Expat hiring cost calculator
The true annual cost of hiring a non-Saudi: salary plus the expat levy, iqama, work permit, visas, insurance, GOSI and end of service.
This expat hiring cost calculator adds to the annual salary the expat levy of 800 SAR a month, or 700 where expats do not outnumber Saudis, the 650 SAR iqama fee, the work permit, exit re-entry visas, medical insurance, 2% GOSI and the end-of-service accrual. Always check current fees, because they change.
86,500 SAR
- Monthly equivalent
- 7,208.33 SAR
- On top of salary
- 20,500 SAR (31.1%)
- Annual salary
- 66,000
- GOSI (2% occupational hazards)
- 1,200
- Expat levy
- 9,600
- Work permit fee
- 100
- Iqama fee
- 650
- Exit re-entry
- 200
- Medical insurance
- 2,500
- End-of-service accrual
- 2,750
- Year’s share of recruitment
- 3,500
How it works and what it assumes
- Expat levy: 800 SAR a month per expat, or 700 SAR where expats do not outnumber Saudis. Some small establishments and activities have exemptions or rebates that the tool does not model.
- Iqama fee 650 SAR a year, and work permit issuance 100 SAR a year (an assumption).
- Exit re-entry visa: single 200 SAR for two months plus 100 SAR for each extra month; multiple 500 SAR for three months plus 200 SAR for each extra month.
- GOSI: 2% paid by the employer on basic and housing, capped at 45,000 SAR.
- End-of-service accrual: half a month’s wage for each of the first five years (Article 84), on the actual wage.
- Medical insurance, recruitment and visa costs are your inputs; recruitment is spread over the expected stay.
- Air tickets, dependant fees, profession changes and sponsorship transfers are not included.
Sources: Qiwa · Muqeem · Absher
Frequently asked questions
How much is the expat levy?
800 SAR a month per expat, or 700 SAR where expats do not outnumber Saudis, with exemptions for some small establishments. Check the current value on Qiwa.
How much is the iqama fee?
Issuing or renewing an iqama costs 650 SAR a year, paid on top of the levy and the work permit.
How much more than salary does an expat cost?
In the default example the true cost is roughly a quarter to a third above salary; the biggest items are the levy, medical insurance and end of service.
This is general information to help you understand the topic. It is not legal advice. Rules and rates change: always check the official text on the relevant authority’s platform and consult a qualified adviser before acting.
Iqamas and visas in one work queue
On the Pro plan, RafiqHR alerts you before iqamas expire and Rafiq AI prepares the renewal for your approval. Your government relations officer completes it on Muqeem.
No card, up to 50 employees, sample company preloaded