One of the most searched questions before hiring a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia is: "How much does it really cost?" This guide provides a complete, transparent breakdown of all Musaned domestic worker fees in 2026 — from visa to Iqama, insurance to air ticket, by nationality.
Short answer: hiring a maid in Saudi Arabia via Musaned in 2026 costs roughly SAR 8,000–21,000 upfront (agency package, visa, Iqama, medical and insurance), depending on nationality, plus the SAR 1,200–1,800 monthly salary. The full breakdown is below.
💰 Quick Cost Summary
| 🇵🇭 Filipino Worker (Total) | SAR 12,000–21,000 |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesian Worker (Total) | SAR 10,000–18,000 |
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lankan Worker (Total) | SAR 8,000–15,000 |
| 🇪🇹 Ethiopian Worker (Total) | SAR 7,000–13,000 |
| 🇰🇪 Kenyan Worker (Total) | SAR 8,000–16,000 |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladeshi Worker (Total) | SAR 6,800–12,700 |
| 🇳🇵 Nepali Worker (Total) | SAR 6,800–13,600 |
📊 Government Fee Breakdown 2026
| Government Fee | Amount (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Work visa issuance | SAR 300–500 |
| Iqama (1 year) | SAR 1,200 |
| Iqama (2 years) | SAR 2,400 |
| Iqama renewal (annual) | SAR 1,200/year |
| Medical exam (overseas) | SAR 200–400 |
| Health insurance (mandatory) | SAR 400–1,200/year |
📊 Musaned Agency Package Costs by Nationality
| Nationality | Agency Package (SAR) | Air Ticket (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| 🇵🇭 Filipino | 7,000–15,000 | 1,200–2,500 |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesian | 5,000–12,000 | 800–1,500 |
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lankan | 5,000–10,000 | 800–1,500 |
| 🇪🇹 Ethiopian | 4,000–9,000 | 700–1,500 |
| 🇰🇪 Kenyan | 5,000–11,000 | 900–1,800 |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladeshi | 4,000–8,000 | 700–1,300 |
| 🇳🇵 Nepali | 4,000–9,000 | 700–1,200 |
💰 Monthly Ongoing Costs After Hiring
| Ongoing Cost | Monthly (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Worker salary | SAR 600–1,500 |
| Food / meals | SAR 200–400 |
| Health insurance (pro-rated) | SAR 33–100 |
| Mobile allowance (optional) | SAR 50–100 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | SAR 883–2,100 |
💡 How to Save on Musaned Costs
- ✅ Local transfer instead of international recruitment — saves SAR 5,000–10,000
- ✅ Choose 2-year Iqama upfront — cheaper than two 1-year renewals
- ✅ Compare multiple Musaned agency packages before paying
- ✅ Select nationalities with lower agency fees (Bangladesh, Nepal) if budget is a priority
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Filipino workers cost more than other nationalities on Musaned?
Filipino agency packages are higher due to the Philippine government's mandatory minimum salary requirements, POEA fees, and the comprehensive protection benefits required for OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers).
Is the Musaned package fee refundable if the worker doesn't show up?
Yes — Musaned provides a replacement or refund guarantee if the selected worker fails to arrive within the agreed period. File your claim through your Musaned account.
Can I negotiate the agency package price on Musaned?
Package prices are set by the licensed agencies within MLSD-approved ranges. You can compare packages across multiple agencies on Musaned to find the best value.
What is NOT included in the Musaned agency package?
Typically not included: air ticket, health insurance, Iqama fees, and monthly salary. Always read the package details carefully before payment.
🏠 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
Related guides: hire a private driver in Saudi Arabia · hire a cook in Saudi Arabia · what is Musaned? · 2026 GCC Salary Report · cost to hire a maid in the UAE · اقرأ هذا الدليل بالعربية.
