- Register your company with GOSI before or on the day of your first hire, then register each employee within 30 days.
- GOSI contributions are due by the 15th of the following month, paid through SADAD.
- GOSI registration activates your Qiwa account, and Qiwa shows your Nitaqat status.
- Salaries are cross-checked against GOSI records through the Wage Protection System.
What must an employer register before hiring in Saudi Arabia?
Start with GOSI, the social insurance body. Many other steps depend on it.
How do you register with GOSI as an employer?
Gather your commercial registration number, VAT number, national address, IBAN and the ID or Iqama of the authorised person. Register on the GOSI portal and choose SADAD as the payment method. One guide says registration is free and usually takes one to three business days. Check the portal for the current time.
When must you register your employees?
The employer registers before or on the day of the first hire. Each employee must be registered within 30 days of the start date.
How much does GOSI cost an employer?
The cost depends on who you hire and what you pay them.
What wage is GOSI calculated on?
It uses the contributory wage, which is the basic salary plus the housing allowance. Transport allowances, overtime and bonuses are not included.
Are the rates different for Saudis and expatriates?
Yes. Employers pay more for Saudi employees than for expatriates, and employees contribute too. The exact rates have changed in recent years, so read the current table on the GOSI website instead of trusting an old article.
When do you pay GOSI?
Submit the contribution schedule and pay by the 15th of the following month, through SADAD.
What is Qiwa and what does an employer do on it?
Qiwa is the labour platform. It is where you manage work permits and see your Nitaqat status.
How is GOSI linked to Qiwa?
GOSI registration is needed to activate your company's Qiwa account. Work permit applications also need active GOSI compliance. So fix GOSI first.
Where do you see your Nitaqat status?
Your Nitaqat classification appears on your Qiwa dashboard.
What is Nitaqat and how does Saudization affect a small employer?
Nitaqat is the system that rates employers by their share of Saudi employees. The Ministry of Human Resources uses GOSI data to work it out.
What are the Nitaqat zones?
The zones are Platinum, High (Green), Medium (Yellow) and Low (Red).
What happens in the Red zone?
A Red rating can block new work visa sponsorship. If you plan to hire expatriates, watch your zone early.
Which employees count towards Nitaqat?
Only Saudi employees who are actively registered and have contributions paid. If you do not register someone, they do not count.
What is the Wage Protection System and why does it matter?
It checks that salaries are paid, and paid on time. It uses the Mudad platform.
What does the Wage Protection System check?
Salary payments are cross-checked against GOSI-registered employees. Paying someone who is not registered raises a compliance flag.
What if an employee is hurt at work?
Tell GOSI within 3 days of the incident.
What else must you file each year?
An annual salary declaration, once per year. Put the date in your calendar when you register.