Which Nitaqat band does your entity fall into?
The ministry sets each entity's required Saudization rate with a logarithmic formula that varies by activity, headcount and year. The coefficients are published in an annex to the procedural guide; here you enter your figures once and see your band and the gap to every band above it.
Enter your activity and headcount
Everything is computed in your browser. No figure about your entity is sent to a server, and the Saudi headcount is never recorded or transmitted.
Enter your headcount to see the thresholds.
The same formula the ministry applies
The procedural guide states that the required rate is: rate = m × ln(total employees) + c. The coefficient m varies by activity and band; c varies by activity, band and year. The logarithm is natural, not base-10 — mistaking one for the other shifts the result by a factor of 2.3.
The Red band has no formula of its own: it is whatever falls below the Low Green threshold. That is why there are five bands but only four rows of coefficients. The Yellow band no longer exists — a source that lists six bands is working from a superseded guide.
Procedural guide — Nitaqat 2026 (PDF)Three things widely published about Nitaqat that are wrong
The error and the correction appear together on purpose: anyone searching for this will search for it in its wrong form.
It is published that Nitaqat has six bands.
There are five: Red, Low Green, Mid Green, High Green and Platinum. The Yellow band does not appear in the 2026 procedural guide in force, and sources listing it are working from a superseded edition.
Nitaqat procedural guide 2026, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
It is published that the current phase was announced on 19 February 2026.
The ministry's announcement is dated 22 January 2026, and the phase covers 2026, 2027 and 2028.
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announcement, 22 January 2026.
It is published that project management Saudization reaches 70% in two phases of 35% and 40%.
The official statement sets 70% with no intermediate phases. The figures of 35% and 40% do not appear in the official source.
Saudi Press Agency, item N2654541.
Required rate by headcount (2026)
These come from applying the published formula at common headcounts. Columns, in order: Low Green / Mid Green / High Green / Platinum.
At 10 employees
| Activity | Low Green | Mid Green | High Green | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, livestock and equestrian services | 4.8% | 6.5% | 10.7% | 15.7% |
| Hydrocarbons and related operations | 17.1% | 33.8% | 35.8% | 37.8% |
| Metal ore and gemstone mining | 19.9% | 23.3% | 32.8% | 36.8% |
| Non-metallic and industrial mineral mining | 21.9% | 23.3% | 25.8% | 38.8% |
| Construction materials mining | 7.0% | 10.0% | 13.0% | 36.8% |
| Energy, water and related services | 11.5% | 15.3% | 24.1% | 39.8% |
| Manufacturing | 18.9% | 26.2% | 28.8% | 34.7% |
| Construction contracting | 13.3% | 15.3% | 17.5% | 22.5% |
| Operation and maintenance | 17.4% | 21.4% | 26.1% | 30.8% |
| Cleaning contracting and laundries | 11.3% | 13.3% | 17.0% | 22.0% |
| General wholesale and retail | 28.9% | 33.4% | 36.6% | 45.4% |
| Retail of perfumes and watches | 30.9% | 35.4% | 40.1% | 48.4% |
| Retail of fashion, accessories and general goods | 29.9% | 34.4% | 39.1% | 47.4% |
| Women's goods; mobile phone sales and repair | 82.0% | 85.0% | 89.0% | 94.0% |
| Telecommunications solutions | 32.8% | 42.6% | 48.7% | 55.6% |
| Postal activities | 19.0% | 24.0% | 34.8% | 44.8% |
| IT infrastructure | 26.1% | 33.0% | 48.3% | 58.3% |
| Telecommunications infrastructure | 17.0% | 21.0% | 23.5% | 28.5% |
| Telecom operation and maintenance | 17.0% | 21.9% | 24.7% | 29.9% |
| IT operation and maintenance | 27.1% | 35.6% | 38.6% | 44.5% |
| IT solutions | 31.8% | 37.9% | 46.7% | 55.6% |
| Land transport and storage | 14.7% | 18.8% | 21.3% | 31.7% |
| Sea and air transport | 29.9% | 43.3% | 52.7% | 62.4% |
| Full-service restaurants (excluding fast food) | 17.1% | 20.8% | 24.1% | 30.6% |
| Fast-food restaurants and ice-cream shops | 18.7% | 23.9% | 27.1% | 33.1% |
| Cafés and beverage outlets | 20.6% | 24.3% | 35.3% | 39.4% |
| Catering and food supply | 18.1% | 21.8% | 25.1% | 31.8% |
| Security guarding and private recruitment offices | 75.3% | 78.3% | 81.3% | 85.3% |
| Financial institutions | 56.0% | 63.0% | 68.0% | 71.0% |
| Business services | 36.2% | 45.0% | 48.7% | 59.9% |
| Social services | 19.0% | 32.4% | 40.8% | 64.6% |
| Personal services | 17.4% | 24.8% | 34.8% | 37.6% |
| Higher education | 34.0% | 48.0% | 76.4% | 83.0% |
| Higher education — health specialties | 25.0% | 30.0% | 35.0% | 37.0% |
| Girls' schools, kindergartens and nurseries | 51.0% | 66.0% | 89.6% | 95.0% |
| Foreign schools | 10.2% | 19.5% | 25.3% | 34.1% |
| Laboratories and health services | 26.5% | 31.5% | 35.0% | 35.5% |
| Accommodation, entertainment and tourism | 30.2% | 36.6% | 42.4% | 48.5% |
| Basic goods and fuels | 10.3% | 13.5% | 23.9% | 28.8% |
| Boys' schools and mixed school complexes | 32.3% | 42.2% | 53.3% | 64.0% |
| Aggregated entities | 16.1% | 27.5% | 38.9% | 49.1% |
At 50 employees
| Activity | Low Green | Mid Green | High Green | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, livestock and equestrian services | 5.1% | 7.4% | 11.6% | 16.6% |
| Hydrocarbons and related operations | 25.1% | 43.5% | 45.5% | 47.5% |
| Metal ore and gemstone mining | 22.6% | 26.3% | 36.1% | 46.5% |
| Non-metallic and industrial mineral mining | 24.6% | 26.3% | 29.1% | 48.5% |
| Construction materials mining | 7.0% | 10.0% | 13.0% | 46.5% |
| Energy, water and related services | 13.6% | 19.5% | 28.9% | 44.7% |
| Manufacturing | 21.7% | 29.2% | 32.1% | 38.0% |
| Construction contracting | 12.7% | 14.7% | 17.5% | 22.5% |
| Operation and maintenance | 17.7% | 21.7% | 26.8% | 32.1% |
| Cleaning contracting and laundries | 10.7% | 12.7% | 17.0% | 22.0% |
| General wholesale and retail | 32.9% | 37.4% | 40.9% | 50.0% |
| Retail of perfumes and watches | 34.9% | 39.4% | 44.4% | 53.0% |
| Retail of fashion, accessories and general goods | 33.9% | 38.4% | 43.4% | 52.0% |
| Women's goods; mobile phone sales and repair | 82.0% | 85.0% | 89.0% | 94.5% |
| Telecommunications solutions | 36.3% | 46.6% | 53.4% | 60.7% |
| Postal activities | 20.3% | 25.3% | 36.5% | 46.5% |
| IT infrastructure | 31.9% | 38.8% | 54.1% | 64.1% |
| Telecommunications infrastructure | 17.0% | 21.0% | 23.5% | 28.5% |
| Telecom operation and maintenance | 17.0% | 22.5% | 25.4% | 30.5% |
| IT operation and maintenance | 34.9% | 43.4% | 46.4% | 52.3% |
| IT solutions | 35.3% | 41.7% | 51.4% | 60.7% |
| Land transport and storage | 16.6% | 20.7% | 23.7% | 34.4% |
| Sea and air transport | 32.2% | 45.7% | 55.7% | 66.7% |
| Full-service restaurants (excluding fast food) | 19.7% | 23.5% | 26.8% | 33.2% |
| Fast-food restaurants and ice-cream shops | 21.3% | 26.6% | 29.8% | 35.8% |
| Cafés and beverage outlets | 23.2% | 27.0% | 38.0% | 42.1% |
| Catering and food supply | 20.6% | 24.5% | 27.8% | 34.5% |
| Security guarding and private recruitment offices | 75.8% | 78.8% | 81.8% | 85.8% |
| Financial institutions | 60.2% | 67.2% | 72.2% | 75.2% |
| Business services | 37.8% | 46.6% | 52.2% | 63.4% |
| Social services | 22.0% | 36.2% | 46.4% | 70.2% |
| Personal services | 19.8% | 27.9% | 41.8% | 45.7% |
| Higher education | 34.0% | 48.0% | 77.1% | 83.7% |
| Higher education — health specialties | 25.0% | 30.0% | 35.0% | 37.0% |
| Girls' schools, kindergartens and nurseries | 51.0% | 66.0% | 89.6% | 95.0% |
| Foreign schools | 13.9% | 23.2% | 29.0% | 37.8% |
| Laboratories and health services | 27.1% | 32.1% | 35.6% | 36.1% |
| Accommodation, entertainment and tourism | 34.1% | 40.5% | 46.5% | 52.7% |
| Basic goods and fuels | 10.5% | 14.4% | 24.8% | 30.7% |
| Boys' schools and mixed school complexes | 34.4% | 44.3% | 55.4% | 66.1% |
| Aggregated entities | 19.7% | 31.1% | 42.5% | 52.7% |
At 200 employees
| Activity | Low Green | Mid Green | High Green | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, livestock and equestrian services | 5.4% | 8.2% | 12.5% | 17.5% |
| Hydrocarbons and related operations | 32.0% | 51.8% | 53.8% | 55.8% |
| Metal ore and gemstone mining | 24.9% | 28.9% | 39.0% | 54.8% |
| Non-metallic and industrial mineral mining | 26.9% | 28.9% | 32.0% | 56.8% |
| Construction materials mining | 7.0% | 10.0% | 13.0% | 54.8% |
| Energy, water and related services | 15.5% | 23.1% | 33.1% | 48.8% |
| Manufacturing | 24.0% | 31.8% | 35.0% | 40.9% |
| Construction contracting | 12.2% | 14.2% | 17.5% | 22.5% |
| Operation and maintenance | 17.9% | 21.9% | 27.5% | 33.1% |
| Cleaning contracting and laundries | 10.2% | 12.2% | 17.0% | 22.0% |
| General wholesale and retail | 36.3% | 40.8% | 44.6% | 54.0% |
| Retail of perfumes and watches | 38.3% | 42.8% | 48.1% | 57.0% |
| Retail of fashion, accessories and general goods | 37.3% | 41.8% | 47.1% | 56.0% |
| Women's goods; mobile phone sales and repair | 82.0% | 85.0% | 89.0% | 94.9% |
| Telecommunications solutions | 39.4% | 50.1% | 57.4% | 65.2% |
| Postal activities | 21.4% | 26.4% | 37.9% | 47.9% |
| IT infrastructure | 36.9% | 43.8% | 59.1% | 69.1% |
| Telecommunications infrastructure | 17.0% | 21.0% | 23.5% | 28.5% |
| Telecom operation and maintenance | 17.0% | 23.0% | 25.9% | 31.1% |
| IT operation and maintenance | 41.7% | 50.1% | 53.1% | 59.1% |
| IT solutions | 38.4% | 44.9% | 55.4% | 65.2% |
| Land transport and storage | 18.2% | 22.3% | 25.8% | 36.8% |
| Sea and air transport | 34.3% | 47.7% | 58.2% | 70.4% |
| Full-service restaurants (excluding fast food) | 21.8% | 25.8% | 29.1% | 35.6% |
| Fast-food restaurants and ice-cream shops | 23.5% | 28.9% | 32.1% | 38.1% |
| Cafés and beverage outlets | 25.4% | 29.3% | 40.3% | 44.4% |
| Catering and food supply | 22.8% | 26.8% | 30.1% | 36.8% |
| Security guarding and private recruitment offices | 76.3% | 79.3% | 82.3% | 86.3% |
| Financial institutions | 63.8% | 70.8% | 75.8% | 78.8% |
| Business services | 39.2% | 48.1% | 55.2% | 66.4% |
| Social services | 24.5% | 39.5% | 51.3% | 75.1% |
| Personal services | 21.8% | 30.5% | 47.9% | 52.6% |
| Higher education | 34.0% | 48.0% | 77.6% | 84.3% |
| Higher education — health specialties | 25.0% | 30.0% | 35.0% | 37.0% |
| Girls' schools, kindergartens and nurseries | 51.0% | 66.0% | 89.6% | 95.0% |
| Foreign schools | 17.1% | 26.4% | 32.2% | 41.0% |
| Laboratories and health services | 27.6% | 32.6% | 36.1% | 36.6% |
| Accommodation, entertainment and tourism | 37.4% | 43.8% | 50.1% | 56.2% |
| Basic goods and fuels | 10.8% | 15.2% | 25.6% | 32.4% |
| Boys' schools and mixed school complexes | 36.2% | 46.1% | 57.2% | 67.9% |
| Aggregated entities | 22.8% | 34.2% | 45.6% | 55.8% |
At 1,000 employees
| Activity | Low Green | Mid Green | High Green | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, livestock and equestrian services | 5.7% | 9.1% | 13.4% | 18.4% |
| Hydrocarbons and related operations | 40.0% | 61.4% | 63.4% | 65.4% |
| Metal ore and gemstone mining | 27.6% | 31.9% | 42.4% | 64.4% |
| Non-metallic and industrial mineral mining | 29.6% | 31.9% | 35.4% | 66.4% |
| Construction materials mining | 7.0% | 10.0% | 13.0% | 64.4% |
| Energy, water and related services | 17.7% | 27.3% | 37.9% | 53.7% |
| Manufacturing | 26.7% | 34.8% | 38.3% | 44.2% |
| Construction contracting | 11.6% | 13.6% | 17.5% | 22.5% |
| Operation and maintenance | 18.1% | 22.1% | 28.3% | 34.3% |
| Cleaning contracting and laundries | 9.6% | 11.6% | 17.0% | 22.0% |
| General wholesale and retail | 40.3% | 44.8% | 48.9% | 58.5% |
| Retail of perfumes and watches | 42.3% | 46.8% | 52.4% | 61.5% |
| Retail of fashion, accessories and general goods | 41.3% | 45.8% | 51.4% | 60.5% |
| Women's goods; mobile phone sales and repair | 82.0% | 85.0% | 89.0% | 95.3% |
| Telecommunications solutions | 42.9% | 54.2% | 62.1% | 70.4% |
| Postal activities | 22.7% | 27.7% | 39.5% | 49.5% |
| IT infrastructure | 42.7% | 49.6% | 64.9% | 74.9% |
| Telecommunications infrastructure | 17.0% | 21.0% | 23.5% | 28.5% |
| Telecom operation and maintenance | 17.0% | 23.7% | 26.5% | 31.7% |
| IT operation and maintenance | 49.5% | 57.9% | 60.9% | 66.9% |
| IT solutions | 41.9% | 48.7% | 60.1% | 70.4% |
| Land transport and storage | 20.0% | 24.1% | 28.2% | 39.6% |
| Sea and air transport | 36.6% | 50.0% | 61.2% | 74.7% |
| Full-service restaurants (excluding fast food) | 24.4% | 28.5% | 31.8% | 38.2% |
| Fast-food restaurants and ice-cream shops | 26.0% | 31.6% | 34.8% | 40.8% |
| Cafés and beverage outlets | 27.9% | 32.0% | 43.0% | 47.1% |
| Catering and food supply | 25.4% | 29.5% | 32.8% | 39.5% |
| Security guarding and private recruitment offices | 76.8% | 79.8% | 82.8% | 86.8% |
| Financial institutions | 68.0% | 75.0% | 80.0% | 83.0% |
| Business services | 40.9% | 49.7% | 58.7% | 69.9% |
| Social services | 27.5% | 43.3% | 56.9% | 80.7% |
| Personal services | 24.2% | 33.6% | 55.0% | 60.7% |
| Higher education | 34.0% | 48.0% | 78.3% | 85.0% |
| Higher education — health specialties | 25.0% | 30.0% | 35.0% | 37.0% |
| Girls' schools, kindergartens and nurseries | 51.0% | 66.0% | 89.6% | 95.0% |
| Foreign schools | 20.8% | 30.1% | 35.9% | 44.7% |
| Laboratories and health services | 28.2% | 33.2% | 36.7% | 37.2% |
| Accommodation, entertainment and tourism | 41.3% | 47.7% | 54.3% | 60.4% |
| Basic goods and fuels | 11.0% | 16.1% | 26.5% | 34.3% |
| Boys' schools and mixed school complexes | 38.3% | 48.2% | 59.3% | 70.0% |
| Aggregated entities | 26.4% | 37.8% | 49.2% | 59.4% |
The formula coefficients, activity by activity
The m and c coefficients exactly as published in annex 1 of the procedural guide, transcribed from the ministry's file. They are reproduced here because the annex does not exist anywhere on the web in readable form outside a PDF of several dozen pages.
Annex edition: March 2026 · last checked 23 August 2026
Low Green · Show the table
| Activity | m | c 2026 | c 2027 | c 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, livestock and equestrian services | 0.19 | 4.38 | 4.38 | 4.38 |
| Hydrocarbons and related operations | 4.98 | 5.62 | 7.62 | 9.62 |
| Metal ore and gemstone mining | 1.68 | 16.00 | 16.00 | 16.00 |
| Non-metallic and industrial mineral mining | 1.68 | 18.00 | 20.00 | 22.00 |
| Construction materials mining | 0.00 | 7.00 | 7.00 | 7.00 |
| Energy, water and related services | 1.35 | 8.36 | 10.36 | 12.36 |
| Manufacturing | 1.68 | 15.08 | 18.08 | 21.08 |
| Construction contracting | -0.37 | 14.17 | 16.17 | 18.17 |
| Operation and maintenance | 0.14 | 17.12 | 18.12 | 19.12 |
| Cleaning contracting and laundries | -0.37 | 12.17 | 12.17 | 12.17 |
| General wholesale and retail | 2.47 | 23.25 | 26.25 | 29.25 |
| Retail of perfumes and watches | 2.47 | 25.25 | 30.25 | 35.25 |
| Retail of fashion, accessories and general goods | 2.47 | 24.25 | 28.25 | 32.25 |
| Women's goods; mobile phone sales and repair | 0.00 | 82.00 | 82.00 | 82.00 |
| Telecommunications solutions | 2.19 | 27.76 | 29.76 | 31.76 |
| Postal activities | 0.81 | 17.10 | 17.10 | 17.10 |
| IT infrastructure | 3.61 | 17.77 | 19.77 | 21.77 |
| Telecommunications infrastructure | 0.00 | 17.00 | 19.00 | 21.00 |
| Telecom operation and maintenance | 0.00 | 17.00 | 19.00 | 21.00 |
| IT operation and maintenance | 4.85 | 15.96 | 17.96 | 19.96 |
| IT solutions | 2.19 | 26.76 | 28.76 | 30.76 |
| Land transport and storage | 1.15 | 12.09 | 13.09 | 14.09 |
| Sea and air transport | 1.45 | 26.57 | 28.57 | 30.57 |
| Full-service restaurants (excluding fast food) | 1.58 | 13.47 | 14.47 | 15.47 |
| Fast-food restaurants and ice-cream shops | 1.58 | 15.08 | 16.08 | 17.08 |
| Cafés and beverage outlets | 1.58 | 16.98 | 17.98 | 18.98 |
| Catering and food supply | 1.58 | 14.46 | 15.46 | 16.46 |
| Security guarding and private recruitment offices | 0.34 | 74.50 | 74.50 | 74.50 |
| Financial institutions | 2.60 | 50.00 | 50.00 | 50.00 |
| Business services | 1.03 | 33.78 | 36.78 | 39.78 |
| Social services | 1.83 | 14.82 | 16.82 | 18.82 |
| Personal services | 1.46 | 14.07 | 14.07 | 14.07 |
| Higher education | 0.00 | 34.00 | 34.00 | 34.00 |
| Higher education — health specialties | 0.00 | 25.00 | 25.00 | 25.00 |
| Girls' schools, kindergartens and nurseries | 0.00 | 51.00 | 51.00 | 51.00 |
| Foreign schools | 2.30 | 4.95 | 4.95 | 4.95 |
| Laboratories and health services | 0.35 | 25.74 | 27.74 | 29.74 |
| Accommodation, entertainment and tourism | 2.42 | 24.60 | 26.60 | 28.60 |
| Basic goods and fuels | 0.17 | 9.86 | 10.86 | 11.86 |
| Boys' schools and mixed school complexes | 1.31 | 29.30 | 29.30 | 29.30 |
| Aggregated entities | 2.23 | 10.99 | 10.99 | 10.99 |
Mid Green · Show the table
| Activity | m | c 2026 | c 2027 | c 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, livestock and equestrian services | 0.58 | 5.13 | 5.13 | 5.13 |
| Hydrocarbons and related operations | 6.00 | 20.00 | 22.00 | 24.00 |
| Metal ore and gemstone mining | 1.87 | 19.00 | 19.00 | 19.00 |
| Non-metallic and industrial mineral mining | 1.87 | 19.00 | 21.00 | 23.00 |
| Construction materials mining | 0.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 |
| Energy, water and related services | 2.60 | 9.32 | 11.32 | 13.32 |
| Manufacturing | 1.87 | 21.87 | 24.87 | 27.87 |
| Construction contracting | -0.37 | 16.17 | 18.17 | 20.17 |
| Operation and maintenance | 0.14 | 21.12 | 22.12 | 23.12 |
| Cleaning contracting and laundries | -0.37 | 14.17 | 14.17 | 14.17 |
| General wholesale and retail | 2.47 | 27.72 | 30.72 | 33.72 |
| Retail of perfumes and watches | 2.47 | 29.72 | 34.72 | 39.72 |
| Retail of fashion, accessories and general goods | 2.47 | 28.72 | 32.72 | 36.72 |
| Women's goods; mobile phone sales and repair | 0.00 | 85.00 | 85.00 | 85.00 |
| Telecommunications solutions | 2.52 | 36.76 | 38.76 | 40.76 |
| Postal activities | 0.81 | 22.10 | 22.10 | 22.10 |
| IT infrastructure | 3.61 | 24.64 | 26.64 | 28.64 |
| Telecommunications infrastructure | 0.00 | 21.00 | 23.00 | 25.00 |
| Telecom operation and maintenance | 0.39 | 20.98 | 22.98 | 24.98 |
| IT operation and maintenance | 4.85 | 24.42 | 26.42 | 28.42 |
| IT solutions | 2.34 | 32.54 | 34.54 | 36.54 |
| Land transport and storage | 1.15 | 16.20 | 17.20 | 18.20 |
| Sea and air transport | 1.45 | 39.98 | 41.98 | 43.98 |
| Full-service restaurants (excluding fast food) | 1.67 | 16.98 | 17.98 | 18.98 |
| Fast-food restaurants and ice-cream shops | 1.67 | 20.04 | 21.04 | 22.04 |
| Cafés and beverage outlets | 1.67 | 20.49 | 21.49 | 22.49 |
| Catering and food supply | 1.67 | 17.97 | 18.97 | 19.97 |
| Security guarding and private recruitment offices | 0.34 | 77.50 | 77.50 | 77.50 |
| Financial institutions | 2.60 | 57.00 | 57.00 | 57.00 |
| Business services | 1.03 | 42.62 | 45.62 | 48.62 |
| Social services | 2.38 | 26.90 | 28.90 | 30.90 |
| Personal services | 1.92 | 20.36 | 20.36 | 20.36 |
| Higher education | 0.00 | 48.00 | 48.00 | 48.00 |
| Higher education — health specialties | 0.00 | 30.00 | 30.00 | 30.00 |
| Girls' schools, kindergartens and nurseries | 0.00 | 66.00 | 66.00 | 66.00 |
| Foreign schools | 2.30 | 14.19 | 14.19 | 14.19 |
| Laboratories and health services | 0.35 | 30.74 | 32.74 | 34.74 |
| Accommodation, entertainment and tourism | 2.42 | 31.02 | 33.02 | 35.02 |
| Basic goods and fuels | 0.56 | 12.22 | 13.22 | 14.22 |
| Boys' schools and mixed school complexes | 1.31 | 39.15 | 39.15 | 39.15 |
| Aggregated entities | 2.23 | 22.40 | 22.40 | 22.40 |
High Green · Show the table
| Activity | m | c 2026 | c 2027 | c 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, livestock and equestrian services | 0.58 | 9.38 | 9.38 | 9.38 |
| Hydrocarbons and related operations | 6.00 | 22.00 | 24.00 | 26.00 |
| Metal ore and gemstone mining | 2.08 | 28.00 | 28.00 | 28.00 |
| Non-metallic and industrial mineral mining | 2.08 | 21.00 | 23.00 | 25.00 |
| Construction materials mining | 0.00 | 13.00 | 13.00 | 13.00 |
| Energy, water and related services | 3.00 | 17.18 | 19.18 | 21.18 |
| Manufacturing | 2.08 | 23.97 | 26.97 | 29.97 |
| Construction contracting | 0.00 | 17.50 | 19.50 | 21.50 |
| Operation and maintenance | 0.48 | 24.96 | 25.96 | 26.96 |
| Cleaning contracting and laundries | 0.00 | 17.00 | 17.00 | 17.00 |
| General wholesale and retail | 2.67 | 30.41 | 33.41 | 36.41 |
| Retail of perfumes and watches | 2.67 | 33.91 | 38.91 | 43.91 |
| Retail of fashion, accessories and general goods | 2.67 | 32.91 | 36.91 | 40.91 |
| Women's goods; mobile phone sales and repair | 0.00 | 89.00 | 89.00 | 89.00 |
| Telecommunications solutions | 2.91 | 42.02 | 44.02 | 46.02 |
| Postal activities | 1.01 | 32.50 | 32.50 | 32.50 |
| IT infrastructure | 3.61 | 40.00 | 42.00 | 44.00 |
| Telecommunications infrastructure | 0.00 | 23.50 | 25.50 | 27.50 |
| Telecom operation and maintenance | 0.39 | 23.83 | 25.83 | 27.83 |
| IT operation and maintenance | 4.85 | 27.42 | 29.42 | 31.42 |
| IT solutions | 2.91 | 40.02 | 42.02 | 44.02 |
| Land transport and storage | 1.50 | 17.82 | 18.82 | 19.82 |
| Sea and air transport | 1.86 | 48.38 | 50.38 | 52.38 |
| Full-service restaurants (excluding fast food) | 1.67 | 20.26 | 21.26 | 22.26 |
| Fast-food restaurants and ice-cream shops | 1.67 | 23.27 | 24.27 | 25.27 |
| Cafés and beverage outlets | 1.67 | 31.42 | 32.42 | 33.42 |
| Catering and food supply | 1.67 | 21.25 | 22.25 | 23.25 |
| Security guarding and private recruitment offices | 0.34 | 80.50 | 80.50 | 80.50 |
| Financial institutions | 2.60 | 62.00 | 62.00 | 62.00 |
| Business services | 2.19 | 43.62 | 46.62 | 49.62 |
| Social services | 3.50 | 32.74 | 34.74 | 36.74 |
| Personal services | 4.40 | 24.63 | 24.63 | 24.63 |
| Higher education | 0.43 | 75.37 | 75.37 | 75.37 |
| Higher education — health specialties | 0.00 | 35.00 | 35.00 | 35.00 |
| Girls' schools, kindergartens and nurseries | 0.00 | 89.56 | 89.56 | 89.56 |
| Foreign schools | 2.30 | 19.99 | 19.99 | 19.99 |
| Laboratories and health services | 0.35 | 34.24 | 36.24 | 38.24 |
| Accommodation, entertainment and tourism | 2.59 | 36.40 | 38.40 | 40.40 |
| Basic goods and fuels | 0.56 | 22.59 | 23.59 | 24.59 |
| Boys' schools and mixed school complexes | 1.31 | 50.27 | 50.27 | 50.27 |
| Aggregated entities | 2.23 | 33.81 | 33.81 | 33.81 |
Platinum · Show the table
| Activity | m | c 2026 | c 2027 | c 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, livestock and equestrian services | 0.58 | 14.38 | 14.38 | 14.38 |
| Hydrocarbons and related operations | 6.00 | 24.00 | 26.00 | 28.00 |
| Metal ore and gemstone mining | 6.00 | 23.00 | 23.00 | 23.00 |
| Non-metallic and industrial mineral mining | 6.00 | 25.00 | 27.00 | 29.00 |
| Construction materials mining | 6.00 | 23.00 | 23.00 | 23.00 |
| Energy, water and related services | 3.00 | 32.93 | 34.93 | 36.93 |
| Manufacturing | 2.08 | 29.87 | 32.87 | 35.87 |
| Construction contracting | 0.00 | 22.50 | 24.50 | 26.50 |
| Operation and maintenance | 0.76 | 29.09 | 30.09 | 31.09 |
| Cleaning contracting and laundries | 0.00 | 22.00 | 22.00 | 22.00 |
| General wholesale and retail | 2.84 | 38.91 | 41.91 | 44.91 |
| Retail of perfumes and watches | 2.84 | 41.91 | 46.91 | 51.91 |
| Retail of fashion, accessories and general goods | 2.84 | 40.91 | 44.91 | 48.91 |
| Women's goods; mobile phone sales and repair | 0.27 | 93.42 | 93.42 | 93.42 |
| Telecommunications solutions | 3.22 | 48.15 | 50.15 | 52.15 |
| Postal activities | 1.01 | 42.50 | 42.50 | 42.50 |
| IT infrastructure | 3.61 | 50.00 | 52.00 | 54.00 |
| Telecommunications infrastructure | 0.00 | 28.50 | 30.50 | 32.50 |
| Telecom operation and maintenance | 0.39 | 29.00 | 31.00 | 33.00 |
| IT operation and maintenance | 4.85 | 33.36 | 35.36 | 37.36 |
| IT solutions | 3.22 | 48.15 | 50.15 | 52.15 |
| Land transport and storage | 1.71 | 27.74 | 28.74 | 29.74 |
| Sea and air transport | 2.67 | 56.29 | 58.29 | 60.29 |
| Full-service restaurants (excluding fast food) | 1.67 | 26.71 | 27.71 | 28.71 |
| Fast-food restaurants and ice-cream shops | 1.67 | 29.26 | 30.26 | 31.26 |
| Cafés and beverage outlets | 1.67 | 35.52 | 36.52 | 37.52 |
| Catering and food supply | 1.67 | 27.93 | 28.93 | 29.93 |
| Security guarding and private recruitment offices | 0.34 | 84.50 | 84.50 | 84.50 |
| Financial institutions | 2.60 | 65.00 | 65.00 | 65.00 |
| Business services | 2.19 | 54.82 | 57.82 | 60.82 |
| Social services | 3.50 | 56.52 | 58.52 | 60.52 |
| Personal services | 5.00 | 26.13 | 26.13 | 26.13 |
| Higher education | 0.43 | 82.00 | 82.00 | 82.00 |
| Higher education — health specialties | 0.00 | 37.00 | 37.00 | 37.00 |
| Girls' schools, kindergartens and nurseries | 0.00 | 95.00 | 95.00 | 95.00 |
| Foreign schools | 2.30 | 28.77 | 28.77 | 28.77 |
| Laboratories and health services | 0.35 | 34.74 | 36.74 | 38.74 |
| Accommodation, entertainment and tourism | 2.59 | 42.52 | 44.52 | 46.52 |
| Basic goods and fuels | 1.19 | 26.09 | 27.09 | 28.09 |
| Boys' schools and mixed school complexes | 1.31 | 61.00 | 61.00 | 61.00 |
| Aggregated entities | 2.23 | 44.00 | 44.00 | 44.00 |
Profession-level Saudization does not follow your band
Alongside Nitaqat, the ministry has issued decrees covering specific professions. Their procedural guides say plainly that penalties apply “regardless of the entity's Nitaqat band”: an entity sitting in Platinum can be in breach of the engineering decree at the same time.
| Professions | Rate | Applies from | Decree | In force | Minimum salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative support professions | 100% | 1 employee or more | 132249 | 2026-04-05 | None set in the guide |
| Project management professions | 70% | 3 employees or more | Not yet published | 2027-02-14 | None set in the guide |
| Marketing professions | 60% | 3 employees or more | 101319 | 2026-01-19 | 5,500 SAR |
| Sales professions | 60% | 3 employees or more | 101278 | 2026-01-19 | None set in the guide |
| Engineering professions | 30% | 5 employees or more | 93483 | 2026-06-30 | 8,000 SAR |
Professional verification comes before the visa, not after it
Under Council of Ministers Resolution 195, workers arriving in the high-skill professions of SSCO groups 1–3 — engineering and health among them — have their qualifications verified before entering the Kingdom. The ministry has completed rollout across 160 countries, covering 1,007 professions.
Groups 4–9 go through the professional examination instead: a 75-minute theory and practical test, valid for five years, which must be passed before a work entry visa can be issued. Certificates from the home country are not accepted as equivalent.
Either way the problem that reaches the employer is the same: a candidate is chosen, an offer is signed, and then the file stalls. Trust Agent verifies identity, qualification and employment history before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
How many Nitaqat bands are there?
Five: Red, Low Green, Mid Green, High Green and Platinum. Many secondary sources still list six by including a Yellow band; it does not appear in the 2026 procedural guide in force.
How is the required rate calculated?
With a logarithmic formula: rate = m × ln(total employees) + c. The coefficient m is the curve constant for each activity and band; c is the Saudization constant for each activity, band and year. The coefficients are published in annex 1 of the procedural guide and cover 41 economic activities for 2026, 2027 and 2028.
What happens if my company falls into the Low Green Nitaqat band?
New visa requests and profession changes are suspended. In the Red band, visa requests and new work permits stop, and existing permits cannot be renewed either. Platinum, High Green and Mid Green carry the same services.
Does being in Platinum exempt me from the profession decrees?
No. The procedural guides for the profession decrees state that penalties apply regardless of the entity's Nitaqat band. The two run in parallel: an entity in Platinum can simultaneously be in breach of the administrative support decree.
Does my Saudization target go up if I hire more foreign workers?
Yes, in 39 of the 41 activities. Because the threshold is m × ln(headcount) + c with a positive m, growing the payroll raises your own target as well as diluting your ratio. The two exceptions are construction contracting and cleaning contracting and laundries, where m is negative (−0.37) in the Low Green and Mid Green bands: there the required rate falls as the entity grows, from 13.3% at 10 employees to 11.6% at 1,000.
Is there still a Yellow Nitaqat band?
No. There are five bands — Red, Low Green, Mid Green, High Green and Platinum — and the Yellow band does not appear in the 2026 procedural guide in force. Sources still listing six bands are working from a superseded edition.
What is my required Saudization percentage?
It depends on your economic activity and your headcount. In 2026 the published thresholds run from 11.6% (construction contracting, 1,000 employees, Low Green) to 58.5% (general wholesale and retail, 1,000 employees, Platinum). The table on this page gives the figure for all 41 activities at 10, 50, 200 and 1,000 employees.
When was the current Nitaqat phase announced?
On 22 January 2026, by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. The phase covers 2026, 2027 and 2028. The date of 19 February 2026 that circulates in secondary sources does not correspond to the announcement.
Is project management Saudization phased at 35% then 40%?
No. The official statement sets 70%, in force from 14 February 2027, with no intermediate phases. The figures of 35% and 40% do not appear in the official source.
Do all my Saudi staff count towards the rate?
Not necessarily. Under the engineering decree a Saudi engineer does not count if their GOSI-contributing salary is below 8,000 SAR, and engineers without professional accreditation from the Saudi Council of Engineers do not count at all. The marketing decree sets a 5,500 SAR floor. The sales and administrative support guides set no salary floor.
This page is an unofficial rendering of the coefficients in annex 1 of the 2026 Nitaqat procedural guide issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. The binding reference is the ministry and the Qiwa platform alone; the figure here is an estimate and does not replace checking your entity's own calculation. Booka is a private company, not part of the ministry, and claims no official standing with it.
Saudi Ministry of Education recognised universities register