GOSI Saudi Arabia: Your Social Insurance Rights
The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) is Saudi Arabia's mandatory social insurance system. Whether you are a Saudi national or an expatriate worker, your employer must register you with GOSI and make contributions. Understanding what GOSI covers — and what it does not — is essential for protecting your rights.
What GOSI Covers
GOSI operates two main branches of coverage under Royal Decree No. M/33.
Annuities (Pension) Branch: For Saudi nationals only. Provides retirement pension at age 60, early retirement pension after 25 years of contributions, disability pension, and survivor benefits for dependents. Funded by 19.5% of salary (9.75% from employee, 9.75% from employer).
Occupational Hazards Branch: For all workers including expatriates. Covers workplace injuries, occupational diseases, medical treatment costs, disability from work incidents, and death benefits. Funded by 2% of salary paid entirely by the employer.
Contribution Rates Breakdown
For Saudi employees, total GOSI contribution is 21.5% of gross salary: the Annuities branch takes 19.5% (split equally), Occupational Hazards takes 2% (employer only). An additional 1.5% funds the SANED unemployment insurance program (0.75% from each side).
For expatriate employees, the only contribution is 2% for Occupational Hazards, paid entirely by the employer. Expats do not contribute to and do not benefit from the pension system. However, expats are fully covered for workplace injuries and occupational diseases.
Workplace Injury Claims
If you are injured at work or develop an occupational disease, GOSI covers all medical expenses, daily compensation during recovery, disability payments if you suffer permanent impairment, and death benefits to your dependents.
To file a claim: your employer must report the injury to GOSI within 3 days of occurrence. If your employer refuses, you can report directly to GOSI. Visit any GOSI-approved hospital for treatment — costs are billed directly to GOSI.
Important: If your employer is not registered with GOSI or has not been paying contributions, you are still entitled to occupational hazard benefits. GOSI will cover your treatment and pursue the employer for unpaid contributions and penalties.
How to Check Your GOSI Record
Visit gosi.gov.sa and log in with Absher credentials
Or download the Taminaty app for mobile access to your GOSI record
Verify your registered salary matches your contract — underreporting is a common violation
Check that contributions have been paid every month — gaps indicate employer non-compliance
Common GOSI Violations by Employers
The most frequent violations include: registering workers at a lower salary than actual pay to reduce contributions, failing to register workers altogether, not reporting workplace injuries to avoid premium increases, and deducting GOSI contributions from salary without actually remitting them to GOSI.
All of these are punishable under Saudi law. GOSI can impose fines of up to SAR 10,000 per violation per month, and persistent violators face criminal prosecution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GOSI?
Saudi Arabia's mandatory social insurance covering pensions for Saudis and occupational hazards for all workers. Employers must register every employee.
Do expats get GOSI benefits?
Expats are covered for workplace injuries and occupational diseases only (2% paid by employer). Pension benefits are for Saudi nationals only.
How much is the contribution?
Saudis: 21.5% total (split between employee and employer). Expats: 2% paid by employer only.
How do I check my GOSI record?
Visit gosi.gov.sa with Absher login or download the Taminaty mobile app. Check your registered salary and contribution history.
Verify Your Contract Matches GOSI Records
Upload your contract to TenderScan and we will flag if your GOSI-registered salary should be different from what is stated.
Review Your Contract