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Mercans offers complete payroll, PEO and HR services in Saudi Arabia

The world’s largest producer and exporter of oil, Saudi Arabia has increasingly diversified its economy and produces a variety of industrial goods including petrochemicals, plastics, metal goods, construction materials and electrical appliances. The private sector is playing a much larger role in the local economy, now accounting for 48% of the GDP. Saudi Arabia is the 19th largest exporter and the 20th largest import market in the world with a young, highly educated population of over 30 million.

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Doing Business in Saudi Arabia

The government offers an array of incentives to the private sector including sweeping reductions in utility and public service fees. Private entrepreneurs are also given access to government information systems. Government agencies such as the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) provide free consulting and support services and publish a list of investment opportunities. Game-changing opportunities are presented thanks to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 which is strengthened by the country’s ambitious reform journey. Further, its resilient banking system and large asset base is helping Saudi Arabia strengthen its financial sector.

Entity Registration and Incorporation Requirements

Setting up a new business or expanding an existing one in Saudi Arabia is straightforward. Choose how your company operates from a range of entity types which suit your individual circumstance.

Banking

Banking Hours: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm from Sunday to Thursday

Working Week

The standard working week is from Sunday to Thursday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Labor Law

An employer cannot be obliged to reemploy a workman under probation for a period exceeding three months in respect of workmen employed at a monthly rate, or exceeding one month for other types of workmen. Where the labor contract is for a specified period, the contract terminates on expiry of its term. Where the labor contract is for an unspecified period, either party may cancel the contract for a valid reason.

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Main Industries

Crude Oil Production, Petroleum Refining, Basic Petrochemicals, Ammonia

GDP Growth

7%

Dates & Numbers

dd/mm/yyyy

Official State Name

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Population

34.81 million

Capital

Riyadh

Major Languages

Arabic

Currency

Saudi riyal

Internet Domain

.sa

International Dialing Code

+966

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Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, SA
8:43 am, March 19, 2024
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Humidity 69 %
Wind Gust: 13 mph
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Payroll in Saudi

Mercans payroll in Saudi Arabia is a service provided by Mercans to manage and process employees’ salaries and related financial transactions in compliance with Saudi labor laws and regulations. With their experience, expertise, and smart payroll technology, our Saudi payroll team is among the best in the industry in terms of outsourcing payroll services. Mercans is regarded as one of the top payroll companies in Saudi Arabia. In addition to this, we are also listed as one of the largest payroll outsourcing companies for the provision of payroll services, making us a leader in the field of payroll outsourcing.

By removing the hassle out of complex and time-consuming payroll procedures, including managing Real Time Information (RTI), reporting, and pension auto-enrolment, we are an experienced payroll provider in Saudi Arabia, enabling your team to focus on what they do best, regardless of ever-evolving regulations. For any concerns that you may have regarding payroll in Saudi, our dedicated payroll specialists are available to handle all of your payroll queries and requirements in real-time, so you can rest assured that you are in good hands. In order to allow you to focus on your core business activities, we tailor our services to fit the way your business operates.

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Payroll

In general, wages shall include all increases and allowances of any kind. Companies who operate a multi-country payroll should note that except within the limits dictated by the need to attract foreign labor, an employer who employs foreign workers may not pay them wages in excess of what they pay to Saudi workmen of equal competence and technical proficiency.

It is acceptable to provide employees with online payslips

Payslip

Payroll reports must be kept for 7 years

Reports

Employees are entitled to 21 days of paid annual leave for 1 - 5 years of service

Annual Leave

120 days of sick leave are granted where the first 30 days are fully paid

Sick Leave

10 weeks of paid maternity leave and 1 day of paid paternity leave

Maternity & Paternity Leave

30 days notice

Employee Termination

This is not compulsory but can be paid as a bonus based on performance

13th monthly salary

4,000 SAR per month

Minimum Wage

Where overtime exceeds 48 hours per week, it is paid at 150% of the salary rate

Overtime

Half a month's wage for the first five years of service and one month wage for service beyond that

Severance Pay

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Mercans EOR services in Saudi Arabia provide a legally compliant employment solution for companies that wish to hire staff without setting up a legal entity, handling visas, payroll, HR, and tax compliance on their behalf. You can grow your global team with confidence with our localized contracts, easy-to-use invoicing system, and best-in-class compliance standards.

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An employer of record in Saudi Arabia/EOR in KSA, sometimes referred to as an international PEO, enables your company to hire and onboard workers without incurring the risks of setting up a local business. With our Global Employer of Record solutions, you can hire your team directly through our local legal entities in each country while we handle payroll, tax, benefits, and compliance, so you can focus on growing your business.

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Our platform has been designed to work as a unified employment platform with automated workflows, digital signatures, payroll, contractor payouts, and all types of compliance solutions that you might require to maintain compliance within your organization.

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Mercans is regarded as a highly trustworthy, efficient and top EOR provider in Saudi Arabia and other countries. Learn about the requirements for hiring, employment, payroll, and benefits for workers in the UAE and how we can help you in dealing with your international employment needs through our employer of record services, Professional employer organization (PEO) services, and with the assistance of our local HR experts.

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Saudi Arabia PEO

Mercans PEO in Saudi Arabia i.e. Professional Employer Organization offers comprehensive outsourcing solutions for HR, payroll, benefits, and compliance management to help businesses establish a local presence and operate in compliance with Saudi labor laws and regulations. As a Professional Employer Organization, Mercans offers a range of services including employee benefits, payroll administration, and compliance with Saudi labor laws. This allows companies to streamline their HR operations and focus on their core business activities while relying on Mercans to handle the HR and payroll responsibilities.

Partnering with our Saudi Arabia PEO presents the swiftest and most economical avenue to step into the Saudi Arabia market.
Contact us to explore how we can support your growth in Saudi Arabia!

Benefits of Hiring an Employee through a Saudi Arabia PEO

Are you considering expanding your business operations into Saudi Arabia? Partnering with a PEO in Saudi Arabia can offer several advantages that streamline the process and ensure compliance with local regulations. Here are some key benefits:

Efficient Market Entry

When you hire an employee through a PEO in Saudi Arabia, you can swiftly establish your presence in the Saudi Arabian market. This expedites your market entry process, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.

Compliance Assurance

Navigating the complex landscape of Saudi Arabian labor laws and regulations can be challenging. A PEO has the expertise to ensure that your employment practices align with local laws, reducing the risk of compliance-related issues.

Cost Savings

Hiring and managing employees directly in a foreign country can be expensive due to various administrative and legal requirements. A PEO can help you save costs by managing payroll, benefits, and HR functions efficiently.

Risk Mitigation

In Saudi Arabia, employment laws can change, and non-compliance can lead to legal issues. A PEO stays up-to-date with the latest labor regulations, helping you avoid legal risks associated with employee management.

Access to Local Talent

Leveraging a PEO in Saudi Arabia provides you with access to a pool of local talent. This can be invaluable for finding skilled professionals who are well-versed in the local business culture and practices.

Administrative Simplification

By outsourcing HR and payroll functions to a PEO, you can simplify your administrative tasks. This allows you to concentrate on your core business strategies without getting bogged down by administrative complexities.

Scalability

As your business grows in Saudi Arabia, a PEO can easily adapt to your changing HR and employment needs. This scalability ensures that you can manage your workforce efficiently, whether you’re expanding or downsizing.

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Tax and Social Security

There is no individual income tax scheme in Saudi Arabia. The social protection system was developed to benefit certain groups including widows, divorced women, people with disabilities, elderly, unemployed persons, the poor and needy, orphans and those affected by disasters and pandemics.

Tax

Income tax is not imposed on an individual’s earnings if derived from employment in Saudi Arabia. Non-employment income is taxed as an entity or PE (permanent establishment).

20%

Corporate Income Tax

-

Personal Income Tax

15%

Sales Tax

15%

VAT

Social Security

Social insurance contributions are paid monthly based on the monthly basic salary plus housing (paid or in kind).

22%

Social Security Rate

12%

Social Security Rate for Employers

10%

Social Security Rate for Employees

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Employment Law

In November 2020, a major labor reform initiative was launched to replace the kafala (sponsorship system) governing foreign worker mobility in Saudi Arabia. This eases job mobility and puts more emphasis on the contractual relationship between employers and their employees.

Employment Agreement

Labor contracts must be in writing and drawn up in Arabic. However, a contract will be treated as having existed if an employment relationship exists without a written contract.

Working condition

Normal working hours are eight hours per day for a six day week. Anything over that must be compensated at overtime rates except for certain categories of work (such as catering trade). During Ramadan, the maximum working hours for Muslim employees is reduced to six hours per day for a total of 36 hours per week. The rules on maximum daily and weekly normal working time and minimum rest/meal breaks do not apply to employees in senior management or where they have authority over other employees.

Leaves

All employees are entitled under Labor Law to at least 21 days of paid annual leave and those with at least five years’ service with the employer are entitled to at least 30 days.

Employment termination

An employee’s employment may be terminated with a valid reason which includes termination by mutual agreement, expiry of a fixed term employment contract, notice being given by either party to terminate an unlimited term employment contract, employee reaching the statutory retirement age, ‘force majeure’ event occurring, business closes down or any other reason permitted by law.

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30 days

Minimum notice period for terminating an employee

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3 days

Total number of public holidays

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40

Working hours per week

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4 weeks

Total number of days for Compassionate & Bereavement Leave

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Immigration

Foreign nationals (excluding citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and the UAE) cannot work in Saudi Arabia without a residence/work permit. This is granted only to workers who have a contract with an employer in Saudi Arabia.

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Residency permits

All foreign nationals working in Saudi Arabia must be sponsored by an employer (usually a domestic or multinational company) in the country. A ‘block visa’ must be obtained from the Ministry of Human Resource and Social Development and authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Once a work visa is issued, the employer must apply on the employee’s behalf for a residence permit (which also serves as a work permit). Residence permits are valid for up to two years and may be renewed by the employer.

Work Permit validity

One year

Required Documents

A passport valid for the duration of employment

A passport-size color photograph

Proof of online payment of the visa fee through the Enjazit website

Completed visa application

Three copies of a signed medical report

Letter of employment from the sponsoring company in Saudi Arabia, which must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Saudi Chamber of Commerce

Signed copy of the employment contract

Certified copy of the applicant’s university diploma, validated by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission

Police report of any criminal record

Addressed and prepaid envelope

Compliant, reliable, error-free and touchless payroll in Saudi Arabia

Build the best team and hire top talent compliantly in Saudi Arabia. Get in touch with Saudi Arabia payroll outsourcing & PEO specialists for a free consultation!

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This document was prepared for informational purposes only. As local laws & regulations keeps on changing. Please consult your tax & legal advisors as well.
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