How To Get A GOSI Certificate For Your Business & Employees
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How To Get A GOSI Certificate For Your Business & Employees
For many business owners in Saudi Arabia, navigating GOSI regulations can be a daunting task. From ensuring contributions are made on time to securing the GOSI certificate, the process can feel overwhelming. Even so, this guide on obtaining a GOSI certificate will help simplify the process. Continue reading to learn how to obtain a GOSI certificate for your business and employees.
As you work through the steps for obtaining a GOSI certificate, Cercli’s global HR system can help you manage employee data and automate tasks to make the process easier.
What is a GOSI Certificate?
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A GOSI certificate is an official document issued by the General Organisation for Social Insurance (GOSI) in Saudi Arabia. It confirms that a business is correctly registered with GOSI and is fully compliant with the Kingdom’s social insurance regulations.
This certificate is a standard requirement for various government-related and private sector activities in Saudi Arabia, including participation in public tenders, renewal of commercial licences, or verification of social insurance status for employees.
Why Do You Need a GOSI Certificate?
The certificate serves as proof that a business is making the required social insurance contributions on behalf of its employees. It indicates that the employer is in good standing with GOSI, with no pending obligations or compliance issues. Without this certificate, companies may face delays in processing official transactions or risk losing out on government contracts and other business opportunities.
For companies operating in Saudi Arabia, particularly those engaged in work with the public sector, maintaining an up-to-date GOSI certificate is essential for smooth operations. It reinforces trust in the employer’s administrative practices and shows a clear commitment to upholding workers’ rights and entitlements.
GOSI’s Role in Saudi Arabia
GOSI was established in 1973 as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to formalise and strengthen social protection mechanisms for its workforce. Today, it administers a system that covers work-related injuries, retirement pensions, disability benefits, and other related benefits. It applies to both Saudi citizens and expatriate workers, aligning with KSA’s wider labour regulations and economic goals.
GOSI’s work contributes to the overall stability of the labour market in Saudi Arabia. It ensures that employees receive the protections they are entitled to under Saudi labour law, while also supporting employers with clear compliance pathways.
Compliance and Certification Process
To obtain a GOSI certificate, a company must first register with GOSI and begin submitting monthly contributions on behalf of all eligible employees. Once compliant, the company can request the certificate via GOSI’s digital platform. The certificate is typically valid for a set period and must be renewed to remain current.
For businesses, ensuring GOSI compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a key administrative requirement. By maintaining valid certification, companies demonstrate adherence to national labour standards and contribute to the long-term welfare of their workforce.
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How to Get a GOSI Certificate for Your Employees
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Begin by visiting the official GOSI website at www.gosi.gov.sa and creating an account for your business using your company’s commercial registration details. You will need to provide basic information, including:
- Name of the entity
- Commercial registration number
- Tax identification number
- Contact details
Submit the Required Documents
Once your account is created, you will be prompted to submit the necessary documentation. This typically includes your commercial registration certificate, tax identification number (TIN), and information related to your company’s ownership and structure. You will also need to provide details about your workforce, including both Saudi nationals and expatriates.
Enrol Your Employees
After registering the business, you must enrol your employees into the GOSI system. For each employee, provide relevant data, including their full name, national ID or Iqama number, salary details, and employment start date. Accurate data entry is essential, as GOSI uses this information to calculate the social insurance contributions due from both the employer and employee.
Review and Confirm Contribution Payments
GOSI calculates contributions automatically based on the employee’s reported salary and classification. Contributions are paid monthly, and timely payment is required to remain compliant. Employers should ensure that payments are made consistently to avoid any delays in certification.
Generate the GOSI Certificate
Once your business registration is complete and all contributions have been paid, you can generate the GOSI certificate via the on-line portal. This certificate verifies that your business is up to date with its obligations and is in good standing with the authority. The certificate is typically valid for 30 days; after this period, a new one must be issued if required for administrative purposes.
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How is the GOSI Calculated in Saudi Arabia?
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The General Organisation for Social Insurance (GOSI) is Saudi Arabia’s social insurance program that provides financial support to employees and their families in the event of retirement, disability, work-related injuries, and unemployment.
GOSI is a crucial component of the country’s social protection system, funded through mandatory contributions from both employers and employees. While both Saudi nationals and non-Saudi workers must pay GOSI contributions, only Saudi nationals are eligible for GOSI benefits.
Contribution Structure for Saudi Employees
For Saudi employees, GOSI contributions are split between the employee and employer and cover three key categories:
1. Annuities (Retirement and Disability Benefits)
Both the employer and the Saudi employee contribute 9% of the employee’s monthly wage. This totals 18%, directed toward retirement pensions, disability benefits, and survivor benefits.
2. Occupational Hazards Insurance
This contribution is solely the responsibility of the employer and is set at 2% of the employee’s monthly wage. It provides coverage in the event of work-related injuries or occupational diseases. Saudi and non-Saudi employees are both covered under this component.
3. Unemployment Insurance (SANED)
To support Saudi nationals who are temporarily unemployed, both the employee and employer contribute 0.75% of the employee’s monthly wage, totalling 1.5%. This applies only to Saudi employees. Should an employee involuntarily become unemployed, they can apply for unemployment benefits.
In total, for Saudi employees, the combined GOSI contribution equals 22% of the employee's monthly wage, 10.5% from the employer and 9.75% from the employee.
Contribution Structure for Non-Saudi Employees
Non-Saudi employees are not covered under the annuities and unemployment insurance schemes. Even so, they are still protected under the occupational hazards insurance.
Occupational Hazards Insurance
Employers contribute 2% of the monthly wages of non-Saudi employees towards occupational hazards insurance. Non-Saudi employees themselves do not contribute to GOSI. Therefore, the total GOSI contribution for non-Saudi employees is 2%, entirely borne by the employer.
Wage Basis and Compliance
GOSI contributions are calculated based on the basic salary, along with the housing allowance. Businesses must report accurate wage data and update it in the GOSI system whenever salaries change, to ensure compliance and proper coverage.
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Why is it Important for Businesses and their Employees?
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The General Organisation for Social Insurance certificate is crucial for companies operating in Saudi Arabia. The GOSI certificate serves as formal confirmation that a business is fulfilling its obligations under the Kingdom’s labour and social insurance regulations.
This certificate, valid for 30 days, confirms that the employer has made the required contributions on behalf of its employees up to the specified date. It is often requested when tendering for government projects, renewing commercial registrations, or completing vendor registration processes with public entities.
What Happens If You Don’t Get a GOSI Certificate?
Noncompliance with GOSI can have serious repercussions. Companies that fail to keep their GOSI payments up to date may face penalties, typically 2% of the invoice amount for late payments. They also risk having government payments withheld.
In more severe cases, businesses may be barred from participating in tenders or finalising contracts. This can significantly limit their access to key market opportunities and affect long-term financial stability. These obstacles can be particularly damaging for organisations that rely on large-scale or public-sector work.
GOSI’s Role in Employee Welfare
Beyond business continuity, GOSI is also critical for protecting employees’ welfare. For both Saudi nationals and expatriates, regular contributions ensure access to social insurance benefits, including:
- Compensation for work-related injuries
- Disability coverage
- Retirement pensions
The existence of a valid GOSI certificate assures employees that their rights are being upheld and that their employer is complying with national regulations.
GOSI’s Role in Saudi Arabia’s Economy
From a broader perspective, GOSI underpins the Kingdom’s efforts to foster a well-regulated and socially responsible labour market. It provides a structured framework that safeguards employees while also supporting businesses in maintaining their operational integrity and reputation.
By staying compliant with GOSI regulations and maintaining an active certificate, companies demonstrate not only legal adherence but also a commitment to contributing positively to Saudi Arabia’s economic and social framework.
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Book a Demo to Speak with Our Team about Our Global HR System
Transform your HR operations with Cercli, which is aligned with the UAE’s vision for business excellence. It is the only platform built specifically for MENA businesses that unifies workforce management needs in one powerful system.
Manage your entire team, whether local or global (Cercli supports payments in 150+ countries), with our comprehensive solution that handles multi-currency payroll, leave management, onboarding, and compliance documentation tailored to the unique requirements of the MENA region.
Streamlined HR for MENA Businesses
Eliminate the complexity of using multiple fragmented tools and enjoy the efficiency of a single source of truth that keeps your business fully compliant with local regulations while simplifying every aspect of workforce management.
Whether you're managing a growing team of 25 or coordinating 500+ employees across multiple countries, Cercli provides the localised expertise and streamlined processes that MENA businesses need to scale confidently and manage remote teams effectively.
Experience the only HR platform truly designed for the way you do business in the Middle East. Book a demo to speak with our team about our global HR system today.
