Leaving Makkah after years here is rarely just a move. There are goodbyes at the masjid, last visits to the Haram, and a surprising amount of paperwork that has to be finished in the right order.
This checklist covers the practical side, so that nothing blocks your final exit visa at the last minute.
Quick answer
Short answer: Before the final exit visa is issued, clear any traffic fines, sort out any car in your name and check that passports are valid, then confirm the current conditions with your employer or on Absher. Agree your end-of-service award with your employer, end the lease properly on Ejar, close utilities and settle the bank.
Start two to three months out
Most delays come from things that take weeks to fix: a car still registered to you, an unpaid fine, a passport close to expiry. Start early.
Things that commonly hold up a final exit visa
- Fines: unpaid traffic fines.
- Vehicles: a car still registered in your name.
- Passport: a passport close to expiry.
- Timing: a visa issued too early for your travel date.
The exact conditions, including passport validity and how long the visa stays valid, are set by the General Directorate of Passports and can change. Your employer sees them when issuing the visa, and sponsors see them on Absher, so check there before you book anything.
Who issues the visa
For workers, the employer issues the final exit visa through its platform. For family members and domestic workers, the sponsor can issue it on Absher under Visa Services (National Platform).
Note
If family members are on your record, ask how their exit visas will be issued and plan everyone’s travel together.
Your end-of-service award
The Ministry of Human Resources explains that, when employment ends, the employer pays an end-of-service award of half a month’s wage for each of the first five years and a month’s wage for each year after, based on the last wage, with part years counted in proportion (HRSD).
The same page explains that resignation changes the amount: no award with under two years of service, one third for two to five years, and two thirds for more than five but under ten years (HRSD). Other circumstances and your contract can also matter, so ask HR for a written calculation and check it before your last day.
Home and utilities
Closing the home
- Give notice in line with your lease
- End or settle the contract on Ejar
- Final readings for electricity and water
- Cancel internet and mobile contracts
- Photograph the flat at hand-over
- Collect any deposit due in writing
Your lease is registered on Ejar, so close it there too. Our Ejar guide for tenants explains how contracts work, and our utilities guide covers the accounts you will need to close.
Money and documents
Settle credit cards and loans, and ask your bank what happens to your account after you leave. Keep copies of salary certificates, the end-of-service calculation and your final exit visa.
If children are leaving school, ask for transfer documents and reports early; our schools guide has contacts to start with.
Warning
Do not leave with unpaid fines or debts in your name. They can cause problems if you ever return to the Kingdom.
The last month, step by step
Final four weeks
1
Week 4: confirm the end-of-service calculation and travel date.
2
Week 3: sell or transfer your car, clear any fines.
3
Week 2: final exit visa issued; check its expiry date and book flights within it.
4
Week 1: hand over the flat, close utilities, say your goodbyes.
FAQ
How long is a final exit visa valid?
Check the expiry date printed on the visa and the current rules on Absher or with your employer, and travel before it runs out.
Can I get a final exit visa with a car in my name?
Sell or transfer the car first. A vehicle still in your name is a common reason a final exit visa is held up.
How is the end-of-service award calculated?
HRSD says half a month’s wage for each of the first five years and a month’s wage for each year after, on the last wage.
Last checked: 21 October 2026.
Sources
- https://my.gov.sa/en/services/269423
- https://www.hrsd.gov.sa/en/knowledge-centre/articles/317-0
- https://rega.gov.sa/en/rega-services/eservices/register-the-residential-lease-contract/
- https://splonline.com.sa/en/national-address-1/
- https://www.absher.sa/
- https://livinginmakkah.com/ejar-rental-contract-makkah-tenants/
- https://livinginmakkah.com/bank-account-utilities-makkah-newcomers/
- https://livinginmakkah.com/schools-tutors-makkah-checklist/
