Saudi Annual Leave: 21 Days Entitlement
Every worker in Saudi Arabia is entitled to paid annual leave. The Saudi Labour Law sets a minimum of 21 days per year, increasing to 30 days after five years of continuous service. Your employer cannot reduce this entitlement, and you cannot waive it. Here is everything you need to know about your annual leave rights.
Your Leave Entitlement
First 5 years: Minimum 21 calendar days of paid annual leave per year (Article 109). Leave accrues from day one of employment but can typically be taken after completing 3 months.
After 5 years: Entitlement increases to 30 calendar days per year with the same employer. This is automatic — no need to negotiate or request it.
Public holidays: In addition to annual leave, workers are entitled to paid public holidays. Saudi National Day (23 September) and Eid al-Fitr (4 days) and Eid al-Adha (4 days) are mandatory paid holidays.
Rules Your Employer Must Follow
Must allow at least 10 consecutive days of leave per year (Article 109)
Must notify you of your leave schedule at least 30 days in advance
Must pay your full salary for the leave period in advance (before you start leave)
Cannot force you to waive annual leave or accept a cash payment instead of taking leave while employed
Important: Article 109 states that a worker cannot waive their right to annual leave. Even if you sign an agreement giving up your leave, it is legally void. Any contract clause that eliminates or reduces annual leave below the statutory minimum is unenforceable.
Leave During Notice Period
If you are serving a notice period (whether you resigned or were terminated), you are still entitled to take accrued annual leave. The employer cannot force you to work through your leave balance during notice. If the employer requires you to work during what would have been leave days, they must pay you for those days at the overtime rate.
Upon termination or resignation, any unused annual leave must be paid out as a cash lump sum. This is calculated at your most recent daily salary rate multiplied by the number of unused leave days. This payment is separate from and in addition to your end-of-service gratuity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many leave days do I get?
21 calendar days per year minimum. Increases to 30 days after 5 consecutive years with the same employer.
Can my employer deny leave?
They can schedule when you take it, but cannot deny it entirely. Must allow at least 10 consecutive days per year.
Do I get paid for unused leave when leaving?
Yes. All unused leave must be compensated at your last daily salary rate. This is separate from end-of-service gratuity.
Can I carry forward unused leave?
Unused days accumulate if the employer prevents you from taking leave. You cannot waive your leave right even in writing.
Check Your Leave Clause
Upload your Saudi contract and TenderScan will verify your leave entitlement matches the law and flag any problematic clauses.
Review Your Contract