If you're launching or managing a business in Saudi Arabia, obtaining a GOSI Certificate is an essential legal requirement.
This guide covers all the important details about the certificate—its purpose, who it applies to, how to obtain it, and why it’s important.
What is a GOSI Certificate?
GOSI, or the General Organization for Social Insurance, is the Saudi government agency responsible for implementing social insurance laws. It oversees the collection of employee contributions and provides benefits such as pensions, work injury compensation, and unemployment support.
The GOSI Certificate is an official document issued by the organization to confirm that a company is compliant with social insurance regulations. This includes registering employees and making the required monthly contributions.
This certificate plays a vital role in demonstrating a company’s legal compliance with Saudi labor laws. It is often necessary for accessing government services, securing business licenses, or processing employee visas.
All businesses operating in Saudi Arabia—whether Saudi-owned or foreign-owned—are required to obtain the GOSI Certificate to remain legally compliant and fulfill labor and social protection obligations.
Who Needs a GOSI Certificate in Saudi Arabia?
The GOSI Certificate is a mandatory requirement for all registered businesses operating within Saudi Arabia. Any company employing Saudi or non-Saudi workers must register with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) to ensure compliance with labor laws and social insurance obligations.
This requirement applies across the board—from startups and small businesses to large corporations—as a key part of licensing and HR compliance.
Entities required to obtain a GOSI Certificate include:
All registered businesses operating in Saudi Arabia
Companies fully owned by Saudi nationals.
Foreign-owned businesses and joint ventures with foreign investors.
Employers of Saudi nationals and/or expatriate workers.
Startups and SMEs seeking to obtain business licenses.
Companies bidding on government tenders or participating in public contracts.
Businesses that need employee work visas or other government-related services
Why Is the GOSI Certificate Important?
The GOSI Certificate serves as official proof that a company complies with Saudi labor laws, particularly those related to employee social insurance contributions.
Compliance helps companies avoid fines, maintain seamless operations, and build credibility with both government agencies and private sector partners.
Key reasons the GOSI Certificate is essential:
Required for registering a new business or renewing licenses
Needed to obtain municipal permits and employee work visas
Essential for bidding on government projects and public tenders
Used to verify employee salaries, service duration, and insurance status
Supports access to housing loans, sponsorship transfers, and employee benefits
Enables eligibility for unemployment and other GOSI-related social services
More than just a legal formality, the GOSI Certificate is a critical document for managing workforce responsibilities, expanding business potential, and maintaining lawful operations in the Kingdom.
Read Also: Create company in Saudi Arabia
Benefits of the GOSI Certificate
Both employers and employees benefit significantly from GOSI registration. The certificate brings legal, financial, and operational advantages that support business sustainability and employee welfare.
Top benefits include:
Avoiding fines and business interruptions due to non-compliance.
Facilitating commercial license renewals and registration updates.
Ensuring eligibility for government contracts and tender participation.
Streamlining work visa issuance and renewals for employees.
Protecting employee rights with coverage for pensions, injuries, retirement, disability, death, and unemployment.
Proving compliance with Saudi labor and social insurance laws.
Enhancing corporate reputation with government entities and private clients.
Improving access to timely government payments and services.
By securing the GOSI Certificate, companies demonstrate their role as responsible employers and trusted partners, opening doors to greater growth and opportunity in Saudi Arabia.
Types of GOSI Certificates in Saudi Arabia
There are three primary types of GOSI certificates, each designed to serve specific purposes for both employers and individuals:
1. Subscription GOSI Certificate (For Employers)
This certificate confirms that a business is registered with GOSI and is actively paying social insurance contributions for its employees.
It is essential for ensuring compliance with Saudi labor laws and is often required for:
Government contracts and tenders.
Employee visa sponsorships.
Various legal and business dealings.
2. No-Subscription GOSI Certificate (Exemption)
Issued to businesses or individuals who are not obligated to register with GOSI—such as certain freelancers, sole proprietors without staff, or inactive entities.
This document serves as official proof that no GOSI contributions are required.
3. Employment/Salary GOSI Certificate (For Individuals)
This certificate provides a detailed record of an employee’s salary, employment history, and GOSI contribution status.
It is commonly used for personal matters, such as:
Visa applications.
Housing or bank loan applications.
Official employment verification.
It can be requested by either the employer or the employee.
How to Get a GOSI Certificate in Saudi Arabia: A Step-by-Step Guide
You can apply for a GOSI Certificate online via the official GOSI website or the Taminaty mobile app. Alternatively, you may submit a request in person through an authorized representative if online access is unavailable.
Step 1: Log in to the GOSI Platform
Visit the GOSI website or open the Taminaty app. Sign in using your business or personal credentials, depending on whether you are an employer or individual.
Step 2: Submit a Request
Go to the certificate services section, select the type of certificate you need, and provide the necessary business or employment details before submitting the application.
Step 3: Apply In-Person (if needed)
If you're unable to apply online, authorize a representative with an official authorization letter to visit a GOSI branch and submit the request on your behalf.
Step 4: Check Your Information
Before submitting, ensure that all personal IDs, Iqama numbers, employee data, and business registration numbers are accurate. Mistakes may delay processing.
Step 5: Download Your Certificate
Once approved, you can download a digital version of the certificate. Keep a secure copy for future reference or compliance audits.
Step 6: Verify the Certificate
Use GOSI’s electronic verification tool to confirm the authenticity of your certificate. Simply input the certificate number and the corresponding ID or Iqama number.
How GOSI Contributions Are Calculated
GOSI contributions are based on the employee’s monthly basic salary plus housing allowance. Contribution rates and payment responsibilities vary depending on the employee’s nationality:
1. For Saudi Nationals: 22% Total Contribution
10% paid by the employer (social insurance).
10% paid by the employee (deducted from salary).
2% paid by the employer (occupational hazard insurance).
2. For Non-Saudi (Expatriate) Employees: 2% Contribution
Entirely paid by the employer.
Covers occupational hazard insurance only.
Expat employees do not contribute to GOSI.
Key Takeaways on the GOSI Certificate
The GOSI Certificate verifies that a business is officially registered with Saudi Arabia’s social insurance system. It is a legal requirement for regulatory compliance and essential for conducting official transactions.
There are three main types of GOSI certificates:
Subscription Certificate (for active employers).
No-Subscription Certificate (for exempt entities or individuals).
Employment/Salary Certificate (used for financial or government-related personal applications).
Applications can be submitted via the GOSI online portal or the Taminaty mobile app. Alternatively, an authorized representative can handle the process in person if needed.
Every certificate includes a unique identification number that can be verified online using the employer’s or employee’s ID or Iqama number to confirm its authenticity.
GOSI contribution rates:
Saudi employees: 22% of salary — 12% by the employer, 10% by the employee.
Expatriate employees: 2% paid solely by the employer (for occupational hazard insurance)
At motaded, we provide end-to-end support for GOSI compliance, employee registration, and government platform documentation, ensuring your business stays fully aligned with Saudi regulations.
Whether you're applying for a GOSI Certificate, setting up a new company, or managing licensing and regulatory requirements in Saudi Arabia, we're here to help.
Our expert team will take care of the entire process for you, minimizing errors, saving valuable time, and ensuring complete compliance with local regulations.
Contact motaded today to simplify your business setup and government procedures in Saudi Arabia.
FAQs
Who is eligible to request a GOSI certificate?
Both employers and employees can request GOSI certificates depending on the purpose. Employers typically request subscription or exemption (no-subscription) certificates, while employees may request salary or employment verification certificates.
How long does it take to receive a GOSI certificate?
If submitted through the GOSI portal or the Taminaty app and all information is accurate, certificates are typically issued instantly. In-person applications may take more time depending on the location and case.
Is there a fee for obtaining a GOSI certificate?
No, GOSI issues certificates free of charge via its digital platforms. However, if you hire professional service providers to manage the application on your behalf, service fees may apply.
What should I do if there’s incorrect information on my GOSI certificate?
Log into your GOSI account to update the relevant details, or contact GOSI customer support for assistance. Employers are responsible for maintaining accurate employee records to prevent errors in certificates.
Do I need to regularly renew the GOSI certificate?
The GOSI certificate does not require regular renewal like other business licenses. It is generated for specific needs and is valid for that time. However, you should request a new one whenever employee information changes or an updated certificate is needed for official transactions like tenders or banking.