Yes, expats in Saudi Arabia can easily buy a car on installments through Carly (HalaCarly.com), via three options: bank financing (Al Rajhi, Emirates NBD, SNB, and others), specialized finance companies (ALJ Finance, Raya, Al Nayifat), or Tamara (BNPL) for cars up to SAR 50,000. Basic requirements for expats: a valid Iqama with at least 6 months remaining, GOSI certificate, monthly salary of at least SAR 4,000-5,000 (for banks), and a Saudi mobile number registered in your name. Carly provides support in 6 languages (Hindi, Urdu, Filipino, Malayalam, Arabic, English) to serve expats, and offers a complete buying experience without bouncing between banks. Tamara has become the easiest option for new expats because it doesn’t require salary transfer or a GOSI certificate.

What’s Inside This Guide

1. Why is Carly suitable for expats?
2. Basic requirements for expats
3. Option 1: Bank financing for expats
4. Option 2: Finance companies
5. Option 3: Tamara (BNPL): the easiest for new expats
6. Documents required for expats
7. Common challenges and solutions
8. Steps to buy a car on installments as an expat
9. Tips for new expats
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why Is Carly Suitable for Expats?

The Saudi market includes millions of expats from various nationalities, most of whom need a car. But traditional banks complicate procedures for expats. Carly solved this with:

6-Language Support

The app, website, and support are available in:

• 🇸🇦 Arabic
• 🇬🇧 English
• 🇮🇳 Hindi
• 🇵🇰 Urdu
• 🇵🇭 Filipino
• 🇮🇳 Malayalam

This unique advantage in the Saudi market serves Indians, Pakistanis, Filipinos, Bangladeshis, Keralites, and others.

12+ Financing Partners (High Flexibility)

Instead of going from bank to bank, Carly submits your application to 12+ partners simultaneously, significantly increasing approval chances.

Tamara BNPL: The Solution for New Expats

If you’ve been in Saudi Arabia less than a year, banks often reject. Tamara accepts you from day one.

Expat-Friendly Finance Partners

Emirates NBD, ALJ Finance, Raya: all known for flexibility with expats.

2. Basic Requirements for Expats

Common Requirements

Important Notes for Expats

• Iqama: The longer it’s valid, the higher approval chances (1+ year remaining recommended)
• Salary: The higher, the higher the financing ceiling
• SIMAH record: SIMAH applies to expats too
• Saudi driving license: Essential (you can convert from your home country license in some cases)

3. Option 1: Bank Financing for Expats

Most Expat-Friendly Banks

Emirates NBD

The most flexible bank with expats, especially Indian and Filipino communities:

• Minimum salary: SAR 4,000-5,000
• Job tenure: 6 months
• Approval: 3-5 days
• Financing ceiling: Up to SAR 800,000

Al Rajhi Bank

The largest Islamic bank, accepts expats with conditions:

• Minimum salary: SAR 5,000
• Job tenure: 1 year
• Salary transfer: Required

Saudi National Bank (SNB)

A strong option for expats, especially employees of large companies:

• Minimum salary: SAR 5,000
• Job tenure: 6 months-1 year
• Flexible with salary transfer

Alinma Bank

Moderate conditions, good profit rates:

• Minimum salary: SAR 4,000
• Job tenure: 6 months

Pros and Cons of Bank Financing for Expats

Pros:

• Lower profit rates (3-5% annually)
• Long repayment terms (up to 60 months)
• Large amounts

Cons:

• Salary transfer required (often)
• Slow approval (3-5 days)
• Tougher conditions for new expats (under 1 year)

4. Option 2: Finance Companies

Specialized finance companies (Fintech) are more expat-friendly:

Abdul Latif Jameel Finance (ALJ Finance)

• Known for flexibility with expats
• Often doesn’t require salary transfer
• Approval in 24-48 hours
• Simple conditions

Raya Finance

• A modern fintech company
• Fast digital procedures
• Flexible with self-employed

Al Nayifat Finance

• Good option for Pakistani and Indian expats
• Diverse repayment terms

Al Yusr Finance

• Additional option with flexible terms

Pros and Cons of Finance Companies

Pros:

• Faster approval (24-48 hours)
• Often no salary transfer required
• Flexible with new expats

Cons:

• Higher profit rate than banks (5-8% annually)
• Lower financing ceiling (up to SAR 300,000)

5. Option 3: Tamara (BNPL): The Easiest for New Expats

Tamara changed the game for expats in Saudi Arabia:

Tamara Advantages for Expats

• 3 months remaining on Iqama is enough
• No GOSI certificate required
• No salary transfer required
• No bank statement or salary certificate
• Approval in 30-60 seconds
• 3-12 month installments
• No traditional interest

Tamara Conditions

• Valid Iqama (3+ months remaining)
• Saudi mobile number registered in your name
• Active bank card (Mada or credit card)

Limitations

• SAR 50,000 ceiling (suits economy cars)
• Short repayment (12 months max)

Who Suits Tamara?

• New expats (under 1 year)
• Those who can’t transfer salary
• Freelancers
• Delivery drivers (Uber, Careem, Jahez)
• Those who want an economy car quickly

6. Documents Required for Expats

For Bank Financing

• Valid Iqama (clear image)
• Salary certificate (less than 30 days old)
• GOSI certificate
• Bank statement (3 months)
• Letter from employer (in some cases)
• Valid Saudi driving license
• Passport (in rare cases)

For Finance Companies

• Valid Iqama
• Salary certificate
• Bank statement (3 months)
• Saudi driving license

For Tamara

• Valid Iqama
• Saudi mobile number in your name
• Active bank card

7. Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: New Expat (Less Than 6 Months)

Solution: Tamara (SAR 50,000 ceiling). Or wait 6 months to apply with finance companies.

Challenge 2: Can’t Transfer Salary

Solution: Finance companies (ALJ, Raya, Al Nayifat) or Tamara.

Challenge 3: Salary Below SAR 5,000

Solution: Finance companies accept from SAR 3,500. Or Tamara for economy cars.

Challenge 4: SIMAH Record Has Issues

Solution: Pay all overdue first. The record improves after 3-6 months of regular payment.

Challenge 5: No GOSI Certificate

Solution: GOSI is automatically issued after starting work at a Saudi company. If in government/non-profit sector, procedures differ.

Challenge 6: Only Home Country Driving License

Solution: Many nationalities can convert their home license to a Saudi license without testing (with certified translation). Contact Traffic Department for details.

8. Steps to Buy a Car on Installments as an Expat

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Review the conditions above. If your Iqama is new, consider Tamara. If your salary is stable and transferred, the bank is a good option.

Step 2: Pick the Car

Browse Carly and use the price/installment filter. Make sure the car price is right if using Tamara (≤SAR 50,000).

Step 3: Upload Documents

All documents are digital via the app. A phone photo is enough.

Step 4: Receive Offers

Carly submits your application to 12+ partners. Within 24-48 hours, you receive 3-5 offers.

Step 5: Pick the Right Offer

Compare: profit rate, down payment, repayment period, monthly installment.

Step 6: Sign and Receive

Digital signing through Absher. Ownership transferred in your name. Home delivery.

Start financing on Carly →

9. Tips for New Expats

Tip 1: Start Building a Credit Record

Open a bank account, get a credit card (if possible), and pay it regularly. This builds your record on SIMAH.

Tip 2: Make Sure Iqama Is Renewed

Banks reject applications if Iqama is near expiry. Renew before applying.

Tip 3: Ask Your Community

Ask people from your community (Indians, Pakistanis, Filipinos) about their experiences with different banks. Each bank has an edge for a particular community.

Tip 4: Start With an Economy Car

Cars in the SAR 30,000-50,000 range are easier to finance and open the Tamara option. You can upgrade later.

Tip 5: Use Support in Your Language

Carly offers support in your language. Don’t hesitate to ask before applying.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can expats buy a car on installments from Carly?

Yes. Carly serves expats through 12+ banking and fintech partners, plus Tamara BNPL. Support is available in 6 languages.

What’s the best option for new expats?

Tamara is the easiest and fastest for new expats (under 1 year in Saudi Arabia). No GOSI certificate, no salary transfer, approval in 30-60 seconds.

What’s the minimum salary required?

• Banks: SAR 4,000-5,000 monthly
• Finance companies: SAR 3,500 monthly
• Tamara: Not specified

Do I have to transfer my salary?

• Banks: Often yes
• Finance companies: Usually optional
• Tamara: No

How long does financing approval take for expats?

• Tamara: 30-60 seconds
• Finance companies: 24-48 hours
• Banks: 3-5 business days

Do I need a Saudi driving license?

Yes. A foreign license alone isn’t enough for installment financing. You can convert your home country license to a Saudi license at the Traffic Department.

Does SIMAH apply to expats?

Yes. All loans and credit cards are recorded on SIMAH, whether you’re a citizen or expat. A clean record helps significantly.

What if a bank rejects my application?

Carly automatically tries other partners. If a bank rejects, a finance company might accept. If a finance company rejects, Tamara usually accepts (for cars up to SAR 50,000).

Is delivery available outside Riyadh?

Yes. Carly delivers to all Saudi cities: Jeddah, Dammam, Khobar, Mecca, Madinah, Taif, Tabuk, Abha, and others.

How much does ownership transfer cost for expats?

Ownership transfer is included in Carly’s service. No extra fees. The car is registered in your name on Absher from day one.

Information updated through April 2026. Financing conditions vary by financing entity. Carly is a facilitator, not a lender. Official sources: sama.gov.sa, absher.sa, gosi.gov.sa.

Carly: The expat partner for car installments in Saudi Arabia.

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Calculate your installment on Carly →

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