One of the first questions Saudi families ask before recruiting is: how much does it cost to hire a maid in Saudi Arabia? The answer depends on the worker's nationality, the office you use, and the contract type. This 2026 guide breaks down the full cost — both the one-time recruitment fees and the recurring monthly costs — so you can budget with confidence.
Two types of cost to understand
- One-time recruitment cost: office fees, the visa, the medical exam, the flight ticket, and Musaned processing. Paid once when you bring the worker in.
- Recurring monthly cost: the monthly salary, medical insurance, plus food and accommodation (provided by the employer).
Recruitment cost by nationality (2026)
The figures below are approximate totals for one-time recruitment through a licensed office and the Musaned platform, including office fees and government processing:
| Nationality | Approx. total recruitment cost (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Philippines | 16,000 – 20,000 |
| India | 12,000 – 16,000 |
| Sri Lanka | 11,000 – 14,000 |
| Bangladesh | 9,000 – 12,000 |
| Kenya / Uganda | 8,000 – 11,000 |
| Ethiopia | 8,000 – 10,000 |
Monthly salary by nationality
| Nationality | Approx. monthly salary (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Philippines | 1,500 – 2,000 |
| India | 1,200 – 1,500 |
| Sri Lanka | 1,100 – 1,400 |
| Bangladesh | 1,000 – 1,200 |
| Ethiopia / African countries | 900 – 1,200 |
Other costs to factor in
- Medical insurance: around SAR 500 – 1,000 per year.
- Return ticket: typically once every two years, per the contract.
- Food & accommodation: the employer must provide these for the contract duration.
Example: total first-year cost
For a worker from an African country on a SAR 1,000 salary: recruitment ~SAR 9,000 + (1,000 × 12) salary = SAR 12,000 + insurance ~SAR 700 ≈ SAR 21,700 in the first year, then about SAR 12,700 per year afterwards. A Filipina worker costs more overall due to higher recruitment fees and salary.
How to save money and hire safely
- Compare licensed offices: prices vary a lot between offices. Browse the directory of licensed recruitment offices in Saudi Arabia and compare prices and ratings before you decide.
- Verify the licence: only deal with an office officially registered on the Musaned platform.
- Understand the contract: make sure salary, insurance, and the return ticket are clearly included before signing.
Get started: browse verified recruitment offices on GCC Domestic and compare prices, or view available workers directly.
Frequently asked questions
Which nationality is cheapest to recruit in Saudi Arabia? Usually workers from African countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda) in both recruitment cost and salary, while Filipina workers are the most expensive.
Are prices fixed year-round? No — they change with supply and demand, the office, and nationality. Always check the current price on Musaned or with a licensed office.
Can I recruit without an office? The process must go through the Musaned platform and a licensed office to protect the rights of both the employer and the worker.
Note: all figures are approximate for 2026 and subject to change. For exact prices, check the official Musaned platform or a licensed recruitment office.
