos to the agency.5
- They upload your data to the Enjaz system for the Saudi Embassy to stamp your visa.
Step 4: Arrival & Iqama
- Upon arrival, your sponsor has 90 days to issue your Iqama (Residency Permit).
- Important: The employer legally must pay for the Iqama fees (approx. SAR 600 + fees). Do not pay this yourself.
Step 5: Driving License
- You cannot drive on your home license indefinitely.6
- You must visit a Dallah Driving School, pass a driving assessment, and likely attend a few days of classes before taking the Saudi driving test.
Safety Warning: Recruitment Scams to Avoid
- WhatsApp Job Offers: Real companies do not hire random people solely via WhatsApp messages.
- “Pay for Medical” Online: Scammers ask you to transfer medical fees online. Never do this. You pay the clinic directly in person.
- The “Azad” (Free) Visa: There is no such thing legally. Buying a visa to work as a freelancer is a crime (“Tassatur”) punishable by fines and deportation. Always work for the sponsor named on your Iqama.
Conclusion
The opportunity for driver jobs in Saudi Arabia remains strong in 2025, particularly for heavy transport and family service roles. By targeting the right visa categories—Heavy Truck or Saiq Khas—and avoiding the restricted “Company Light Driver” sector, you can secure a stable, high-saving career. Always verify your agency, refuse upfront “visa fee” payments, and ensure you have a written contract before flying.