Taxes and fees for expats in Saudi Arabia
No income tax, but dependent fees, VAT and social insurance still affect your budget.
In short
Saudi Arabia has no income tax for employees, but VAT is 15% and the dependent fee is SAR 400 per family member each month. Zakat and corporate tax apply to businesses.
- Income tax
- 0% for employees
- VAT
- 15%
- Dependent fee
- SAR 400 / person / month
- Authority
- ZATCA
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
A family of 4 pays SAR 14,400 per year.
Before moving
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Negotiate dependent fee coverage
Don’t
- Don’t let fees build up – renewals get blocked
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Watch out
- Unpaid fees block exit and re-entry visas.
Common questions
Is there a property tax?
A 5% real estate transaction tax applies on purchases.
Official links
Background and more detail
Income tax
There is no personal income tax on salaries in Saudi Arabia.
Dependent fee
Expats pay a monthly fee of SAR 400 for each dependent on their iqama, usually paid when the iqama is renewed. For a family of four this adds up to SAR 14,400 a year, so factor it into salary negotiations.
VAT
VAT is 15% on most goods and services.
Social insurance
Expat employees are covered by GOSI occupational hazard insurance, which is paid by the employer. Saudi nationals contribute to the pension scheme.
End-of-service benefit
Half a month's wage for each of the first five years, then a full month's wage for each year after that. The amount is reduced if you resign early.
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Related guides
Bringing family to Saudi Arabia
Permanent family visa vs visit visa, salary needed and costs.
Starting a business in Saudi Arabia with a MISA licence
Foreign investment licence, commercial registration and visas.
Taxes in Saudi Arabia: VAT, Zakat and income tax
What expats pay and what businesses must file.