The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) was established in 1973 in Saudi Arabia to carry out the mandates of the Social Insurance Law, which was issued under Royal Decree No. M/22 on 15/11/1969. Its primary objective is to ensure mandatory insurance coverage for eligible individuals, collect contributions from employers, and disburse benefits to eligible contributors and their families.
GOSI operates independently both administratively and financially, overseen by an eight-member board of directors. This board includes the Minister of Finance as Chairman, the GOSI Governor, and representatives from the Ministries of Human Resources and Social Development, Finance, and Economy and Planning. Additionally, there is a representative from the Military Sector, an expert in Financial Services and Risks, and an expert in Mergers, Institutional Structure Design, and Governance.
The organisation conducts its activities through its Head Office and 21 field offices located across various regions and governorates in Saudi Arabia. Its mandate encompasses providing social insurance coverage to workers in both the private and select public sectors.
Under the Social Insurance Scheme, contributors and their families are entitled to various benefits. These benefits include financial support for retirement, disability, or death, ensuring a decent standard of living post-employment. Moreover, medical care is provided for contributors affected by work-related injuries or occupational diseases, along with compensation for occupational disability or death.
What is GOSI?

The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) is a financially and administratively independent governmental entity in Saudi Arabia. It provides comprehensive social protection and insurance coverage, supporting a broad range of individuals, including Saudi civil and military employees, private sector workers, and those employed under wage agreements in the public sector.
GOSI enforces the Social Insurance Law, its various branches, executive regulations, and the Civil and Military Pension Laws, ensuring compliance with established legal provisions. These laws are mandatory for all Saudi military and civil employees whose salaries are sourced from government budgets or public agency allocations. They also extend to Saudi employees in private sector organizations. Additionally, GOSI offers optional coverage for self-employed individuals, reflecting its inclusive approach.
The organization also serves beneficiaries under the Law of Benefit Exchange and the Unified Law for Extension of Insurance Coverage, facilitating insurance protection for citizens across GCC countries.
Governed by a board of directors chaired by the Minister of Finance, GOSI operates from its headquarters in Riyadh. Its pivotal role in social welfare underscores its commitment to safeguarding the financial and social well-being of individuals across the Kingdom.
The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) offers an online service allowing contributors to obtain certificates outlining their contribution history, including periods of employment and corresponding wages. Established to promote the equitable distribution of social insurance benefits to contributors and their families, GOSI plays a crucial role in ensuring financial security for workers.
Both employers and employees contribute to GOSI funds. Employers are required to contribute 12% of their employees’ wages, while employees contribute 10% of their earnings. These contributions collectively form the basis for various social insurance benefits provided by GOSI.
In a quarterly report released in 2020, GOSI disclosed that 498,000 employees from micro-establishments, 48,000 from small establishments, and 8,000 from medium-sized establishments were registered with the organisation. This data highlights the significant number of individuals relying on GOSI for social insurance coverage across various business scales.
By offering accessible e-services like certificate issuance and maintaining transparent records of contributions, GOSI facilitates the smooth operation of social insurance systems. Through its efforts, GOSI aims to ensure that contributors and their families receive adequate support during times of need, thereby fostering greater financial stability and social welfare within the community.
Registration Process of GOSI
The GOSI certificate, which stands for General Organization for Social Insurance, is a document that includes details about an individual’s wages and the duration of their contributions. To access this certificate, one must register on the GOSI portal. This registration is essential for monitoring the contribution deposits made by an employer.
By logging into the official e-Service portal of GOSI, individuals can print their GOSI salary certificate. Following simple steps on the portal allows users to obtain this certificate conveniently.
By following these simple steps mentioned below, individuals and establishments can register with GOSI in Saudi Arabia and gain access to essential social insurance benefits. It’s a straightforward process designed to ensure that all beneficiaries can easily access the support they need.
1. Visit the GOSI Online Registration Portal:

To begin the process of registering for GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance) in Saudi Arabia, individuals or entities must first visit the GOSI online registration portal. This portal serves as the central platform for initiating registration procedures.
2. Select Beneficiary Type:

Upon reaching the portal, users will be prompted to select their beneficiary type from the three available options: Contributor, Establishment, or Hospital. Depending on the nature of your association with GOSI, choose the appropriate category to proceed with the registration process smoothly.
3. Click on ‘Register’:

Once the beneficiary type is selected, click on the ‘Register’ button to initiate the registration process. This action directs users to a new page where they can input their necessary information.
4. Enter Required Details:

On the registration page, users are required to fill in all the requested details accurately. This includes providing essential information such as the Iqama number, phone number, email address, and password. Ensuring the accuracy of this information is crucial for successful registration.
5. Enter Captcha and Proceed:

After entering the required details, users will encounter a Captcha verification step. It’s essential to enter the Captcha accurately to validate the registration request. Once done, click on ‘Proceed’ to move forward in the registration process.
6. Validate Details and Complete Registration:
Upon proceeding, users may receive a validation code via the provided email or phone number. Enter this code in the designated space to validate the provided details. Once validated, the registration process is nearly complete, and users are prompted to finalise their registration.
Calculation of GOSI in KSA
The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) is essential in Saudi Arabia, providing various services to workers, employers, retirees, and healthcare professionals. GOSI operates under Saudi Arabia’s Social Insurance Law, aiming to offer financial protection and support to the country’s workforce.
GOSI calculates benefits based on two main components of an employee’s earnings i.e. the basic salary and housing allowances. Regardless of sector (private or government), these elements are crucial in determining GOSI benefits.
Only the basic salary and housing allowance are considered in GOSI benefit calculations, excluding other supplementary income or benefits. This ensures a standardised and transparent method for determining benefits across sectors.
The basic salary is the core compensation for an employee’s services, while the housing allowance covers additional stipends for accommodation expenses. Together, these components form the basis for GOSI benefit calculations.
GOSI’s focus solely on the basic salary and housing allowance simplifies benefit determination while ensuring fairness and consistency. This approach supports GOSI’s goal of providing reliable social insurance services for individuals throughout their careers and into retirement.
Method of Calculation of GOSI in KSA
In Saudi Arabia, the GOSI Calculation relies on an individual’s earnings and is segregated into two distinct categories: one for Saudi citizens and another for non-Saudi citizens, commonly referred to as Saudi expats.
Two methods for calculating GOSI are:
- GOSI Calculation Method for Saudi Nationals
- GOSI Calculation Method for Expatriates
GOSI Calculation for Saudi Nationals

The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) in Saudi Arabia implements a contribution scheme for both employees and employers, totaling 21.5% of the basic salary and housing allowances for Saudi Nationals.
This contribution is divided as follows:
- 9% is deducted from the employee’s salary for an annuity, which is also known as a pension. This ensures a financial safety net for the employee in the future.
- Correspondingly, 9% is contributed by the employer towards the annuity or pension scheme, providing additional support for retirement.
- A 0.75% deduction from the employee’s salary goes towards unemployment contribution, helping individuals in case they face job loss.
- Similarly, the employer contributes 0.75% towards unemployment, supporting employees during periods of unemployment.
- Additionally, 2% of the contribution is made by the employer to cover occupational hazards, ensuring workplace safety and providing assistance in case of accidents or injuries.
This comprehensive system ensures financial security, retirement benefits, and assistance during times of unemployment or workplace accidents for Saudi nationals.
GOSI Calculation for Expatriates
In Saudi Arabia, employers are obligated to pay a 2% contribution to the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) for their employees. This contribution is covered by the employers themselves for expatriate workers. It is calculated based on the employees’ basic salary and housing allowances, ranging from SAR 400 to SAR 45,000. This system ensures financial protection for expatriates and simplifies the payment process.
Benefits of GOSI Contribution
For half a century, the General Organisation for Social Insurance (GOSI) has been a leading provider of government insurance in Saudi Arabia, dedicated to offering top-notch social insurance benefits. Both Saudi nationals and expatriates benefit from GOSI contributions.
Families of contributors enjoy a range of benefits, including healthcare coverage, disability benefits, and pensions. GOSI stands as a pillar of support, ensuring the well-being of employees and their loved ones across the kingdom.
Benefits of Registering with GOSI for Saudi Nationals
Registering with GOSI offers significant advantages for Saudi nationals, providing a safety net in various life situations. From medical insurance and daily allowances for work-related injuries to unemployment benefits and voluntary contributions for retirement planning, GOSI ensures the well-being and financial security of its members.
Medical Insurance Benefits
Under the Social Insurance Law, Saudi nationals experiencing occupational hazards are entitled to comprehensive medical treatment. This includes diagnosis, treatment, medication, medical supplies, and prosthetics until they fully recover. Occupational hazards cover accidents occurring at work, during travel to and from work, or while performing work-related tasks, as well as illnesses caused by work or listed in the occupational diseases table.
Daily Allowance Benefits
If an individual suffers a temporary disability due to a work-related injury, they can receive a daily allowance. This allowance can amount to 100% of their daily wage if GOSI doesn’t cover their treatment expenses, or 75% if GOSI does cover their treatment.
Total Permanent Disability Benefits
In cases of total permanent disability resulting from occupational hazards, individuals are entitled to a monthly compensation equivalent to 100% of their average wage from the three months before the injury. Eligibility is assessed periodically over five years by a medical board. If assistance is needed, additional compensation is provided, with eligibility reassessed every ten years.
Unemployment Benefits
Saudi nationals who are registered under the Social Insurance Law and involuntarily lose their jobs can apply for unemployment benefits through the “Saned” program. This provides monthly compensation for up to 12 months, with the initial three months offering a maximum amount of SAR 9000 and subsequent months providing up to SAR 7500.
Voluntary Contribution
Under the voluntary contribution scheme, individuals can plan for retirement and secure financial stability in case of disability or death. This includes:
- Old-age Retirement Pension: Available for those aged 60 or older, or those who cease work after a qualifying contribution period.
- Early Retirement Pension: For those with a minimum contribution period who retire before the age of 60.
- Non-occupational Disability Pension: Provides financial support if the contributor becomes permanently disabled, subject to specific contribution periods and disability criteria.
- Death Pension: Ensures financial security for the family of a deceased contributor, depending on the contributor’s age and contribution period.
These voluntary contributions offer a safety net for individuals and their families, providing financial stability during retirement or in case of unexpected events.
Benefits for Expatriates under GOSI Registration
When expatriates register with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI), they gain access to various benefits, including occupational hazard and permanent disability benefits.
Occupational Hazard Benefits
Expatriates registered with GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance) enjoy several benefits, especially in cases of occupational hazards. If a non-Saudi contributor experiences a work-related injury, they are entitled to compensation based on the severity of the injury:
- Permanent Total Disability: In the event of permanent total disability (100%), the injured individual receives a one-time lump sum compensation equivalent to 84 months of their entitled benefit value, capped at SAR 330,000. This calculation considers the assistance of others allowance determined by a medical board.
- Partial Disability: For partial disabilities ranging from 50% to 99%, the injured person receives a lump sum compensation equal to 60 months of the assumed benefit value, up to a maximum of SAR 165,000.
- Death Compensation: If the injury leads to the contributor’s death, their family members receive a lump sum compensation equal to 84 months of the benefit value, capped at SAR 330,000. This compensation is divided equally among the family members.
Permanent Disability Benefits
For disabilities below 50 per cent, both Saudis and non-Saudis are eligible for lump sum compensation. The amount is calculated by multiplying the disability percentage by the total disability value, with certain limitations based on age:
- Under 40 Years Old: The compensation equals 60 times the monthly benefit value multiplied by the disability percentage.
- Over 40 Years Old: The compensation is adjusted to ensure it does not fall below 36 times its value, considering the number of monthly benefits corresponding to the years exceeding 40.
Allowances for Injury Due to Traffic Accidents
Additionally, there are allowances for injuries resulting from traffic accidents, further ensuring financial protection for expatriates under GOSI registration.
Obtaining a GOSI Contribution Certificate
To obtain a GOSI contribution certificate, individuals can utilize the online services provided by the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI). This certificate is crucial as it contains comprehensive details about a contributor’s wages and tenure of contribution.
By following the below-listed steps, contributors can easily obtain their GOSI contribution certificate, containing crucial information regarding their wages and tenure of contribution. This document serves as valuable documentation for various purposes related to social insurance and employment verification
- Logging into the GOSI Account: The first step involves logging into the GOSI account through the designated e-service portal. Users need to ensure they have their login credentials ready to access their accounts securely.
- Entering Contributor’s Details: Once logged in, individuals must proceed to enter the relevant details about the contributor’s account. This includes accurate information to ensure the certificate generated is precise and reflects the contributor’s history accurately.
- Issuing the Certificate: After entering the necessary details, users should locate the option labelled ‘Issue of certificates’ within their account dashboard. Clicking on this option will present various types of certificates available for issuance.
- Selecting Certificate Type: Among the certificate options, individuals should select the specific type required, which in this case is “Contributor insurance terms and wages.” This ensures that the certificate includes pertinent information about the contributor’s tenure and wages.
- Downloading the Certificate: Upon selecting the appropriate certificate type, users can proceed to download the certificate. The downloaded document will contain detailed information regarding the contributor’s wages and duration of contribution as per the establishment’s system.
Final Words
The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) in Saudi Arabia stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive social insurance solutions to both Saudi citizens and expatriates working in the country. With a core mission to safeguard individuals’ economic stability and welfare, GOSI offers a diverse range of benefits, including disability compensation, unemployment assistance, and healthcare coverage.
GOSI’s calculation system serves the interests of both companies and employees, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. The benefits provided by GOSI are highly valued by businesses across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), recognizing the pivotal role it plays in ensuring the well-being of their workforce.
In essence, GOSI in Saudi Arabia is exceptional in its dedication to supporting individuals during times of need. Whether local or expatriate, all employees benefit from the extensive range of services offered by GOSI, reinforcing its significance in promoting social security and stability within the nation. Through its initiatives, GOSI continues to uphold its commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals and their families, contributing to a thriving and resilient society in the Kingdom.
Last Content Update: 05 December 2024