Overview of the New Regulations
As of 26 August 2026, Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, implemented new regulatory controls concerning vehicles registered in other GCC countries (“GCC vehicles”). (zatca.gov.sa) This affects both Saudi citizens and non-GCC residents who own or drive these vehicles.
What’s Required Under the New Rules
- GCC vehicles must stay no more than 90 days, in total, within a 365-day period. (zatca.gov.sa)
- Vehicles already present in Saudi Arabia prior to 26 August 2026 have until 23 November 2026 to comply through one of the following: exit the country, register the vehicles with Saudi plates, or otherwise legalize status via import/export or customs formalities. (zatca.gov.sa)
- Owners can apply for a 30-day extension beyond the standard period through the Absher platform and in coordination with the General Directorate of Traffic. (zatca.gov.sa)
- Rectifying the situation involves using a licensed customs broker (mukhlis-jumruky), submitting a customs declaration, paying any duties or VAT, and meeting technical registration criteria. (zatca.gov.sa)
Implications for Digital Nomads
1. Plan the vehicle’s trip duration carefully. If you're entering Saudi Arabia with a GCC-registered car and plan extended stays, you may quickly hit the 90-day limit. Strategize exits or registration well before approaching that mark.
2. Be ready to register or pay import/VAT duties. Converting a GCC-registered vehicle to Saudi registration may mean customs/duties/VAT based on vehicle age, value, technical specs, and emissions standards.
3. Use the correction window wisely. If your vehicle is already inside Saudi, you have until November 23, 2026 to comply without penalty. Don’t miss this grace period if it's relevant. (zatca.gov.sa)
4. Seek help from a customs broker. These professionals understand the nuances of Saudi customs law and can streamline the paperwork.
5. Monitor VAT and import related obligations. If you import or re-register the vehicle, you’ll be liable for VAT (5%) plus any duty. Proper documentation and valuation are essential to avoid overpaying.
Practical Example
Case Study: You’re a digital nomad from Kuwait with a GCC horsepower car. You enter Saudi Arabia on 1 September 2026 and stay continuously until December. That’s 91 days—one day too many.
Solution: On around 25-26 November, prior to exceeding the 90-day limit, you need to apply for the 30-day extension via Absher. When that extension ends, either export the car, register it domestically, or exit the country to reset the 365-day counter.
Action Checklist
- Check the vehicle’s entry date and tally past presence in Saudi over the past year.
- If approaching 90 days, either exit or apply for registration or importation.
- Gather documents: ownership papers, GCC registration, customs valuation, technical inspection records, etc.
- Collaborate with a customs broker to file declarations and calculate import duties + VAT.
- Stay updated via ZATCA’s site for any amendments or further grace periods. (zatca.gov.sa)