This is general information, not legal advice. Check your contract and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) for your situation.
If you work in Saudi Arabia's private sector, your holiday and notice rights come from the Saudi Labor Law and its amendments that took effect in February 2025. Your contract can give you more than the law, never less.
Annual leave: how much do you get?
- Standard: at least 21 days of paid annual leave a year.
- After five consecutive years with the same employer: at least 30 days a year.
- Paid in advance: the law says annual leave pay is paid before you go.
Can you skip it or cash it in?
No. While you're employed, you can't give up your annual leave or take cash instead of it. The law expects you to take the leave in the year it's due, so that you actually rest.
What happens to unused leave when you leave?
When your employment ends, you're entitled to pay for the leave days you've earned but not used, plus leave pay for the part of the year you worked, in proportion.
Example
- Monthly wage: SAR 9,000 (daily rate 9,000 ÷ 30 = SAR 300)
- Unused leave at the end of service: 12 days
- Leave pay owed: 12 × 300 = SAR 3,600
Check your contract for which parts of your pay count as the wage for this calculation, and ask HR for your leave balance in writing.
Notice period: the 2025 rules
For indefinite (open-ended) contracts, the 2025 amendments set the notice period at:
Who ends the contract | Minimum notice |
|---|---|
The worker (resignation) | 30 days |
The employer | 60 days |
These rules came into force in February 2025.
Fixed-term contracts normally end on their end date. Ending one early can mean paying compensation under the contract and the law, so read the termination clause before you resign.
Leave, notice and end-of-service together
Your final settlement usually includes three parts:
- Salary up to your last working day.
- Unused annual leave pay.
- Your end-of-service award, which depends on your years of service. If you resign it can be reduced: nothing under 2 years, a third from 2 to 5 years, two thirds from 5 to 10, and the full award after 10.
Because resigning just before a milestone can cost you, check your dates first.
Quick checklist before you resign
- Check whether your contract is indefinite or fixed-term.
- Give your notice in writing (30 days for an indefinite contract) and keep proof.
- Ask HR for your leave balance and expected final settlement in writing.
- Check how close you are to the 2, 5 or 10-year end-of-service milestones.
- Agree your exit arrangements (final exit visa or transfer) before your last day.
In short
In Saudi Arabia you get at least 21 days' paid leave a year (30 after five consecutive years), and you can't swap it for cash while you're employed. Unused days are paid when you leave. On an indefinite contract, give 30 days' notice; your employer must give you 60.
Related guides
- Saudi End-of-Service Award Explained (2026): Rules, Resignation and Examples
- GOSI Explained: Saudi Social Insurance Contributions in 2026
- UAE Annual Leave and Notice Period Explained (2026): Your Rights in the Private Sector
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Does the 30-day leave start in my sixth year?
The law raises the minimum to 30 days once you've spent five consecutive years with the employer. Your contract may give 30 days earlier.
Can my employer pay me instead of letting me take leave?
Not while you're employed. The law doesn't allow you to give up leave or take cash instead. Unused leave is only paid out at the end of service.
Do the new notice periods apply to everyone?
They apply to indefinite contracts. Fixed-term contracts follow their end date and the termination terms in the contract and the law.
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