Very small business Saudization
We have only 4 employees. Do we need a Saudi?
The situation
The 2026 guide removed the small entity exemption, but entities with fewer than six employees need not employ more than one Saudi.
The law
- Developed Nitaqat Programme (Ministerial Decision 182495; Procedural Guide 2026): Required Saudi percentage depends on entity size and activity; bands Platinum, Green levels and Red
What it means for you
With four staff, one Saudi may meet the requirement. Check your band on Qiwa and the rule for your activity. Growing past six staff changes the target.
What to do
- Check Qiwa.
- Hire one Saudi if required.
- Review at growth.
We can do this for youNitaqat Saudization health check under the Developed Nitaqat programme 2026 to 2028: SAR 2,500