Legal & compliance Jobs in Saudi arabia

Interested Job Profile

Why Work in the Legal & Compliance in Saudi Arabia

1. Economic Transformation and Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is driving massive reforms across sectors, including legal and regulatory frameworks. The goal is to create a more transparent, business-friendly environment. Legal & Compliance professionals play a vital role in:

Regulatory modernization
Foreign investment compliance
Corporate governance reforms

This creates abundant opportunities to shape the future legal infrastructure of the Kingdom.

2. Expanding Legal Market

As new industries emerge—such as tourism, fintech, entertainment, and renewable energy—the demand for legal and compliance expertise is rising. This includes:

Contract law
Licensing and regulatory approvals
Data protection and cybersecurity compliance
Anti-money laundering (AML) and anti-bribery frameworks

3. Regional and Global Exposure

Saudi Arabia is becoming a hub for multinational corporations, foreign direct investment, and public-private partnerships, meaning professionals often work on cross-border transactions, international arbitration, and global compliance standards.

4. Competitive Compensation & Benefits

Legal & Compliance professionals in Saudi Arabia, especially those with international qualifications or experience, often enjoy:

Tax-free income
Housing and relocation allowances
Professional development support

5. Strategic Influence

Legal and compliance roles are increasingly seen as strategic advisors to business and government. This visibility allows professionals to:

Advise on high-impact projects
Influence corporate decision-making
Work closely with C-suite and government stakeholders

6. Professional Growth and Demand for Talent

With a relatively young legal market undergoing reform, there is a high demand for skilled professionals, both local and international. This leads to:

Rapid career progression
Leadership opportunities
Involvement in shaping new legal frameworks

7. Cultural and Societal Change

Legal reforms also reflect broader social and cultural shifts (e.g., women’s rights, labor law updates). Legal professionals are at the heart of these changes, helping institutions adapt and implement new norms.

Creative Legal & Compliance in Saudi Arabia for International Candidates

1. A Legal Market in Transformation

Driven by Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is overhauling its legal and regulatory systems. This has created a fertile ground for international candidates to contribute their global expertise while helping shape a more transparent, innovation-driven legal environment. Opportunities exist in areas such as commercial law, corporate governance, data privacy, competition law, and ESG compliance.

2. Creative Problem-Solving in a New Business Landscape

As industries evolve—ranging from renewable energy and fintech to entertainment and tourism—legal and compliance professionals are needed not only to ensure regulatory alignment but also to provide creative solutions in areas where precedents may not yet exist. International talent brings a fresh perspective to navigating ambiguity and developing novel frameworks for legal risk management.

3. Opportunity to Build from the Ground Up

With many sectors in their early stages of regulatory development, professionals have a rare chance to build compliance systems, draft internal policies, and help craft legal precedents. This offers more than just advisory roles; it’s about creating foundational structures that will define industries for years to come.

4. Cross-Border Expertise is in Demand

Saudi companies are increasingly involved in international partnerships, IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory negotiations. Professionals with experience in international law, cross-border compliance, or global corporate governance bring crucial value. International candidates often find themselves leading or advising on regional expansions and global compliance strategies.

5. Strategic Roles with Influence

Legal and Compliance functions in Saudi Arabia are moving beyond gatekeeping and becoming strategic business partners. In this evolving model, international professionals can work directly with leadership, advise on risk appetite, and influence key corporate decisions.

6. Career Acceleration in a Growing Market

The relatively young and expanding legal market allows international professionals to fast-track their careers. Whether in multinational corporations, financial institutions, startups, or government-related entities, opportunities abound for those ready to take initiative and lead.

7. Cultural Exchange and Legal Innovation

Bringing diverse legal philosophies and compliance approaches from other jurisdictions contributes to a vibrant, evolving legal culture in Saudi Arabia. The mutual exchange of ideas enhances both local practices and the global legal community.

Types of Legal & Compliance Jobs in Saudi Arabia

1. In-House Legal Counsel

In-house legal professionals work directly for corporations, advising on legal risks, contracts, regulatory matters, and corporate governance. These roles are common in sectors like energy, banking, real estate, telecom, healthcare, and construction.

Examples:

Legal Advisor – Corporate and Commercial
Senior Legal Counsel – Mergers & Acquisitions
Legal Manager – Contracts and Procurement

2. Compliance Officers

Compliance professionals ensure that organizations operate in line with internal policies, local regulations, and international standards. Demand is strong in financial institutions, fintech, and multinational corporations.

Examples:

Compliance Officer – Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
Head of Compliance – Banking or Insurance
Ethics and Compliance Manager – Corporate Sector

3. Regulatory Affairs Specialists

These roles focus on navigating regulatory frameworks, securing licenses, and staying ahead of new laws that impact operations. Particularly relevant in industries such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and energy.

Examples:

Regulatory Affairs Manager – Healthcare or Pharma
Licensing and Government Relations Officer
Policy and Regulatory Analyst

4. Corporate Governance Professionals

These positions focus on ensuring transparency, board management, and adherence to corporate governance codes, especially for listed companies and entities preparing for IPOs.

Examples:

Corporate Governance Officer
Company Secretary
Governance and Board Affairs Advisor

5. Legal Consultants (Law Firms)

International and local law firms in Saudi Arabia offer roles for legal consultants across various practice areas. These roles often involve working with multinational clients on cross-border matters.

Examples:

Associate – Corporate and Commercial Law
Consultant – Dispute Resolution or Arbitration
Counsel – Energy or Infrastructure Projects

6. Risk and Compliance Analysts

These professionals identify legal, operational, and financial risks and work with legal or compliance teams to mitigate them. Roles are often found in finance, technology, and government sectors.

Examples:

Risk and Compliance Analyst
Internal Control Specialist
Legal Risk Manager

7. Government and Regulatory Legal Roles

Legal professionals may work within government entities or regulatory bodies such as the Capital Market Authority (CMA), the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), or ministries.

Examples:

Legal Advisor – Public Sector
Policy and Legislation Analyst
Legal Specialist – Regulatory Affairs

8. Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Compliance

With increasing focus on data protection laws and digital transformation, there is growing demand for professionals specializing in data governance, privacy law, and IT compliance.

Examples:

Data Protection Officer
Cybersecurity Compliance Advisor
Privacy Counsel

Average Salary of Top 20 Job Profile of Legal & Compliance in Saudi Arabia

Job Title	Average Annual Salary (SAR)	USD (approx.)	INR (approx.)
General Counsel	720,000	192,000	15,840,000
Head of Compliance	660,000	176,000	14,520,000
Chief Legal Officer	700,000	186,700	15,400,000
Senior Legal Counsel	540,000	144,000	11,880,000
Corporate Legal Advisor	480,000	128,000	10,560,000
Legal Consultant (Law Firm)	420,000	112,000	9,240,000
Compliance Manager	420,000	112,000	9,240,000
AML Compliance Officer	360,000	96,000	7,920,000
Data Protection Officer	400,000	106,700	8,800,000
Legal Risk Manager	380,000	101,300	8,360,000
Corporate Governance Officer	420,000	112,000	9,240,000
Legal & Compliance Analyst	300,000	80,000	6,600,000
Company Secretary	420,000	112,000	9,240,000
Regulatory Affairs Manager	400,000	106,700	8,800,000
Contract Manager	360,000	96,000	7,920,000
Ethics and Compliance Officer	360,000	96,000	7,920,000
Policy and Regulatory Analyst	300,000	80,000	6,600,000
Licensing and Government Relations Officer	320,000	85,300	7,040,000
Dispute Resolution Specialist	380,000	101,300	8,360,000
Internal Control Specialist	340,000	90,700	7,480,000

Job Eligibility to Work in Legal & Compliance in Saudi Arabia for International Job Applicants.

1. Educational Qualifications

A strong academic background in law, compliance, or a related field is essential.

Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) or equivalent from a recognized university.
Master’s degree (LLM or related field) is preferred for senior roles or specialized positions (e.g., international law, regulatory compliance).
For compliance-specific roles, degrees in business administration, finance, or risk management may also be acceptable.

2. Professional Certifications

Professional certifications are highly valued and often required, particularly for compliance roles.

Legal Roles:
- Bar admission or legal practice license from home country
- International legal credentials (e.g., Solicitor of England and Wales, US JD + Bar)
Compliance Roles:
- Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP)
- Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)
- Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)
- ICA (International Compliance Association) certifications

3. Work Experience

Most employers in Saudi Arabia expect international candidates to bring strong, relevant work experience.

3 to 5 years minimum for mid-level roles
7 to 10+ years for senior or leadership positions
Experience in international law firms, multinational companies, or regulated industries is a major advantage
Sector-specific experience (e.g., banking, oil & gas, healthcare, fintech) can improve candidacy

4. Language Skills

English proficiency is essential for nearly all legal and compliance roles
Arabic proficiency is highly beneficial, especially for roles involving government entities, regulatory affairs, or contract law
Some roles may require translation skills or familiarity with Saudi legal terminology

5. Licensing and Local Requirements

Some roles may require registration with the Saudi Ministry of Justice or local legal licensing to appear in court or represent entities officially
Employers typically guide international hires through any necessary accreditation or approvals

6. Employment Visa and Sponsorship

International candidates must obtain a valid work visa sponsored by a Saudi employer.

The employer typically handles the visa process
Medical tests and background checks are part of the procedure
A valid employment contract is required to initiate visa processing

7. Cultural and Legal Adaptability

Understanding the Saudi legal framework and business culture is crucial.

Familiarity with Sharia law principles is advantageous, especially for roles in family law, contracts, or dispute resolution
Willingness to work within local customs, legal systems, and regulatory structures is expected

8. Background and Security Checks

A clean criminal record and verified credentials are mandatory.

Background verification is part of the immigration and hiring process
Regulatory roles may require enhanced screening

General Roles and Responsibilities in Legal & Compliance Jobs in Saudi Arabia with 20 Job Profiles

Job Title	Key Roles and Responsibilities
1. General Counsel	Leads the legal department, provides strategic legal advice to senior management, manages legal risk, oversees litigation and major contracts.
2. Chief Legal Officer (CLO)	Develops corporate legal strategy, ensures compliance with national and international laws, manages external legal relationships.
3. Head of Compliance	Designs and implements compliance programs, ensures adherence to regulatory requirements, manages internal audits and reports to the board.
4. Legal Advisor	Provides legal advice on contracts, commercial law, and corporate governance, supports daily operations with legal risk assessment.
5. Legal Counsel (In-house)	Drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts, advises on legal rights and obligations, supports business units legally.
6. Compliance Manager	Monitors compliance risks, updates company policies in line with local laws, provides staff training on regulatory matters.
7. AML Compliance Officer	Ensures anti-money laundering controls are in place, performs transaction monitoring, and files suspicious activity reports.
8. Corporate Governance Officer	Manages board documentation, supports board and committee meetings, ensures governance frameworks are followed.
9. Legal Risk Manager	Identifies, assesses, and mitigates legal risks in contracts, business decisions, and third-party agreements.
10. Contract Manager	Manages full lifecycle of contracts, negotiates terms, ensures compliance with local laws and internal policies.
11. Regulatory Affairs Manager	Liaises with regulatory bodies, ensures product or business compliance with relevant authorities, manages licensing.
12. Data Protection Officer (DPO)	Ensures compliance with data privacy laws, advises on data handling policies, oversees data breach response plans.
13. Legal Compliance Analyst	Assists with compliance reporting, conducts legal research, monitors changes in regulations and updates internal teams.
14. Policy & Regulatory Analyst	Analyzes regulatory policies, prepares regulatory impact assessments, drafts recommendations for legal or policy changes.
15. Ethics & Compliance Officer	Promotes ethical conduct, investigates employee misconduct, manages whistleblowing channels and ethics programs.
16. Company Secretary	Maintains company records, manages shareholder relations, ensures compliance with corporate laws and stock exchange rules.
17. Licensing Officer	Manages government permits and approvals, ensures continued regulatory compliance of business operations.
18. Legal Consultant (Law Firm)	Advises clients on legal issues, prepares legal opinions, supports dispute resolution and litigation processes.
19. Dispute Resolution Specialist	Handles arbitration and mediation, prepares legal documentation, negotiates settlements on behalf of the company.
20. Internal Control Specialist	Designs internal controls to ensure legal and financial compliance, tests systems, supports audits and risk assessments.

General Job Eligibility to work in Legal & Compliance in Saudi Arabia with 20 Job Profiles

Job Title	Educational Requirements	Experience Required	Certifications / Licenses	Other Requirements
1. General Counsel	LLB or LLM	10+ years in legal leadership	Bar license or equivalent	Experience in managing legal departments
2. Chief Legal Officer (CLO)	LLB, LLM preferred	12–15 years, including senior legal roles	Bar license, corporate law expertise	Board-level advisory experience
3. Head of Compliance	LLB / Business / Finance	10+ years in compliance or risk	CAMS, ICA, CCEP	Strong regulatory knowledge (e.g., SAMA, CMA)
4. Legal Advisor	LLB	5–10 years in relevant legal domain	Bar license optional but preferred	Familiarity with Saudi legal system
5. Legal Counsel (In-house)	LLB	5–8 years in corporate legal roles	Contract law and compliance knowledge	Multinational or regulated sector experience preferred
6. Compliance Manager	Business / Law / Finance	5–8 years in compliance	CAMS, ICA, or similar	Internal audit or regulatory reporting skills
7. AML Compliance Officer	Finance / Law	3–6 years in AML or financial compliance	Certified AML Specialist (CAMS)	Knowledge of FATF and local AML laws
8. Corporate Governance Officer	Law / Governance / Business	5–7 years in governance or legal advisory	ICSA or equivalent	Experience with board procedures and shareholder laws
9. Legal Risk Manager	Law / Risk Management	5–8 years in legal or enterprise risk	Risk certification preferred	Analytical skills, experience in contract law
10. Contract Manager	Law / Business	5–7 years in contract negotiation	Contract Management Certification (IACCM) optional	Experience with FIDIC, EPC, or similar frameworks
11. Regulatory Affairs Manager	Law / Regulatory Studies	6–10 years in regulatory environments	Industry-specific (e.g., pharma, finance)	Liaison experience with regulatory bodies
12. Data Protection Officer (DPO)	Law / IT / Cybersecurity	5+ years in privacy or IT compliance	CIPP/E or equivalent	GDPR, PDPL knowledge essential
13. Legal Compliance Analyst	Law / Compliance	2–4 years	Entry-level compliance cert. preferred	Research and monitoring skills
14. Policy & Regulatory Analyst	Law / Public Policy	3–5 years	None mandatory	Knowledge of government policy frameworks
15. Ethics & Compliance Officer	Law / Business / HR	4–6 years in ethics or HR compliance	CCEP or equivalent	Experience with ethics reporting systems
16. Company Secretary	Law / Business / Company Secretarial	5–8 years	ICSA / CGI certification	Familiarity with SAGIA/MISA rules, corporate filings
17. Licensing Officer	Law / Public Admin	3–5 years in licensing	None mandatory	Government liaison experience
18. Legal Consultant (Law Firm)	LLB / LLM	5–10 years in legal practice	Licensed to practice in home country	Strong drafting and research skills
19. Dispute Resolution Specialist	Law	5–8 years in litigation or arbitration	Arbitration certification (e.g., CIArb) preferred	Familiarity with Saudi dispute resolution processes
20. Internal Control Specialist	Finance / Compliance / Law	3–6 years in audit or internal control	CIA, CPA or equivalent	Knowledge of SOX, internal audit standards

Experience Required to work in Legal & Compliance in Saudi Arabia

1. Entry-Level Roles (0–3 Years of Experience)

Common Positions:

Legal Compliance Analyst
Junior Legal Counsel
Licensing Assistant
Legal Intern

Typical Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business, Finance, or related field
Internship or academic exposure to legal or compliance environments
Strong research, writing, and analytical skills
Understanding of local or international legal systems is helpful

2. Mid-Level Roles (3–7 Years of Experience)

Common Positions:

Legal Counsel (In-house)
Compliance Officer
AML Officer
Contracts Specialist
Regulatory Affairs Executive

Typical Requirements:

Solid experience in handling commercial contracts, compliance audits, or regulatory reporting
Exposure to sector-specific regulations (e.g., SAMA for banking, SFDA for healthcare)
Experience working in a multinational corporation, regulatory body, or law firm
Familiarity with local laws and international compliance frameworks
Relevant certifications (e.g., CAMS, ICA, CCEP) are often preferred

3. Senior-Level Roles (7–12 Years of Experience)

Common Positions:

Senior Legal Counsel
Compliance Manager
Corporate Governance Officer
Data Protection Officer
Legal Risk Manager

Typical Requirements:

Extensive experience advising on legal strategy, corporate governance, and regulatory frameworks
Proven ability to lead legal or compliance projects
Team management experience may be required
Experience working with regulators, external counsel, and international stakeholders
Specialized knowledge in areas like data privacy, financial compliance, or dispute resolution

4. Executive Roles (12+ Years of Experience)

Common Positions:

General Counsel
Chief Legal Officer (CLO)
Head of Compliance
Director of Legal Affairs

Typical Requirements:

Deep expertise in legal and regulatory affairs
Strategic leadership experience in large organizations or law firms
Strong understanding of Saudi legal environment and Vision 2030 reforms
Experience dealing with regulatory bodies, board-level reporting, and risk mitigation
Often requires Arabic language proficiency for roles involving litigation or public sector engagement

Top Hiring Companies in Saudi Arabia of International Candidates in Legal & Compliance

Company Name	Sector	Why They Hire International Talent
Saudi Aramco	Energy / Oil & Gas	World's largest oil company with global operations; recruits legal experts in contracts, compliance, and regulatory law.
NEOM	Urban Development / Tech	Mega-project under Vision 2030; hires legal and compliance professionals to work on international frameworks, governance, and policy.
Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden)	Mining / Resources	Requires legal counsel with cross-border M&A, commercial, and compliance experience.
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC)	Utilities / Energy	Hires for legal operations, regulatory compliance, and contract management.
Saudi Telecom Company (stc)	Telecommunications	Seeks professionals with regulatory, data privacy, and contract law backgrounds.
ACWA Power	Renewable Energy / Utilities	Engages legal teams for PPPs, project finance, and international energy contracts.
Public Investment Fund (PIF)	Sovereign Wealth Fund	Recruits legal counsel, governance advisors, and compliance officers for global investments and regulatory oversight.
Capital Market Authority (CMA)	Financial Regulation	Hires compliance experts, corporate governance specialists, and legal analysts for financial market regulation.
Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)	Financial Regulation	Engages legal and AML professionals to oversee compliance across the banking and insurance sectors.
Riyad Bank / NCB / Al Rajhi Bank	Banking & Finance	Continuously recruit AML officers, compliance managers, and legal counsel for corporate and retail banking.
Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA)	Aviation	Needs aviation legal experts and contract professionals familiar with international law.
Bechtel Saudi Arabia	Engineering & Construction	Hires legal consultants and compliance managers for infrastructure mega-projects.
KPMG / PwC / EY / Deloitte (Saudi Offices)	Professional Services	Legal and compliance consulting roles, especially for financial institutions and government advisory projects.
SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corp.)	Chemicals / Industry	Seeks in-house legal teams for commercial, environmental, and regulatory matters.
Tadawul (Saudi Exchange)	Financial Markets	Offers roles in corporate governance, capital market law, and regulatory compliance.
Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA)	Tourism / Real Estate	Hires legal and regulatory specialists to manage contracts, zoning laws, and public-private partnerships.
Saudi Fund for Development (SFD)	Government / Finance	Legal advisors are needed for sovereign agreements, international financing, and compliance.
Red Sea Global	Tourism / Hospitality	Legal and risk teams are hired to manage real estate law, licensing, and ESG compliance.
Royal Commission for Riyadh City	Urban Planning	Engages legal professionals in administrative law, compliance, and infrastructure contracting.
MISA (Ministry of Investment)	Government / FDI	Recruits international lawyers and policy experts to facilitate investment laws and legal reform.