Make employment in Saudi Arabia easy. Let us handle payroll, benefits, taxes, compliance, and even stock options for your team in Saudi Arabia, all in one easy-to-use platform.
Provisions for employee protections and workers’ rights are spelled out in the Saudi Arabian Labor Law of 2006 and are enforced jointly by the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Employees in Saudi Arabia enjoy protection against discrimination based on age, religion, and race.
Common questions that could come up during the hiring process include the minimum wage, overtime rates, and guaranteed paid time off. Remote can help you offer a complete, competitive, and compliant benefits package to your employees in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi citizens have a minimum wage set at 4,000 SAR per month. There is no legally specified minimum wage for foreign workers; the market typically determines their wages or set by the terms of their individual employment contracts.
Wages can either be paid on a weekly or monthly basis.
We can help you get a new employee started in Saudi Arabia fast.
Our team ensures your employees are onboarded and paid as quickly as possible while keeping your business compliant with all local employment legislation. The minimum onboarding time begins after the employee submits all required information onto the Remote platform.
Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
2026-02-22 | Foundation Day (يوم التأسيس) |
2026-03-11 | Saudi Flag Day (يوم العلم السعودي) |
2026-03-19 | Festival of Breaking the Fast (عيد الفطر المبارك) |
2026-03-20 | Second Day of the Festival of Breaking the Fast (ثاني يوم عيد الفطر المبارك) |
2026-03-21 | Third Day of the Festival of Breaking the Fast (ثالث يوم عيد الفطر المبارك) |
2026-05-25 | Day of Arafah (يوم عرفة) |
2026-05-26 | Feast of the Sacrifice (عيد الأضحى المبارك) |
2026-05-27 | Second Day of the Feast of the Sacrifice (ثاني يوم عيد الأضحى المبارك) |
2026-05-28 | Third Day of the Feast of the Sacrifice (ثالث يوم عيد الأضحى المبارك) |
2026-09-23 | Saudi National Day (اليوم الوطني السعودي) |
Saudi Arabia fits the image of an oil-rich desert nation complete with skyscrapers, exotic cars, flowing robes, and middle eastern cuisine.
Apart from holding the 2nd largest oil reserves in the world, Saudi Arabia has recorded rapid growth thanks to strong government welfare nets, economic liberalization measures, and a huge expat population of over 13 million contributing to the nation’s intellectual capital.
Capital
Official language
Currency
Population
Cost of living index
GDP real growth rate
Payroll frequency
VAT rate
Ease of doing business
Want to employ workers in Saudi Arabia? Companies hiring in Saudi Arabia are typically required to either own a local legal entity or work with a global employment platform like Remote that can legally provide employment services in the country.
Remote can employ team members in Saudi Arabia and keep you compliant. Remote can hire, onboard, and pay your Saudi Arabia team so you don't have to set up local HR services in the region. Remote also makes it easy to pay contractors in Saudi Arabia. Sign up now to get started or talk to an expert for more details.
Employment taxes and statutory fees affect both your payroll and your employees' paychecks in Saudi Arabia. Note that your employees may be liable for additional local taxes.
Employer
0%
Social Insurance Tax for Non-Saudi Expats(effective on wages ranging from 1,500 SAR to 45,000 SAR)
0%
Social Insurance Tax for Saudi Nationals (effective on wages ranging from 1,500 SAR to 45,000 SAR)
Employee
0%
Social Insurance Tax for Non-Saudi Expats
Employees with up to five years of service are entitled to 21 days of annual vacation while workers with more than five years of employment can take up to 30 days off annually.
There are 9 public holidays that employees can take off work.
Employees are entitled to 120 days of sick leave with full pay for the first 30 days, a third of their normal wages for the next 60 days, and no benefits for the remaining 30 days of illness.
Female employees are entitled to 10 weeks of paid maternity leave, starting four weeks before delivery. Employees who’ve served for at least a year are entitled to maternity benefits equivalent to 50% of their normal wages while workers who have served for up to three years are entitled to their full pay.
Fathers get 3 days of paternity leave following childbirth.
- Bereavement leave: employees are entitled to two days of leave in the event of the death of an immediate family member. - Marriage leave: couples who’re tying the knot are entitled to three days of paid leave. - Pilgrimage leave: Workers who have been employed for two consecutive years can request up to 15 days off for their first Hajj pilgrimage.
Unless the contract includes specific compensation for the termination by either party for an invalid reason, the party affected by termination shall be entitled to compensation as follows: 1. For indefinite-term contracts: an amount equivalent to fifteen-day wage for each year of the worker’s employment. 2. For fixed-term contracts: the wage for the remainder of the contract term. The compensation referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2) above shall not be less than the worker’s wage for two months. Additionally, upon the end of the employment relation, the employer shall pay the worker an end-of-service award equivalent to the amount of half-month wage for each of the first five years and a one-month wage for each of the years worked thereafter.
Notice periods range from 30 days for fixed-term contracts, to 60 days for indefinite-term contracts.
Unless the contract includes specific compensation for the termination by either party for an invalid reason, the party affected by termination shall be entitled to compensation as follows: 1. For indefinite-term contracts: an amount equivalent to fifteen-day wage for each year of the worker’s employment. 2. For fixed-term contracts: the wage for the remainder of the contract term.
The compensation referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2) above shall not be less than the worker’s wage for two months. Additionally, upon the end of the employment relation, the employer shall pay the worker an end-of-service award equivalent to the amount of half-month wage for each of the first five years and a one-month wage for each of the years worked thereafter.
Probation periods are typically limited to 90 days but can last for up to 180 days with the consent of both parties.
At Remote, we provide tailored benefits to ensure that all Remote employees receive comprehensive coverage from top providers. Our plans offer competitive rates designed for larger groups - even if the team is still growing!
Upon onboarding, Remote will enroll team members in their benefits and provide detailed information about their coverage. Remote manages all administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on scaling your global team.
To ensure benefit equality, any benefits offered will apply to all team members in the country, providing consistent coverage and support across the team.
Offering mental health benefits is not mandatory in this country, but providing the benefit can significantly enhance the emotional well-being and overall productivity of employees. Remote offers a comprehensive employee mental wellbeing platform in partnership with one of the top-rated employee mental wellbeing providers. This platform is available on desktop and mobile apps and includes 1-to-1 therapy with a curated pool of top-quality therapists in over 35 languages. The advanced matching service finds each employee the right therapist within 48 hours, boasting a 98% success rate. Employees receive a personal wellbeing profile with tailored recommendations and information to track progress. The platform also offers a curated self-guided content library with audio mindfulness and meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers. Additionally, there are 24/7 mental health helplines for immediate support when an employee is struggling. Mental health program benefits may be offered to the employees from among 5 different plans. Offering mental health benefits is optional, but it can greatly enhance employee well-being and productivity. It is essential to be aware that in certain countries, mental health benefits may be categorized as ‘Benefits in Kind’ (BIK). This categorization means that the monthly premiums paid for the benefit might be counted as part of the employee’s taxable income according to the local tax laws. When mental health benefits are offered, they must be provided equally to all employees in the respective country.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalized wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Not included in the Basic plan
Team members can pay for therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalized wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes one pre-paid Therapy/Coaching session per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalized wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes three pre-paid Therapy/Coaching sessions per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalized wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes six pre-paid Therapy/Coaching sessions per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalized wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes twelve pre-paid Therapy/Coaching sessions per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Remote’s Global Business Travel Insurance program is crafted to address the unique needs of your team, whether they are embarking on short business trips or traveling extensively throughout the year. With five comprehensive plan options—Basic, Standard, Premium, Premium Plus, and Standard Plus—this program ensures that your team members have the right level of coverage to protect their health, safety, and well-being while traveling for business.
Available in over 90 countries, the program provides extensive global coverage at competitive rates, offering peace of mind no matter where their work takes them. This optional benefit is designed to be flexible, allowing you to offer tailored coverage that meets the diverse needs of your workforce. By providing business travel insurance, you are taking proactive steps to safeguard your team from unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, trip disruptions, or loss of business equipment while they are on the road.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Excludes Medical & Evacuation
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Cancellation & Curtailment: $2,000 per trip; subject to $100 deductible per Trip *Benefit not available to residents of the USA
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Excludes Medical & Evacuation
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Cancellation & Curtailment: $2,000 per trip; subject to $100 deductible per Trip *Benefit not available to residents of the USA
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Offering health insurance in this country is mandatory for
both employees and their dependents
in accordance with the regulations of the Saudi Cooperative Councile of Health Insurance (CCHI). This health benefit enables access to a wide range of providers and specialists. Learn more about Remote’s health insurance offering below. If you would like more insight into fair equity and benefits best practices, you can download our Global Benefits Guide
here
!
Maximum Benefit Limit: 500,000 SAR
Hospitalisation: Covered
Accommodation within network: Up to 1,500 SAR/night
Pregnancy and Childbirth: 25,000 SAR
Complication at Childbirth: Covered
Dialysis: Up to 180,000 SAR
Psychiatric Treatment: Up to 50,000 SAR
Rehabilitation: Covered
Disability Cost: Up to 100,000 SAR
Kidney Transplant: Up to 250,000 SAR
Out-Patient Treatments: Co-pay 20% (up to 100 SAR)
Drugs and Medication: Co-pay 20% (up to 30 SAR)
Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions: Covered
Vaccination: Covered
Physiotherapy (when medically necessary): Covered
Physician Fees within Network:
Practitioner: 100-150 SAR
Specialist: 200-300 SAR
Cardiologist, Neuro, Vascular Surgery: 400 SAR
Family Planning: 1,500 SAR
Sexually Transmitted Disease Treatment: Covered
Preventive Screening: Covered based on National Guidelines
Essential and Preventive Treatment: 1,800 SAR
Root Canal and Emergencies: 1,200 SAR
Vision Coverage: Up to 1,000 SAR
Frame Limit: 400 SAR
Obesity Treatment: Up to 15,000 SAR with 20% co-pay (up to 1,000 SAR)
Alzheimer’s Treatment: Up to 15,000 SAR
Autism Treatment: Up to 50,000 SAR
Transportation of Deceased Beneficiary to Home Country: Up to 10,000 SAR
Local Ambulance: Covered under approved service providers
Emergency Treatment Outside Saudi Arabia: Covered
Offering health insurance in this country is mandatory for both employees and their dependents in accordance with the regulations of the Saudi Cooperative Councile of Health Insurance (CCHI). This health benefit enables access to a wide range of providers and specialists. Learn more about Remote’s health insurance offering below. If you would like more insight into fair equity and benefits best practices, you can download our Global Benefits Guide
here
!
Maximum Benefit Limit: 1,000,000 SAR
Hospitalisation: Covered
Accommodation within network: Up to 1,500 SAR/night
Pregnancy and Childbirth: 25,000 SAR
Complication at Childbirth: Covered
Dialysis: Up to 180,000 SAR
Psychiatric Treatment: Up to 50,000 SAR
Rehabilitation: Covered
Disability Cost: Up to 100,000 SAR
Kidney Transplant: Up to 250,000 SAR
Out-Patient Treatments: Co-pay 20% (up to 100 SAR)
Drugs and Medication: Co-pay 20% (up to 30 SAR)
Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions: Covered
Vaccination: Covered
Physiotherapy (when medically necessary): Covered
Physician Fees within Network:
Family Planning: 1,500 SAR
Sexually Transmitted Disease Treatment: Covered
Preventive Screening: Covered based on National Guidelines
Essential and Preventive Treatment: 1,800 SAR
Root Canal and Emergencies: 1,200 SAR
Vision Coverage: Up to 1,000 SAR
Frame Limit: 400 SAR
Obesity Treatment: Up to 15,000 SAR with 20% co-pay (up to 1,000 SAR)
Alzheimer’s Treatment: Up to 15,000 SAR
Autism Treatment: Up to 50,000 SAR
Transportation of Deceased Beneficiary to Home Country: Up to 10,000 SAR
Local Ambulance: Covered under approved service providers
Emergency Treatment Outside Saudi Arabia: Covered
Practitioner: 100-150 SAR
Specialist: 200-300 SAR
Cardiologist, Neuro, Vascular Surgery: 400 SAR
Hiring contractors in Saudi Arabia can be a strategic and cost-effective way for businesses to complete projects without the obligations of hiring full-time employees. Whether you are engaging independent contractors for specialized services or bringing in subcontractors for various tasks, understanding Saudi Arabia’s laws and regulations is essential.
Remote helps businesses stay compliant when hiring contractors globally with these key features:
Global compliance support: Ensures adherence to labor laws in 200+ countries with localized contracts and proper documentation.
Misclassification protection: Includes built-in compliance checks and seamless contractor-to-employee conversion.
Centralized documentation: Maintains essential records for audits and automates tax filings.
Legal expertise: Provides guidance on complex local labor laws, simplifying international hiring.
Remote’s streamlined approach minimizes compliance risks and simplifies contractor management for businesses.
Remote simplifies contractor payments with:
Automated processing: One-click approvals, bulk payments, recurring invoices, and real-time tracking.
Global coverage: Payments in 200+ countries, multiple payment methods, and currency flexibility.
Cost and compliance: Fair price guarantee (pay only for active contractors), built-in compliance with regional regulations, and localized contracts.
Learn more about how Remote simplifies contractor management in Saudi Arabia — get started for free today.
Our employer of record (EOR) service enables you to hire, manage, and pay top talent in Saudi Arabia with speed and simplicity.
Remote’s EOR allows your company to legally hire employees in Saudi Arabia without having to set up a local legal entity. On paper, Remote is the official employer, and we handle compliance, payroll, benefits (including equity), and other HR processes — but you maintain full control over the hire’s day-to-day management and work responsibilities.
An EOR may be ideal if your company:
Needs to hire employees in Saudi Arabia but doesn’t want to establish a legal entity
Is testing local markets before committing to a full business expansion
Wants to ensure full compliance with local employment laws and tax requirements
Needs a fast, cost-effective way to onboard employees in Saudi Arabia
Needs a temporary hiring solution before establishing a legal entity
If your company wants to hire talent in Saudi Arabia but doesn't have a legal entity there, our EOR provides a fully compliant and efficient solution. Saudi Arabia has strict employment and payroll tax laws, and our EOR service ensures you meet these legal obligations while enabling you to grow quickly.
Key benefits of hiring through our EOR in Saudi Arabia include:
Faster market entry. You can hire talent quickly, without having to wait months to establish a local entity.
Full compliance with local employment laws. Avoid the legal risks associated with non-compliance and misclassification.
Simplified payroll management. We automate payroll tax calculations and ensure you are fully compliant with all withholding obligations, even when laws change.
Lower costs. Setting up a legal entity in Saudi Arabia can be costly and time-consuming. An EOR eliminates the need for entity registration, reducing overhead expenses.
Fewer resources required. With HR, payroll, and compliance managed by the EOR, your company can concentrate on scaling operations and assigning your resources elsewhere.
It’s also crucial to note that, at Remote, we own our own legal entity in Saudi Arabia. As a result, we don’t need to rely on third parties, which can incur delays and extra costs, and result in a negative employee experience. All our EOR services — including the dedicated support of our local specialists — are provided in-house.
To learn more — and to see our EOR platform in action — book a demo with one of our friendly experts today.
$699
per employee/month
Hire without opening a local entity in 90+ countries
Onboarding with a dedicated specialist
Local payroll paid on time, every time
Compliance protections built-in
Competitive, flexible and localized benefits
Dedicated in-house experts for local support
Includes HR Essentials as standard
$29
per employee/month
Powerful, transparent international payroll
Simple self-service platform
Personalized support from dedicated specialists
Adhere to local payroll regulations in every country
Integrated benefits management
Includes HR Core as standard
$29
per contractor/month
Only pay for contractors you actively work with
Work with international contractors
Create, edit, and sign tailored, localized contracts
Approve contractor invoices with one click or auto-pay
Transparent payments with complete visibility
Includes HR Core as standard
