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NITAQAT CALCULATOR
Check your Saudization compliance band based on your workforce composition and economic activity.
The Nitaqat calculator helps business owners evaluate their establishment's current or projected standing in the Saudi labor market by analyzing workforce composition.
Both the Nitaqat band and the Saudization rate are determined by the ratio of Saudi to non-Saudi employees within the entity.
An entity's Nitaqat classification is tied to its Nationalization rate, which varies according to its economic activity.
Enter your workforce details and select your economic sub-activity to calculate your Nitaqat band.
Nitaqat is the Saudization program run by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. It classifies private-sector establishments into bands — Red, Yellow, Green (low, medium and high) and Platinum — based on the share of Saudi nationals in their workforce, taking into account the establishment’s economic activity and size. This classification determines how easily a business can recruit expatriate workers, renew visas, and benefit from the Ministry’s services.
What is Nitaqat and how is it calculated?
Nitaqat is a government system that measures how well private establishments comply with Saudization by comparing the number of Saudi employees against the total workforce, with the required percentage adjusted according to the establishment’s economic activity and headcount. Every economic activity has its own target Saudization rate, which is why there is no single fixed number that applies to all companies.
Nitaqat bands: from Red to Platinum
Establishments are placed in one of several bands according to the Saudization rate they achieve compared with the target rate for their activity:
| Band | General description |
|---|---|
| Red band | The lowest level of Saudization compliance — restrictions on recruiting expatriate workers and renewing visas. |
| Yellow band | Below-average compliance — partial restrictions on some services. |
| Green band (Low / Medium / High) | Good to excellent Saudization compliance — growing benefits for recruitment and services. |
| Platinum band | The highest level of compliance — full priority on services and the fewest restrictions. |
The exact percentages required for each band vary by economic activity and establishment size, and are updated periodically by the Ministry. For the most accurate classification, use the calculator above by entering your economic sub-activity and employee numbers.
How to use Bayzat’s Nitaqat calculator
Select your establishment’s economic sub-activity.
Enter your current number of Saudi employees.
Enter your number of non-Saudi employees.
(Optional) Compare the expected band if your headcount changes, to see how a future hiring decision would affect your classification.
Click “Calculate” to see your current or expected band instantly.
Why does your Nitaqat band matter?
Your Nitaqat classification directly affects your establishment’s ability to operate and grow in Saudi Arabia:
- ✓Recruiting expatriate workers: Establishments in the Green band and above get greater flexibility in recruiting and renewing work visas.
- ✓Service transfers: Some sponsorship transfer and visa services are available only to establishments in the higher bands.
- ✓Priority in government tenders: Some government entities require a minimum Nitaqat band before awarding contracts.
- ✓Avoiding penalties: Establishments in the Red band face operational restrictions that can affect business continuity.
Frequently asked questions about Nitaqat and Saudization
What is Nitaqat?
Nitaqat is a program run by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to measure how well private establishments comply with hiring Saudi nationals (Saudization). It places every establishment in a specific band based on its Saudization rate relative to its economic activity.
How do I find out my establishment’s band?
You can find your band by entering your economic sub-activity and your number of Saudi and non-Saudi employees in the Nitaqat calculator above, or through the Ministry of Human Resources’ Qiwa platform for the official approved classification.
How is a Saudi employee counted in Nitaqat?
A Saudi employee is counted based on specific conditions, including registration with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) and earning at least the approved minimum salary for counting, along with other conditions that vary by contract type.
Does the required Saudization rate differ by economic activity?
Yes. Each economic sub-activity has its own target Saudization rate, set by the Ministry according to the nature of the sector and the availability of Saudi talent within it, which is why there is no single fixed number that applies to all establishments.
What happens if my establishment is in the Red band?
Establishments in the Red band face restrictions on recruiting new expatriate workers and renewing work permits, along with restrictions on certain other government services, until their Saudization rate improves and they move up to a higher band.
Note: The results shown in Bayzat’s Nitaqat calculator are estimates based on the latest rates announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. To verify your establishment’s official classification, check the Qiwa platform or the Ministry’s website (hrsd.gov.sa).
How Bayzat helps you manage Saudization and compliance
Bayzat helps your establishment track Nitaqat and manage Saudization automatically, as part of a single unified HR and payroll platform:
- ✓Automatic tracking of your Saudization rate with every change in your workforce
- ✓Alerts when your establishment is close to moving to a different band
- ✓Integration with payroll and social insurance (GOSI) to ensure Saudi employees are counted accurately
- ✓Ready-made reports for your HR team and management