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Estate Planning

Planning what happens to your estate is a crucial aspect of any financial plan, but is even more important for expats living abroad

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Estate Planning in Saudi Arabia: Navigating the Complexities as an Expat

Estate planning, a critical aspect of financial management, becomes even more complex and essential for expatriates living in Saudi Arabia. Here at Holborn Assets, we are the first and only Western financial advisory company to have been granted a full regulatory licence from KSA’s Ministry of Investment and are therefore in a unique position to help expats living in Saudi who are seeking to secure their assets and ensure their legacy.

This comprehensive guide explores the importance of estate planning in Saudi Arabia and why Holborn Assets is uniquely positioned to assist you.

The Unique Financial Framework of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s legal system, based on Islamic law (Sharia), significantly differs from Western legal systems. Estate distribution, guardianship, and other personal affairs are governed by principles that may be unfamiliar to expatriates. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective estate planning.

Implications for Expatriates

Expats in Saudi Arabia must navigate a legal system that may not recognise or adhere to their home country’s wills or estate plans. This can lead to complications, particularly for non-Muslim expats, as Sharia law has specific inheritance rules that might conflict with their intentions.

The Role of Estate Planning in Protecting Your Assets

Securing Your International Assets

Estate planning ensures that your assets, both in Saudi Arabia and anywhere else in the world, are distributed according to your wishes. Without a properplan, your estate may be subject to default laws depending on where you die, which might not align with your intentions or provide for your family as youwould prefer.

Guardianship Considerations

For expat families living in in Saudi Arabia, appointing guardians in the event of both parents’ deaths is a critical component of estate planning. Thisensures that your children are cared for according to your wishes and provides clarity in a situation that can otherwise be governed by local laws.

Holborn Assets: Your Partner in Estate Planning

Expertise in Local and International Laws

Holborn Assets, a leading, multi-award-winning financial services firm, has a long history of providing expats specialist and sound financial advice. With over 25 years of financial planning in the region and as the first and only Western financial advisory company to have been granted a full regulatory licence in Saudi, we the perfect option for expats wanting to protect their estates and preserve their wealth, whiling living abroad.

Speak to our qualified and regulated Saudi based team who are well-versed in both Saudi and international laws. This dual expertise is essential for creating estate plans that are effective in Saudi Arabia while also respecting the laws of your home country.

Personalized Estate Planning Solutions

We recognise that each individual’s situation is unique, which is why at Holborn Assets we offer our clients personalised estate planning solutions. Whether it’s setting up trusts, drafting wills, or planning for business succession, our tailored approach ensures that your specific needs and goals are met.

Navigating Complexities: Tax Considerations and More

Understanding Tax Implications

While Saudi Arabia does not levy personal income taxes, expatriates must consider the tax implications in their home country. Holborn Assets provides guidance on how to structure your estate to minimise tax liabilities, ensuring that your beneficiaries receive the maximum benefit from your assets.

Business Owners and Estate Planning

For expatriate business owners operating and living in Saudi Arabia, estate planning is crucial for ensuring smooth business succession. We can help with structuring your business interests to ensure continuity and alignment with your overall estate plan.

Beyond Estate Planning: Holistic Financial Management

Comprehensive Financial Planning Services

Holborn Assets offers much more than just estate planning. Our comprehensive Financial Planning services include Retirement Planning, Investment Advice and Wealth Management providing a one-stop solution for all your financial needs.

Our goal is to help you build a secure financial future. By integrating estate planning into your overall financial plan, we ensure that your wealth is protected and grows over time, benefiting you and your future generations.

Estate Planning Frequently Asked Questions

Why is estate planning important in Saudi Arabia for expatriates?

Estate planning in Saudi Arabia is crucial for expats due to the unique legal system based on Sharia law. It ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and provides clarity on guardianship and other personal affairs.

Can my home country’s will be enforced in Saudi Arabia?

Wills made in your home country may not be automatically enforceable in Saudi Arabia, especially if they conflict with Sharia principles. It’s important to have an estate plan and an expat will in place that respects both Saudi and your home country’s laws.

How does Holborn Assets tailor estate planning to individual needs?

Holborn Assets offers personalised estate planning solutions, taking into account individual circumstances, family dynamics, asset types, and cross-border considerations, ensuring a plan that aligns with your specific goals and needs.

Are there tax benefits to estate planning in Saudi Arabia?

While Saudi Arabia itself does not impose personal income taxes, effective estate planning can help manage potential tax liabilities in your home country or other jurisdictions where you may hold assets, ensuring your beneficiaries receive the maximum benefits from your estate.

Can Holborn Assets assist with other aspects of financial planning?

Yes, Holborn Assets provides comprehensive Financial Planning services including Retirement Planning, Investment Advice and Wealth Management, providing a one-stop solution for all your financial needs.

In summary, estate planning in Saudi Arabia, especially for expats, is a complex but essential aspect of financial planning that everyone should consider. Get in touch with us today to arrange a call or a face-to-face meeting with our team on the ground in Saudi and discover how we can ensure that your wealth, assets, and wishes are fully protect whilst you live in Saudi.

Holborn Assets are an award-winning wealth management and financial services business established in 1998. With offices globally, Holborn are well-positioned to help you with a range of financial services.

At Holborn we have:

  • 250+ qualified advisors across the globe
  • More than $2billion assets under management
  • Servicing 20,000 clients worldwide

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