Annual Leave in Saudi Arabia
إجازة سنوية - Complete Guide 2025
Quick Answer
Employees in Saudi Arabia are entitled to 21 days of annual leave per year, increasing to 30 days after 5 years of continuous service. Leave is paid at full salary and must be granted within 12 months of accrual.
Leave Entitlements
| Years of Service | Annual Leave Days |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | Pro-rata (based on months worked) |
| 1 to 5 years | 21 days minimum |
| 5+ years | 30 days minimum |
Key Rules
Minimum Consecutive Days
At least 14 consecutive days must be granted per year
Advance Notice
Employer must notify 30 days before scheduled leave
Carry Forward
Unused leave can be carried forward with employer agreement
Encashment on Exit
All accrued leave must be paid upon termination
Frequently Asked Questions
Under Saudi Labor Law, employees are entitled to a minimum of 21 days annual leave per year. After 5 years of continuous service with the same employer, this increases to 30 days per year.
Yes, unused annual leave can be encashed upon termination or resignation. Employees must receive payment for all accrued leave days based on their last wage. However, employers cannot force employees to accept cash instead of taking leave during employment.
Employers can schedule when leave is taken based on business needs, but cannot deny leave entirely. Leave must be granted within 12 months of accrual. Employees must receive at least 14 consecutive days of leave per year.
Annual leave is calculated in working days, not calendar days. Weekends (Friday-Saturday) and official public holidays that fall during the leave period are not counted against the leave balance.
Employees become entitled to annual leave after completing one year of service. The employer determines the timing of leave based on work requirements but must notify the employee at least 30 days in advance.