The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has directed local banks to open accounts for expatriates holding Saudi passports only after receiving approval from the Ministry of Interior through the Central Bank.
Regarding the inclusion of a visitor ID for account opening, the revised rules require all banks to maintain an electronic record for non-Saudi resident individuals. This record must include, at minimum, the full name as listed on the passport, residency permit (iqama), or visitor ID, following the language priority of Arabic, English, or Latin. If the name appears in a different language or script, it must be recorded exactly as shown on the entry visa issued by Saudi embassies or consulates.
The information must also cover nationality, iqama or visitor ID number and expiry date, national address for expatriates, or the resident address in Saudi Arabia and the visitor’s country of origin for visitors, along with contact details and employer information, if applicable. For individuals holding five-year residency cards issued to certain tribal members, the full name, residency card number, and expiry date must be recorded.
The Saudi Central Bank has recently approved the use of the Visitor ID for opening bank accounts under the banks’ account opening guidelines. The Visitor ID, issued by the Ministry of Interior, serves as an official identification for visitors to the Kingdom and can be verified via authorized digital platforms.
SAMA has instructed banks to close expatriate accounts upon departure and freeze them when ID documents expire, including GCC IDs, residency or visitor permits, and diplomatic cards.
