All domestic worker recruitment in Saudi Arabia must go through Musaned — the official platform of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MLSD). This complete guide covers every step, document, fee, and condition for issuing a new domestic worker work permit in 2026.
⚡ Quick Facts
| 🏛️ Platform | Musaned — musaned.com.sa |
| 🏛️ Authority | MLSD — Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development |
| ⏱️ Processing Time | 3–10 working days |
| 💰 Visa Fee | SAR 300–500 |
| 💰 Agency Package | SAR 5,000–15,000 |
| 📞 MLSD Helpline | 19911 |
| 📱 Musaned App | Available iOS & Android |
👷 Eligible Domestic Worker Categories
👩 Female
- Housemaid
- Nursemaid / Nanny
- Cook
- Private Nurse
- Caregiver / Elderly Care
- House Supervisor
👨 Male
- Private Driver
- Cook
- Gardener
- Guard (Private)
- General Servant
- Shepherd (farms)
🌍 Approved Source Countries 2026
Saudi Arabia has active bilateral agreements with the following domestic worker source countries:
Philippines 🇵🇭 | Indonesia 🇮🇩 | Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 | Ethiopia 🇪🇹 | Kenya 🇰🇪 | Uganda 🇺🇬 | Bangladesh 🇧🇩 | Ghana 🇬🇭 | Myanmar 🇲🇲 | Madagascar 🇲🇬 | Vietnam 🇻🇳 | Nepal 🇳🇵 (limited)
⚠️ India: not available for domestic workers. Always verify current status at musaned.com.sa.
✅ Employer Eligibility Requirements
- ✅ Valid Saudi Iqama (residence permit) or Saudi national ID
- ✅ Minimum monthly salary: SAR 4,000+ (varies by family size)
- ✅ Must not have previous violations of domestic worker rights
- ✅ No outstanding fines or bans on the Musaned platform
- ✅ Registered on the Absher platform (required for online services)
💰 Complete Fee Breakdown 2026
| Fee Component | Amount (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Visa issuance fee | SAR 300–500 |
| Iqama (residence permit) — 1 year | SAR 1,200 |
| Iqama (residence permit) — 2 years | SAR 2,400 |
| Medical examination (overseas) | SAR 200–400 equivalent |
| Health insurance (mandatory) | SAR 400–1,200/year |
| Air ticket (varies by country) | SAR 600–2,000 |
| Musaned agency package fee | SAR 5,000–15,000 |
| Estimated Total | SAR 7,700–21,300 |
📋 Required Documents
- ✅ Employer's Absher account (linked to national ID or Iqama)
- ✅ Domestic worker's valid passport (copy)
- ✅ Medical fitness certificate from approved centre
- ✅ Employment contract (generated via Musaned)
- ✅ Employer's salary proof (bank statements or salary certificate)
- ✅ Family size documentation (for eligibility calculation)
🔄 Step-by-Step Process via Musaned
Visit musaned.com.sa or open the Musaned app. Login using your Absher credentials.
Choose 'Recruit from Abroad' and select the source country and worker category.
View available worker profiles with photos, experience, and skills. Select your preferred candidate.
Musaned generates the official MLSD employment contract automatically based on your selection.
Pay the visa fee and agency package through the Musaned payment portal (mada, Visa, Mastercard).
Worker visits a Saudi-approved medical centre in their home country for fitness examination.
Once approved, the work visa is issued. Worker travels to Saudi Arabia on the work visa.
After arrival, complete the residence permit (Iqama) process through Absher within 3 months.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary to sponsor a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia?
MLSD requires the employer to have a minimum monthly salary of approximately SAR 4,000 for a single domestic worker. Higher salaries may be required for larger families or multiple workers.
Can I choose my maid's nationality on Musaned?
Yes — Musaned allows you to filter by source country, and packages are organized by nationality. Availability depends on current bilateral agreements.
How long does the entire process take from application to worker arrival?
Typically 3–8 weeks from Musaned application to worker arrival in Saudi Arabia, depending on the source country and medical clearance timelines.
Can I recruit directly without going through a Musaned agency?
No — all international recruitment must go through the Musaned platform and its licensed recruitment agencies. Direct recruitment outside Musaned is illegal in Saudi Arabia.
What happens if the worker doesn't arrive after I pay?
Musaned provides a replacement or refund guarantee if the worker does not arrive within the agreed period. File a claim directly through your Musaned account.
Is there a senior citizen discount for domestic worker Iqama?
Saudi nationals who are senior citizens may benefit from certain reduced fee schemes. Check the current MLSD guidelines at {PHONE}.
🏠 Looking to Hire a Domestic Worker in Saudi Arabia?
GCC Domestic connects families across Saudi Arabia with MLSD-verified domestic worker agencies via Musaned. Browse packages, compare workers, and hire legally.
📌 Source: Musaned — Saudi Arabia MLSD — Updated 2026. Always verify at musaned.com.sa