Changing employers in Saudi Arabia: who pays the transfer fee, and how much is it?

Jawazat's fee table lists SAR 2,000 for a first sponsorship transfer, SAR 4,000 for a second and SAR 6,000 for a third, and Article 40 of the Labor Law says the employer taking on your services pays the transfer fees.

The official fees

• Transfer of sponsorship, first time: SAR 2,000.
• Second time: SAR 4,000.
• Third time: SAR 6,000.
• Changing the profession on the iqama, if the new role needs it: SAR 1,000, also an employer cost under Article 40.

Before you switch

1. Get the new offer in writing, including who will handle the transfer and the planned start date.
2. Check your current contract. On an open-ended contract with a monthly wage, a worker gives at least 30 days' written notice (Article 75).
3. Agree your last day and final settlement with your current employer in writing.
4. Keep copies of the offer, your resignation notice and any settlement.

Official sources

• General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat): Fees (Arabic)
• Saudi Labor Law, Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers (Arabic, current text)

On Saudi Expats: the notice period calculator and jobs for expats in Riyadh.

Checked September 2026. Your contract may add conditions, so ask HR on both sides about your own case.

Moved to a new employer recently? Share your experience below: how long did the transfer take?