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How to Register Your Business with GOSI in Saudi Arabia
GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance) is Saudi Arabia's social insurance authority. Every business that employs staff must register with GOSI and make monthly contributions for each employee. Failure to register or pay contributions on time results in fines and penalties. This guide explains how to register.
Who Is This For?
Business owners in Saudi Arabia who are hiring their first employee and need to set up social insurance contributions.
What You Need Before Starting
- ✓A valid Commercial Registration (CR)
- ✓Your business's National Address
- ✓Details of employees to be registered — Iqama numbers, salaries, job titles
- ✓A business bank account for contribution payments
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Go to the GOSI portal at gosi.gov.sa and click 'Register an Establishment'
- 2Log in using your National ID or Iqama via the Nafath verification system
- 3Enter your Commercial Registration (CR) number — GOSI will retrieve your business details automatically
- 4Fill in your establishment details — number of employees, business address, and bank account information
- 5Register your employees — enter each employee's Iqama number, salary, and job title
- 6GOSI will calculate the monthly contribution amount — this is split between the employer and employee
- 7Set up automatic payment through your bank's SADAD system or through the GOSI portal
- 8Download your GOSI registration certificate — this is required for various government tenders and licenses
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Delaying GOSI registration after hiring — penalties apply for late registration starting from the employee's first day
- ✗Registering employees with incorrect salary amounts — contributions are based on salary and must match payroll records
- ✗Not updating GOSI when employee salaries change — under-contribution due to outdated salary data results in penalties
- ✗Forgetting to deregister employees who leave — you will continue to be charged contributions for departed employees
Timing & Fees
GOSI registration is free. Monthly contributions are calculated as a percentage of each employee's salary. For Saudi nationals: employer pays 12% and employee pays 10% of salary. For expat employees: employer pays 2% only. Contribution rates may be updated — verify on gosi.gov.sa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register expat employees with GOSI?
Yes, but the contribution structure is different. Expat employees are covered for work injury insurance only. The employer pays 2% of the expat employee's salary to GOSI. Saudi nationals have a more comprehensive contribution structure.
What happens if I miss a monthly GOSI payment?
Late payments result in financial penalties. Persistent non-payment can lead to restrictions on renewing business licenses and government contract eligibility.
Can I manage GOSI through an HR system?
Yes. GOSI integrates with many HR and payroll systems in Saudi Arabia. You can also manage contributions and employee registrations through the GOSI portal directly.