Updated on July 2026
Hiring a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. Thanks to the official Musaned portal managed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), alongside modern direct-hiring platforms like HelperChoice, recruiting a reliable helper for your household is faster, more transparent, and more cost-effective than ever.
Whether you need a housemaid, nanny, cook, or elder caregiver, this guide breaks down everything you need to know—from legal requirements and updated costs to minimum wages and visa processing.
Looking for a complete hiring solution?
Understanding Musaned & Employer Legal Requirements
In Saudi Arabia, all domestic worker recruitment, contracts, and visa issuances are legally regulated through the Musaned platform. Musaned ensures standardized electronic employment contracts and protects the rights of both employers and workers.
Currently, domestic workers can be legally recruited through Musaned from 17 authorized countries, including the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Kenya, Uganda, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Nepal, and Thailand.
Domestic workers from the Philippines remain as the top choice by most families in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Recruitment costs for Filipinos ranges between 16,000 to 25,000 riyals.
Key Legal Requirements for Employers:
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Sponsorship Eligibility: Male employers must generally be married to issue a domestic worker visa.
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Income Requirements: Employers must meet baseline income thresholds set by HRSD (e.g., a minimum monthly salary of SAR 10,000 for a first housemaid visa, and SAR 18,000 for secondary visas).
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Official Contracts: Employers must issue an official household worker visa and sign a bilingual HRSD contract detailing duties, working hours, accommodation, and salary.
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Ready to create your employer account? Create your profile here
Domestic Worker Salaries & Minimum Wage Rules
Monthly salaries for domestic workers in Saudi Arabia depend on nationality, prior experience, specialized skills (such as cooking or childcare), and the job scope.
Minimum Monthly Salaries by Country:
Several sending countries mandate official baseline salaries for their citizens working in Saudi Arabia:
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Philippines: USD 500 per month (approx. SAR 1,875).
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Nepal: SAR 1,300 per month (includes a SAR 300 monthly food allowance).
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Uganda: SAR 900 per month.
Average Salaries for Other Nationalities:
For countries without a mandatory embassy minimum, average monthly salaries range between SAR 950 and SAR 2,500 based on experience and qualifications.
Updated Musaned Recruitment Cost Ceilings
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development periodically sets upper limits for standard agency recruitment costs (excluding VAT). Current official maximum ceilings include:
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Philippines: SAR 14,700
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Sri Lanka: SAR 13,800
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Bangladesh: SAR 11,750
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Kenya: SAR 9,000
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Uganda: SAR 8,300
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Ethiopia: SAR 5,900
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Thailand: SAR 10,000
⚠️ Mandatory Rule: Electronic Salary Transfer
Paying domestic workers in cash is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Under Ministry regulations, employers must transfer monthly wages electronically via Musaned-approved channels (such as official digital wallets or WPS-linked bank accounts).
This guarantees transparent payment records, generates automatic digital receipts, and legal protection for both parties.
How HelperChoice & Our Partner Agency Save You Time & Money
Traditional recruitment through physical agencies often means long delays, high agency markups, and limited candidate choices.
By using HelperChoice combined with our licensed partner recruitment agency on Musaned, you get full control and peace of mind:
1. Direct Selection: Browse verified profiles, conduct direct interviews, and choose the ideal candidate for your family’s needs—without middleman pressure. View candidate profiles here.
2. Fast Visa & Contract Processing: Once you select your candidate, our licensed partner agency manages the electronic contract generation, government registration, and e-visa processing swiftly.
Ready to hire? Contact us for the paperwork
3. Significant Cost Savings: Direct selection eliminates unnecessary broker fees while maintaining a strict Zero Placement Fee policy for domestic workers.
Essential Rights & Best Practices for Employers
Building a positive, long-term relationship with your helper requires clear communication and respecting mandatory labor protections:
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Working Hours & Rest: Maximum 8 to 10 working hours daily, at least 9 consecutive hours of daily rest, and 1 full day off per week.
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Living Conditions & Health: Employers must provide suitable private accommodation, meals, and mandatory health insurance coverage.
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Paid Leave & Flights: 30 days of paid annual leave with round-trip airfare to their home country upon completing a 2-year contract.
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End-of-Service Benefit: 1 month’s salary benefit given after 4 consecutive years of service.
Start Your Hiring Journey Today
Finding reliable, skilled household help no longer has to be expensive or exhausting. Select your candidate directly on HelperChoice and let our licensed partner agency handle the Musaned paperwork for a fast, affordable, and worry-free experience.