Saudi Labor Law Article 85: End of Service When You Resign
Quick answer: Under Article 85, a worker who resigns gets nothing with less than 2 years of service, one third of the end of service award with 2 to 5 years, two thirds with more than 5 and less than 10 years, and the full award with 10 years or more. The full award itself is worked out under Article 84.
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The Article 85 table
| Continuous service | Share of the award |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | Nothing |
| 2 to 5 years | One third (1/3) |
| More than 5 and less than 10 years | Two thirds (2/3) |
| 10 years or more | Full award |
Example
7 years, last wage 9,000 SAR. Full award = 5 × 0.5 × 9,000 + 2 × 9,000 = 40,500 SAR. Two thirds on resignation = 27,000 SAR. More examples are in the resignation guide.
How resignation works since 2025 (Article 79 bis)
- Resignation is a written request. If the employer does not reply within 30 days, it is accepted automatically.
- The employer may postpone acceptance by up to 60 days if work needs it, with written reasons given before the 30 days end.
- You can withdraw the resignation within 7 days of submitting it, unless the employer has already accepted it.
- The request cannot set a later effective date. Both sides keep working under the contract until it ends.
- A worker who resigns keeps all rights under the law, including the share of the award above.
When a resignation still gets the full award (Article 87)
- The worker leaves because of force majeure beyond their control.
- A female worker ends the contract within 6 months of her marriage or 3 months of giving birth.
- Leaving for the employer's serious fault under Article 81 is not a normal resignation, so the award is not reduced.
Before you resign
- Count your service to the day: one more month can move you from 1/3 to 2/3.
- Check if your fixed-term contract ends soon. A contract that simply ends gives the full award.
- Payment is due within two weeks when the worker ends the contract (Article 88).
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Frequently asked questions
What is Article 85 of the Saudi Labor Law?
It sets the end of service award on resignation: nothing under 2 years, one third for 2–5 years, two thirds for more than 5 and less than 10, and the full award from 10 years.
I resigned after exactly 5 years. What do I get?
One third. Two thirds starts only after more than 5 years of continuous service.
How long does the employer have to accept my resignation?
30 days. Without a reply it is accepted automatically. The employer can postpone by up to 60 days with written reasons.
Can I take back my resignation?
Yes, within 7 days of submitting it, as long as the employer has not accepted it yet.
Does a woman who resigns after marriage get the full award?
Yes, if she ends the contract within 6 months of marriage, or within 3 months of giving birth (Article 87).
Official sources
- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD): End-of-service award regulations, Labor Law Articles 84–88
- HRSD: Saudi Labor Law, Articles 74–88
This guide explains the general rules. It is not legal advice.