Annual Leave in Saudi Labor Law 2026: Leave Balance and Leave Pay Calculation
Quick answer: A private-sector worker in Saudi Arabia gets at least 21 days of paid annual leave a year, rising to 30 days after 5 continuous years with the same employer. Leave builds up at 1.75 days a month (2.5 days after 5 years). Leave pay = monthly wage ÷ 30 × number of leave days, and it is paid before the leave starts.
Calculate your leave balance →
How many days of annual leave?
| Service with the same employer | Days per year | Days earned per month |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 5 years | 21 | 1.75 |
| 5 years or more | 30 | 2.5 |
| Government (civil service) | 36 | 3 |
How to calculate your leave balance (رصيد الإجازات)
- Count the months you worked since your last leave year started.
- Multiply by 1.75 (or 2.5 after 5 years).
- Subtract the leave days you already took.
Example: 8 months worked, 3 days already taken. Balance = 8 × 1.75 − 3 = 11 days.
How to calculate leave pay (بدل الإجازة)
Daily wage = monthly wage ÷ 30. Leave pay = daily wage × leave days.
| Monthly wage (SAR) | Daily wage | 21 days | 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,000 | 133.33 | 2,800 | 4,000 |
| 6,000 | 200 | 4,200 | 6,000 |
| 9,000 | 300 | 6,300 | 9,000 |
| 12,000 | 400 | 8,400 | 12,000 |
The Labor Law does not spell out which wage (basic only or basic plus allowances) is used for leave pay. In practice most employers use the full wage (basic + housing + transport). Check your contract or the company's work regulations.
Can I sell or carry over my leave?
- During service: you cannot take cash instead of leave (Article 109). The leave must be taken.
- Carry over: possible with the employer's agreement, or by the employer's decision for work needs up to 90 days. It cannot be delayed past the end of the next year.
- At the end of the contract: all unused leave days are paid in cash (Article 111), including the part of the final year you worked.
Unused leave at the end of service: example
Monthly wage 9,000 SAR, 15 unused days when the contract ends. Leave pay = 9,000 ÷ 30 × 15 = 4,500 SAR. This is paid in the final settlement together with the end-of-service award. See the final settlement guide.
Government employees
Civil servants get 36 days of regular leave a year. Unused leave can be paid in cash at the end of service, usually up to 72 days in the standard case.
Frequently asked questions
How many days is annual leave in Saudi Arabia?
At least 21 days a year in the private sector, and 30 days after 5 continuous years with the same employer. Government employees get 36 days.
How do I calculate my leave pay?
Monthly wage ÷ 30 × leave days. For a 6,000 SAR wage and 21 days: 200 × 21 = 4,200 SAR.
How many leave days do I earn per month?
1.75 days a month on 21 days a year, or 2.5 days a month on 30 days a year.
Can I get money instead of taking my leave?
Not during service. Unused leave is paid in cash only when the contract ends.
Is unused leave paid if I resign?
Yes. Unused leave is paid whether you resign or the contract ends. The resignation reduction applies only to the end-of-service award, not to leave pay.
Official sources
- HRSD: Labor Law, work conditions and leave (Articles 109 to 111)
- HRSD: Civil Service Human Resources Regulations (leave, Articles 130 to 133)
This guide explains the general rules. It is not legal advice.