Live in Iceland while having a job in Saudi Arabia

By Mark 12 May 2022

Can I work remotely in Iceland for a company in Saudi Arabia?

Yes it’s perfectly possible, but we advise first to check the following points:

  1. Can you work in Saudi Arabia?
  2. Can you work in Iceland?
  3. Can you work in both countries?

The answer to these questions will help you to determine if it is possible for you to work in Saudi Arabia from Iceland, or if you will have to choose one of the two countries.
Yes, it is possible to work in Saudi Arabia from Iceland.
To work in Saudi Arabia, you will need a visa to enter the country, and you will need to apply for a work permit in Saudi Arabia.
To work in Iceland, you will need a visa to enter the country, and you will need to apply for a residence permit in Iceland.
Yes, it is possible to work in both countries.
To work in both countries, you will need a visa to enter the country, and you will need to apply for a residence permit in both countries.
Working in Saudi Arabia from Iceland
To work in Saudi Arabia from Iceland, you will need to apply for a work permit in Saudi Arabia.
You will need to apply for a work permit in Saudi Arabia, even if you have a residence permit in Iceland.

How can I find a remote job in Saudi Arabia while living in Iceland?

When things work out well, it’s possible to find remote jobs in Saudi Arabia even if you are located in Iceland, for that we need to know a little bit about the countries.

Saudi Arabia
The country of Saudi Arabia is a country in the Middle East and the Arab world. Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy, the King is the absolute ruler of the country and the royal family is the only legal political party.
Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and the country is the home of the holy cities Mecca and Medina.
The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic and the country has a total area of 2.8 million square kilometers. Saudi Arabia has a population of 27 million people.
Iceland
Iceland is a small country in the North Atlantic Ocean, located between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean. Iceland is a member of the European Union and the Nordic Council. Iceland is an independent republic, but has a close relationship with the European Union. Iceland is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and is a member of the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Trade Organization.
The official language of Iceland is Icelandic. The country has a total area of 365,840 square kilometers. Iceland has a population of around 332,000 people.

How to find a remote job in Saudi Arabia?
Finding a remote job in Saudi Arabia is not that easy, you need to be a bit more creative.

How can I get paid in Iceland when working remotely for a company in Saudi Arabia?

It is possible to get paid in Iceland while working for a company in Saudi Arabia but it is not easy.

The minimum wage in Saudi Arabia is SAR 15,000 (approx. USD 3,000). This is the lowest wage in the country and is not paid to employees in the private sector.
If you are working for a company in Saudi Arabia, you will be paid in Saudi Riyals. The minimum wage is SAR 15,000 (approx. USD 3,000) and you will be paid monthly.

Will I pay taxes in Iceland or Saudi Arabia when working remotely in Iceland?

Taxes can be complicated when working remotely in Iceland for a corporation in Saudi Arabia, so it’s best to speak to your tax advisor.

I’m an expat in Iceland and I want to work remotely in Saudi Arabia.
Will I be taxed in Iceland or Saudi Arabia?
The answer to this question depends on the type of company you are working for, and whether you are a resident of Iceland or Saudi Arabia.
If you are a resident of Iceland and you are working for a company in Saudi Arabia, you will be taxed in Iceland. If you are a resident of Saudi Arabia and you are working for a company in Iceland, you will be taxed in Saudi Arabia.
If you are a resident of Iceland and you are working for a company in Saudi Arabia, you will be taxed in Saudi Arabia.
In other words, you will be taxed in the country where your company is registered.