KSA Saudization Cost & Compliance Calculator

Saudization (Nitaqat) Compliance Inputs

Primary Industry Sector

Saudization percentage varies greatly by sector (Nitaqat band).

Total Employees (Saudi & Expat)

Total headcount for all employees at your organization.

Current Number of Saudi Employees

Number of Saudi nationals currently working.

Estimated Monthly Compliance Cost / Penalty (per missing Saudi)

SAR

Using a typical estimate of SAR 300 per month. *Actual Nitaqat penalties are complex and may be higher.*

Compliance Status & Shortfall

Select Industry Sector

Compliance Breakdown

Required Saudization % -

Minimum Required Saudi Headcount -

Current Shortfall (or Surplus) -

Estimated Annual Compliance Cost/Penalty 0 SAR

*This calculation uses indicative minimum Nitaqat percentages. Actual requirements depend on your company size (small, medium, large), specific activity code, and location.

Frequently asked questions

What is Saudization (Nitaqat)?

Saudization is a national program requiring companies to employ a minimum percentage of Saudi nationals based on their sector and company size.

How is the Saudization percentage calculated?

It’s the number of Saudi employees divided by total employees, multiplied by 100. The required percentage depends on your industry and category under the Ministry of Human Resources (MHRSD).

What happens if a company is non-compliant?

Companies below their Nitaqat category requirements face penalties, restricted visa issuance, and may be ineligible for certain government contracts.

How much does it cost to reach compliance?

Costs depend on salaries, training, and recruitment fees for new Saudi hires — typically between SAR 6,000–10,000 per new hire monthly, including benefits.

How does Desatmos help companies stay compliant?

Desatmos helps companies plan localization strategies, model Saudization costs, manage HR analytics, and maintain compliance dashboards integrated with GOSI and HRDF.

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Q: What is Saudization (Nitaqat)?

Saudization is a national program requiring companies in Saudi Arabia to employ a specific percentage of Saudi nationals based on their sector and company size.

Q: How is the Saudization percentage calculated?

The Saudization percentage is the number of Saudi employees divided by the total number of employees, multiplied by 100. Required rates vary by industry according to the Nitaqat framework.

Q: What happens if a company is non-compliant?

Non-compliant companies face penalties, visa restrictions, and may lose access to certain government contracts and programs until compliance is restored.

Q: How much does it cost to reach compliance?

Depending on salaries and recruitment costs, achieving compliance may cost between SAR 6,000 and SAR 10,000 per additional Saudi employee per month, including benefits.

Q: How does Desatmos help companies stay compliant?

Desatmos helps companies model Saudization costs, develop localization strategies, and maintain ongoing compliance through workforce analytics and HRDF integration.

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Saudization Cost & Compliance Calculator