Social insurance is not an option—it is a legal obligation for every establishment that employs one or more workers in Saudi Arabia. In this simple guide, we explain everything about registering your establishment with GOSI, the new rates, and the complete steps.
What is GOSI Social Insurance?
The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) is a government entity responsible for providing insurance protection to workers in both the public and private sectors. Established in 1969, it oversees the pension system, work injury compensation, and unemployment benefits.
Any establishment in Saudi Arabia—whether an individual business or a company—is legally required to register its employees in social insurance. Failure to register may result in fines that could lead to the suspension of visa services.
Branches of Social Insurance
Social insurance has 3 main branches:
1. Pension Branch (for Saudis only)
Covers retirement after age 60, total or partial disability, and death. Contribution rate: 9% by the employer + 9% by the employee.
2. Occupational Hazards Branch (for all)
Covers work injuries and occupational diseases for all workers—Saudi and expatriate. Contribution rate: 2% fully by the employer.
3. SANED System (for Saudis only)
Provides financial compensation to employees in case of involuntary job loss. Contribution rate: 0.75% by the employer + 0.75% by the employee.
The New System and Contribution Rates for 2026
In July 2024, the new Social Insurance System (Decree No. M/273) was issued, introducing a gradual increase in contribution rates over 4 years until 2028. The goal is to enhance the sustainability of the pension system.
Current rates for 2026:
• Employer contribution: 9% pension + 2% occupational hazards + 0.75% SANED = 11.75%
• Employee contribution: 9% pension + 0.75% SANED = 9.75%
Steps to Register Your Establishment in Social Insurance
- Obtain a commercial registration from the Ministry of Commerce—your establishment must have an active registration.
- Register on the Qiwa platform (Ministry of Human Resources)—open an establishment file. The Qiwa file number is required for GOSI registration.
- Visit the GOSI website (gosi.gov.sa) and log in using the National Access (Absher).
- Select “Register a new establishment” and enter your establishment details and commercial registration.
- Add your establishment branches if applicable.
- Register your employees after your establishment registration is approved.
Integration with Other Systems
GOSI is integrated with key government platforms:
• Qiwa – Employment contracts and insurance
• Mudad – Wage protection
• Nitaqat – Saudization
All are interconnected. Any error in insurance affects the other platforms.
Fines and Penalties
- Delay in employee registration: financial fine
- Failure to pay contributions: fine + late interest
- Data manipulation: penalties up to suspension of establishment services
Therefore, it is best to register your employees from their first day of work and avoid delays in monthly contribution payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is social insurance registration mandatory for small businesses?
Yes, any establishment employing one or more workers—even an individual business—is legally required to register.
Do expatriates fall under social insurance?
Yes, but only under the Occupational Hazards Branch (covering work injuries). The Pension and SANED branches are for Saudis only.
What are the social insurance rates for 2026?
Employer: 11.75% of basic salary (9% pension + 2% occupational hazards + 0.75% SANED). Employee: 9.75% (9% pension + 0.75% SANED).
What is the difference between Qiwa and Social Insurance?
Qiwa is the Ministry of Human Resources platform for managing employment contracts, while
Social insurance (GOSI) for insurance coverage. Without registering in Qiwa, you cannot register in GOSI.
How do I register for social insurance as an establishment?
Through the website gosi.gov.sa, after having a commercial registration and a file in Qiwa.
Can I pay insurance subscriptions electronically?
Yes, via the Sadaad service or directly from the establishment’s account on the GOSI website.
