Do you get end-of-service pay during probation in Saudi Arabia?
Written by Usama Afzal. Last updated: October 2026. Based on the Saudi Labour Law; not legal advice.
No. If your job ends during the probation period, you do not get end-of-service (gratuity) pay in Saudi Arabia. You are still owed your unpaid wages and any unused annual leave, but the end-of-service benefit only starts building once probation is completed.
How probation works in Saudi Arabia
Under the Saudi Labour Law, the probation period can be up to 90 days. It can be extended to a maximum of 180 days, but only with your written agreement — the employer cannot extend it silently or verbally.
- During probation, either side can end the contract without notice (unless the contract says otherwise)
- No end-of-service benefit accrues during this period
- Overtime, if worked, must still be paid
Why no gratuity during probation?
End-of-service pay under Article 84 of the Saudi Labour Law is a reward for completed service. The probation period is a trial: the employment relationship is not yet confirmed, so the benefit has not started to accrue. Once you pass probation, your service counts from your first day of work — including the probation months.
| Situation | End-of-service? | What you get instead |
|---|---|---|
| You resign during probation | No | Unpaid wages + unused leave |
| Employer ends contract during probation | No | Unpaid wages + unused leave |
| You complete probation, then resign later | Yes | Full end-of-service from day one |
What you ARE owed if you leave during probation
- Unpaid wages — every day you worked must be paid, including the probation days
- Unused annual leave — leave accrues from day one; any balance is paid out
- Overtime — if you worked overtime hours, they must be paid at the legal rate
After probation: the normal rules apply
Once probation is completed, end-of-service accrues from your joining date. The Saudi formula: half a month's wage per year for the first 5 years, then one full month's wage per year after that. Use the Saudi calculator to work out your exact amount.
Watch out: probation tricks
Some employers try to keep workers "on probation" beyond 180 days or restart probation after a short break. Both are against the law: probation cannot exceed 180 days in total, and it cannot be repeated with the same employer for the same job. If this happens to you, keep copies of your contract and contact the labour office.
Work out your own amount
Enter your dates and wage to see your Saudi end-of-service pay instantly.