Saudi domestic worker end-of-service: what do you get?
Written by Usama Afzal. Last updated: October 2026. Based on Saudi domestic worker regulations; not legal advice.
Short answer
If you complete 4 consecutive years with the same employer, you get one month’s wage as end-of-service pay, calculated on your final salary. Leave before 4 years and you get nothing. This is a lump sum — not one month per year like regular private-sector workers.
The rule
Article 16 of Saudi Arabia’s domestic worker regulations says: a domestic worker is entitled to end-of-service pay equal to one month’s wage if they spend four consecutive years in the employer’s service. The Musaned platform (the official domestic labour portal) confirms this: the gratuity equals one month’s wage based on your final salary, paid when the employment relationship ends.
Who counts as a domestic worker?
The regulations cover: domestic worker, private driver, home nurse, cook, tailor, butler, supervisor, house manager, home guard, personal assistant, farmer, physical therapist, and home coffee maker. If your iqama profession is one of these, this page is for you — the regular Labour Law gratuity rules do not apply to you.
What “4 consecutive years” means
The 4 years must be continuous with the same employer. If you change sponsors, the clock restarts. Short breaks and annual leave don’t break continuity, but a transfer to a new employer does. There is no pro-rata: 3 years and 11 months gives nothing, 4 years gives the full month’s wage.
What if you leave before 4 years?
You get no end-of-service pay. But you are still owed: wages for days worked, pay for unused leave, and your return ticket if due. Your employer cannot deduct recruitment costs from you — charging workers recruitment, iqama or transfer fees is banned, with fines up to SAR 20,000.
Your other rights
Beyond end-of-service pay, domestic workers are entitled to: a weekly rest day; at least 8 continuous hours of rest daily; one month of paid leave after 2 years (if renewing); a return ticket home every 2 years at the employer’s expense; up to 30 days of sick leave per year with a medical report; and keeping your own passport and iqama — the employer may not confiscate them.
If your employer doesn’t pay
First ask in writing and keep a copy. Then complain through the Musaned platform or the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). Keep your contract, salary records and any messages. Employers who violate domestic worker rules face fines up to SAR 20,000 and a ban on recruiting. See our guide: company not paying gratuity — what to do.
FAQ
Is it one month per year, or one month total?
One month total — a single lump sum after 4 consecutive years. It is not one month for each year of service.
Which salary is used?
Your final monthly wage when the employment ends, per the Musaned clarification.
Does resignation affect it?
The regulation doesn’t reduce it for resignation the way the regular Labour Law does. Complete 4 consecutive years and the month’s wage is yours however the contract ends (unless you’re dismissed for a serious violation).
What if I change employers after 3 years?
The 4-year clock restarts with the new employer. Only consecutive years with the same employer count.
Can my employer deduct recruitment costs from it?
No. Employers are banned from charging domestic workers any recruitment, iqama, work permit or transfer fees.