If you live or work in Saudi Arabia as an expat, a legal problem can come up at any time: a salary your employer has not paid, a traffic accident, an accusation, a family matter or a business dispute. Hiring a lawyer in Saudi Arabia is straightforward once you know the steps, how the power of attorney works, and what happens with language when the courts work in Arabic.
Reviewed by: Ahmad Farag Al-Sayed MuhammadHead of the Criminal Department at USUS Law FirmLast updated:
Quick answer
To hire a lawyer in Saudi Arabia as an expat, write down your matter and gather your documents, choose a licensed lawyer, have a consultation in person or remotely, agree the fees in writing, and issue a power of attorney electronically on Najiz.
- Saudi courts work in Arabic, and documents in another language usually need a certified Arabic translation.
- Many hearings are held remotely, and the lawyer attends under the power of attorney.
- Do not sign a clearance before you are paid, and do not leave the Kingdom with an open case without asking a lawyer.
How to hire a lawyer in Saudi Arabia: the steps
- Write down your matter. What happened, the dates, the other party, and what you want: payment, a defence, a divorce, a contract.
- Gather your documents. Your iqama or passport, your contract, messages, reports, judgments, bank statements.
- Choose a licensed lawyer. Practising before the Saudi courts requires a licence; ask for the name and licence number of the lawyer who will handle your case.
- Have a consultation. In person or remotely by phone or video. The lawyer explains your legal position, your options and the likely route.
- Agree the fees in writing. What the fee covers, the stages, and how it is paid. Read lawyer fees in Saudi Arabia.
- Issue a power of attorney. Inside Saudi Arabia it is issued electronically on Najiz. Read issuing an electronic power of attorney.
- Follow your case. Many hearings are held remotely, and the lawyer attends on your behalf under the power of attorney.
Language: what happens if you do not speak Arabic?
- Saudi courts work in Arabic, so pleadings and memoranda are filed in Arabic.
- Documents in another language usually need a certified Arabic translation before they are filed.
- Your lawyer should explain every step and every document to you in a language you understand before you sign anything.
Common matters for expats and where they go
| Matter | Where it usually starts | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid wages, end-of-service award, unfair dismissal | An amicable settlement through the Ministry of Human Resources, then the Labor Court | labor cases |
| Leaving the Kingdom for good | Your dues before the final exit visa | final exit |
| Changing employer | The transfer of services rules | the kafala system |
| A criminal accusation, including drug cases | The police, then the Public Prosecution | drug penalties for foreigners |
| Setting up or running a business | The investment and commercial registration procedures | company setup for foreigners |
Mistakes to avoid
- Signing a clearance or settlement before you have received the money.
- Leaving the Kingdom with a case or a claim still open without asking a lawyer how it will be handled.
- Paying anyone who promises a result or "connections", or paying without a written agreement.
- Deleting messages or photos connected to the dispute.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hire a lawyer in Saudi Arabia while I am abroad?
Yes. The consultation can be remote, and the power of attorney has to be issued through a channel that is accepted in the Kingdom. The lawyer tells you which route fits your case before you start.
Do I have to attend the hearings myself?
Not always. Many hearings are held remotely, and the lawyer attends under the power of attorney; some matters need you in person, and the lawyer tells you when.
Is the first consultation free?
At Usus Law Firm, yes, in person in Riyadh or Tabuk, or remotely.
Does Usus Law Firm work in English?
Yes. We file in Arabic, as the courts require, and explain each step to you in English.
Talk to a lawyer
Usus Law Firm advises expats and companies from its Riyadh office and its Tabuk office. Start with a legal consultation.
This content is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified lawyer on your case. The reference is the current official text of the law.
Legal review: the Usus Law Firm team
A select team of lawyers and legal advisers licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Justice, working from Riyadh and Tabuk, with experience before the general, commercial, labor, criminal, personal status and administrative courts. Every article is reviewed before publication and updated when laws or regulations change.
Last reviewed: 23 October 2026
This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.
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