How much end of service do I get if I resign in Saudi Arabia?
It depends on your years (Art. 85). You keep nothing under 2, one third from 2 to 5, two thirds over 5 and under 10, and all of it from 10.
Checked 21 October 2026
What to do now
- Count your service from your exact start date to the day the contract will end, not just your planned last day.
- If you are close to 2, 5 or 10 years, see what staying a little longer changes.
- Build your leaving plan to see your dates.
See an example plan
What to ask HR
- How will my exit be recorded: resignation or something else?
- Which allowances do you count in my last wage for the award?
The full award first
Your full award is half a month's wage a year for your first 5 years, then a month's wage a year (Art. 84).
It is worked out on your last wage, and part years count in proportion.
The share you keep
- Under 2 years: nothing.
- 2 to 5 years, 5 included: one third.
- Over 5 and under 10 years: two thirds.
- 10 years or more: the full award.
The law's words are "not less than two" and "not more than five" years for one third. Two thirds needs service "in excess of five" years (Art. 85).
A worked example
Say your monthly wage is SAR 9,000 and you resign after exactly 5 years.
Your full award is 5 half-months, or SAR 22,500. You keep one third: SAR 7,500.
Stay until you pass 5 years, and the share rises to two thirds of the award for your longer service.
Your service counts to the day the contract ends. That can come sooner than you plan, for example if your employer accepts your resignation early. If you are close to a threshold, wait until you are past it before you hand in your letter.
When resigning keeps the full award
- You leave because of force majeure beyond your control (Art. 87).
- A woman resigns within 6 months of her marriage (Art. 87).
- A woman resigns within 3 months of giving birth (Art. 87).
Article 81 also lets you leave without notice and keep your rights in listed cases. Two examples are unmet essential obligations and an assault.
Ask how your exit is recorded
The share turns on how your exit is recorded. Before you resign, ask HRSD how yours will be recorded and which share applies.
If you and your employer agree to end the contract, get the amount in writing.
Probation
If the contract ends during probation, no award is due at all (Art. 54).
When it is paid
When you end the contract, your employer has two weeks to settle everything (Art. 88).
Not paid? HRSD's friendly settlement service is free. Claims are not heard 12 months after the job ends (Art. 234).