Saudization and Nitaqat Calculator
Calculate the Saudization ratio from counted workforce averages. Estimate the Nitaqat band by activity and year, with thresholds and Saudi hiring scenarios.
Enter the figures you want to check
Enter a positive workforce average in at least one field.Choose an activity and year from the published list.Calculations run only in your browser. Values are neither saved nor sent to us.
Calculation results
Saudization ratio
%
Estimated band
Next band
Fully counted Saudi hires for next band
Low-green threshold
%
Medium-green threshold
%
High-green threshold
%
Platinum threshold
%
Total below 6: this model does not assign a band or hiring count. Review small-entity classification and workforce counting in Qiwa.
An additions-only scenario cannot reach the next band with this curve and these inputs. Review official classification and counting before preparing a hiring plan.
The estimate is platinum; this table has no higher band. The result does not confirm eligibility for Qiwa services.
How are the results calculated?
Saudization = counted Saudi average ÷ (counted Saudi average + counted expatriate average) × 100.
Each threshold = m × natural logarithm of total counted workforce + t; m and t come from the official appendix for the activity and year.
Compare the ratio with unrounded thresholds; reaching the lower threshold enters that band. Displayed percentages are rounded to two decimals.
The hiring scenario adds one fully counted employee to both Saudi and total workforce, recalculating the moving threshold to find the smallest feasible whole number for the next band.
Assumptions and limits
- This independent planner uses the official guide’s formula and constants; Qiwa determines the official band and service status. An entity combines branches of the same activity under the guide’s definition, not an arbitrarily selected branch.
- Enter averages after the applicable counting rules, not a simple list headcount. The model does not derive wage, part-time, student, disability or flexible-work weights and does not assume every Saudi counts as one.
- The model estimates bands for counted totals of 6 or more. Below that it shows only the ratio and directs you to Qiwa’s small-entity rules. This is the tool’s scope boundary, not a finding that requirements are satisfied.
- The hiring scenario holds expatriates constant and assumes new Saudis are fully reflected in the counted average. Additions alone may not reach the next band because its threshold moves with size; this is not a dismissal recommendation or a promise of service eligibility.
Official source: HRSD — Nitaqat Developed 2026 guide, formula and Appendix 1
Understand the idea behind the calculation
Using the tool and understanding your results
Enter counted Saudi and expatriate workforce averages, then select the entity’s activity and year. See the Saudization ratio, Developed Nitaqat thresholds and estimated band, plus the effect of adding Saudi employees.
How do I calculate the Saudization percentage?
Divide the counted Saudi average by the combined counted Saudi and expatriate averages, then multiply by 100. With 12 counted Saudis and 28 expatriates, the total is 40 and the ratio is 30%.
Does the Saudization percentage alone determine a Nitaqat band?
Band thresholds vary with the entity’s activity, workforce size and selected year. The calculator derives thresholds from these inputs and compares them with the ratio, so the same percentage can place different entities in different bands.
Can I enter the number of employees on payroll directly?
Use counted averages from Qiwa after applicable counting rules and weights, rather than a simple headcount. Below a total of 6, the tool shows the ratio only. Hiring scenarios assume fully counted Saudi employees.