Saudization by Profession

By Ishta Handa, HR Researcher & Leadership AuthorLast fact-checked 9 October 2026

Quick answer

Saudi Arabia sets profession Saudization rules that require a minimum share of Saudi nationals in named occupations, on top of each employer's Nitaqat band. Current and announced rules cover project management (70% from 14 February 2027), procurement (70%), marketing and sales (60%), engineering (30%), accounting (50% from 27 October 2026) and 69 administrative support roles (100%).

Profession Saudization rules set the minimum Saudi share for specific occupations, measured by the occupation registered for each employee on Qiwa and GOSI. They apply separately from Nitaqat, so an establishment can be Platinum and still miss a profession rule.

Which professions have Saudization rules?

Profession	Saudi share	Applies to	Guide
Project management	70% from 14 Feb 2027	3+ workers in 3 occupations	Project management
Procurement	70%	3+ workers in 12 occupations	Procurement
Marketing	60%, SAR 5,500 floor	3+ workers in 10 occupations	Marketing
Sales	60%, no salary floor	3+ workers in 8 occupations	Sales
Engineering	30%, SAR 8,000 floor	5+ engineers in 46 occupations	Engineering
Accounting	40% now, 50% from 27 Oct 2026	5+ accountants	Accounting
Administrative support	100%	1+ worker in 69 occupations	Administrative support
Housing supervisors	100%	Collective housing for 20+ residents	Housing supervisors
IT and communications	25% per group, SAR 7,000 or SAR 5,000 floor	5+ workers in a group of 36 occupations	IT
Legal	70% of legal consultancy staff, SAR 5,500 floor	Companies, law firms and legal offices with 4 covered occupations	Legal
Logistics	No single rule: warehouse roles in procurement 70%; customs clearance 70%	See page for each activity	Logistics
HR and recruitment	100% for HR clerical and personnel roles listed in the administrative support decision, as reported	1+ worker in a listed occupation	HR and recruitment

Sector rules for tourism, healthcare, gyms and spas are listed on the Saudization by sector page. Every rule, with salary floors, decision numbers and sources, is in the Saudization rates database.

How do profession rules work?

Each rule names occupations by their code in the Saudi classification of occupations, sets a headcount threshold, and sets a percentage. Some add a minimum salary for a Saudi to count. Coverage follows the registered occupation, not the internal job title, so map your job titles to occupation codes before each deadline.

What should employers check first?

Start with the employer guide and the 90-day readiness checklist, then track the dates in the Saudization calendar.