The work permit levy is one of the most important labor-cost items for any establishment in Saudi Arabia. This guide explains its 2026 amount, how it links to the Saudization ratio, who pays, and the exemptions — with a worked example.
Amount by Saudization ratio
The amount depends on the share of national workers in the establishment:
| Establishment status | Monthly fee per expat |
|---|---|
| Expats outnumber Saudis | SAR 800 |
| Expats equal to or fewer than Saudis | SAR 700 |
The higher the Saudization ratio, the lower the total levy — which incentivizes localization.
Who pays and how?
The employer bears the levy for each expat worker, paid in advance when issuing or renewing the work permit through the Qiwa and Mudad platforms.
Industrial establishment exemption
Industrial establishments with a valid industrial license benefit from exemptions on a number of workers, in support of the industrial sector. Exemption details vary by establishment status, so check the Ministry of Human Resources and the Qiwa platform.
Worked example
An establishment with 10 expat workers where expats outnumber Saudis:
Calculation: SAR 800 × 10 workers × 12 months
Total = SAR 96,000 per year.