Visa Authorisation Price and All Recruitment Fees in Saudi Arabia 2026 — The Complete Family Guide

When thinking about recruitment, the most important question is: how much will I actually pay? The answer isn’t a single figure but a combination of several fees, each with its own reason and recipient. Understanding these fees clearly protects you from surprises, helps you plan your finances and lets you assess any quote smartly.

In this guide we explain in detail the components of recruitment fees in Saudi Arabia in 2026: what you pay the government authorities through the Musaned platform, what you pay the recruitment company, and the difference between fixed and variable fees. We won’t give specific figures, as fees are updated with government decisions and agreements between countries; instead we explain how the fees are structured and how to ask for a precise breakdown.

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What is visa authorisation, and how is it linked to the cost of recruitment?

Visa authorisation is a legal step in which you give the recruitment company the power to carry out the worker’s recruitment procedures on your behalf. This authorisation is necessary because the on-the-ground procedures in the sending country, contact with the authorities there, medical tests and tickets all need an approved party to carry them out.

What the authorisation includes

• Permission for the company to issue the visa in the chosen worker’s name.
• The power to carry out administrative procedures in the sending country.
• The power to complete the required medical tests.
• Permission to book the worker’s flight ticket.
• The power to complete the arrival procedures in the Kingdom.

How the authorisation relates to the fees

Once authorised, the recruitment company starts paying out several fees:

• Official fees to the government authorities.
• Fees to the company’s partners in the sending country.
• Medical test costs.
• Ticket fees.
• The worker’s health insurance.
• Delivery costs.

These costs are what you pay as part of the recruitment company’s “total package”.

Why does this understanding matter?

Many families confuse government fees with company fees. Separating them clearly helps you:

• Judge whether the price is reasonable.
• Know what drives price differences between companies.
• Check how transparent the offer is.

What are the components of recruitment cost in 2026?

The cost of recruitment isn’t one figure but six groups of fees and costs. Fully understanding these groups lets you read any quote precisely.

Group one: government fees

These include:

• Visa issue fees.
• Electronic authorisation fees.
• Electronic contract fees through Musaned.
• Various government service fees that may change with updates.

These fees go directly to the government authorities, and the recruitment company has no control over them.

Group two: ticket costs

The cost of the worker’s travel from her country to the Kingdom. It varies with:

• The sending country (more distant countries cost more).
• The airline chosen.
• The season (peak seasons cost more).
• The availability of direct flights.

Group three: medical tests

Tests are mandatory at two stages:

• In the sending country before travel.
• In the Kingdom after arrival.

Costs vary by country and approved centre.

Group four: health insurance

Health insurance for the worker during the contract. Insurance is mandatory under Saudi regulations, and it protects both the worker and the sponsor in health emergencies.

Group five: the recruitment company’s fees

These include:

• Operating and management services.
• Liaison with partners in the sending country.
• Selecting and training the worker.
• Follow-up, including after handover.
• Customer service before and after contracting.

Group six: possible extra fees

• Delivery fees from the airport to your home.
• Residence permit renewal fees (for later years).
• Replacement fees (in some cases, under the contract).

Government fees through the Musaned platform — what do they include?

The fees that go directly to the government authorities through the Musaned platform are fixed and not controlled by any recruitment company. Understanding them helps you know the minimum cost in any offer.

Visa issue fees

Every work visa has issue fees set by the Ministry of Human Resources. These fees vary with:

• The nationality of the worker requested.
• The type of occupation (domestic worker, private driver, etc.).
• Seasonal updates to the regulations.

Electronic authorisation fees

When you authorise the recruitment company to carry out the procedures on your behalf, an electronic authorisation is issued through Musaned. It has a nominal fee for registration and storage in the system.

Electronic contract fees

The electronic contract linking the sponsor with the worker and the company is issued through Musaned and has a fee for issuing it and storing it in the government database.

Electronic service fees

Some additional electronic services (such as renewing certain documents or special procedure requests) may have separate fees depending on the case.

How do you find out the current fees precisely?

• Go to the official Musaned platform and check the fees page.
• Ask the recruitment company about the expected fees in your case.
• Ask for a written breakdown of every fee in the quote.

An important point

A recruitment company isn’t allowed to reduce or change government fees. Any promise of a “discount on government fees” makes no sense and may be a sign of a fake company. Real discounts are on the company’s fees and services, not on government fees.

Advance visa fees — how are they set?

The advance visa is the visa issued before the worker actually travels. Its fees have a set structure.

What sets the advance visa fees

• The bilateral agreements between Saudi Arabia and the sending country.
• The type of visa (domestic worker, driver, temporary worker).
• The visa’s validity period.
• Updates to ministerial decisions.

Differences between nationalities

Some nationalities have higher visa fees than others because of:

• Special agreements with the sending country.
• Extra requirements (training, additional tests).
• Diplomatic procedures in some cases.

Differences between types

A visa for a live-in domestic worker may have different fees from a visa for a private driver or a worker on another arrangement.

How do you confirm the fees in your case?

• Ask the recruitment company for a written breakdown showing the visa fees for your chosen nationality.
• Compare the breakdown with what appears on the Musaned platform when you pay.
• If you find a difference, ask why.

Ticket costs — why do they vary?

The flight ticket is one of the biggest components of recruitment cost, and it varies noticeably from case to case.

Factors that affect the ticket cost

• The sending country (geographic distance).
• The airline (national, private or budget carriers).
• When you book (booking early is cheaper).
• The season (high travel seasons cost more).
• Whether direct or indirect flights are available.

Examples of differences between nationalities

• Workers from nearer countries (such as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka) have lower ticket costs.
• Workers from more distant countries (such as the Philippines and Indonesia) have higher ticket costs.
• Workers from African countries (such as Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia) are usually in the middle.

Who pays for the ticket?

In trusted packages, the ticket cost is built into the total package and covered by the recruitment company as part of the service. But you have the right to ask for a clear breakdown in the contract.

An important point

In new recruitment, the ticket is one way. When the contract ends, the worker may stay with the sponsor (renewal) or return home under a new arrangement. The recruitment company explains this in the contract.

Medical test costs in the sending country and in the Kingdom

Medical tests for the worker before and after recruitment are mandatory and have set costs.

Tests in the sending country

These take place before the worker travels. They include:

• Tests for infectious diseases.
• The mandatory basic vaccinations.
• An approved medical report that travels with the worker.

Costs vary with:

• The sending country (its testing centres).
• The type of tests required.
• The agreements between the two countries.

Tests in the Kingdom

When the worker arrives, she takes extra tests at approved centres in the Kingdom. These have prices set by the health authorities.

What’s included in the package and what isn’t

In trusted packages:

• Tests in the sending country are usually included.
• Tests in the Kingdom may be included or separate (read the contract).

An important point

A licensed recruitment company makes sure all tests are completed before handing over the worker. Don’t accept a worker who hasn’t passed the mandatory tests, as that breaches Saudi regulations and puts everyone at risk.

Mandatory health insurance — what you should know

Health insurance for domestic workers is a mandatory requirement under Saudi regulations and can’t be skipped.

What the insurance covers

Basic insurance usually covers:

• Medical treatment in emergencies.
• Necessary surgery.
• Treatment at approved hospitals.
• Some basic medicines.

The exact cover depends on the policy chosen.

Who pays for the insurance?

• In a new recruitment contract, insurance for the first year is usually included in the package.
• After the first year, renewal may be the sponsor’s responsibility.
• Read your contract carefully to know the arrangement.

Why does insurance matter?

• It protects the worker from sudden treatment costs.
• It protects the sponsor from large health expenses that may arise.
• It complies with Saudi regulations and prevents violations.

How do you choose the insurance company?

In most cases, the recruitment company arranges insurance with approved companies. You can ask about:

• The insurance company’s name.
• The terms of cover.
• The validity period.
• How to use the insurance when needed.

Company fees and administrative services

After understanding government fees and actual costs comes the item where companies differ: company fees and administrative services.

What company fees include

• Liaison with partners in the sending country.
• Selecting and training the worker (if that is part of the package).
• Arranging the online interview.
• Following the procedures day to day.
• Liaison with the government authorities.
• Customer service before, during and after handover.
• Guarantees and replacement (under the contract terms).

Why do company fees vary?

• Experience in the market.
• The quality of partners in the sending country.
• The level of customer service.
• Infrastructure (branches, team).
• Extra services included (such as training, delivery and follow-up).

How do you assess company fees?

• Compare the company’s fees with the services it actually provides.
• Make sure the fees are broken down transparently.
• Ask which services are included and which aren’t.
• Don’t focus only on the lowest fees, but on balanced value.

A warning

Unreasonably low company fees may be a sign of:

• A lack of service.
• A company that doesn’t invest in its team or infrastructure.
• A fake company that attracts clients with a tempting price and then disappears.

Delivery to your door — is it charged separately?

In many trusted packages (including Ekal’s), delivery from the airport to your door after the medical tests is included at no extra cost.

What delivery includes

• Meeting the worker at the airport.
• Confirming she has passed the tests.
• Delivering her to your registered address.
• Handing her over officially with a signed handover document.

If delivery is charged

Some companies charge separately for delivery, especially to cities far from the arrival airport. Ask before signing to find out whether delivery is included.

What isn’t part of delivery

Delivery doesn’t include:

• Moving the worker between the company’s branches after handover.
• The worker’s daily travel after the contract starts.
• Transport for annual leave.

These journeys are the sponsor’s responsibility or are arranged separately.

How do you ask for a fee breakdown smartly?

Asking for a fee breakdown isn’t rude; it is a natural right. A serious company welcomes the request and answers it clearly.

What the fee breakdown should include

• Government fees, separately.
• Tickets, separately.
• Medical tests, separately.
• Health insurance, separately.
• Company fees, separately.
• The total amount.
• What the price includes.
• What the price doesn’t include.

How to ask for the breakdown

• Ask for the quote in writing (email or PDF), not verbally.
• Ask for the breakdown before any payment.
• If you find a vague item, ask about it.
• Don’t sign before you understand every item.

Warning signs in a fee quote

• A total with no breakdown.
• Items written in general terms without explanation.
• Verbal promises that aren’t written down.
• Pressure to accept before the breakdown.

What are the differences between government fees and company fees?

Separating the two types clearly helps you assess any offer smartly.

Government fees

• Fixed, and no company may reduce them.
• Go directly to the government authorities.
• The same for every sponsor (by nationality and type).
• Vary between nationalities for objective reasons.

Company fees

• Vary between companies.
• Go to the recruitment company.
• Reflect the level of service provided.
• May include extra services (follow-up, guarantee, delivery).

How do you assess the total price?

• Part of the price is “fixed” because of government fees, tickets and medical tests.
• Part of the price is “variable” because of the company’s fees and services.
• The difference between one offer and another usually comes from the variable part.

An important point

A company offering a price far below the market usually saves at the expense of the quality of the variable part (company fees), and may cut essential services you will have to pay for later.

Warning signs in a fee quote

Some signals in a fee quote reveal a company’s intentions and seriousness.

A total price with no breakdown

A company that gives you only a total figure without itemising is hiding something. Ask for the breakdown, and don’t accept less.

Surprise extra fees

A company that mentions “extra fees that may appear later” without saying what they are or setting a ceiling is leaving the door open to exploitation.

Discounts on government fees

A company claiming it can reduce government fees is lying. Government fees are fixed and no company may change them.

Non-standard payment demands

Requests to pay personal accounts, gift cards or payments without receipts are all outright signs of fraud.

Refusing to let you sign the contract first

A serious company gives you an electronic contract to read before paying. A company that asks for payment before signing doesn’t deserve your trust.

How is the total cost of recruiting a worker calculated?

Putting all the components together, the total cost is made up of:

• Government fees (fixed by nationality).
• Tickets (variable by country and season).
• Medical tests (set by country).
• Health insurance (mandatory).
• The recruitment company’s fees (variable by company).
• Delivery (usually included, or separate).

The total package

At trusted companies, all these components are combined into one “total package” at an all-inclusive price, with a breakdown showing each component.

What makes a price “fair”

A fair price in the Saudi market in 2026 is made up of:

• Full coverage of all mandatory government fees.
• A reasonable ticket cost for the country.
• The full cost of medical tests and insurance.
• Reasonable company fees that reflect the quality of service.
• Transparency in breaking down every component.

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How does Ekal provide full transparency in its fee breakdown?

Ekal Human Resources is committed to full transparency in breaking down fees for every client.

What Ekal provides in its fee quote

• A clear breakdown of every item in the quote.
• A complete separation between government fees and company fees.
• An explanation of what the price includes and what it doesn’t.
• The accepted payment methods.
• The official bank IBAN written in the contract.

Before any payment

• You will receive a written quote.
• You will review the electronic contract through the Musaned platform.
• You will understand every item before signing.
• You don’t pay before signing.

Ekal’s commitment

• No hidden fees will appear after signing.
• No transfers to personal accounts under any circumstances.
• Payment only by POS at the branches or to the Riyad Bank IBAN registered in the contract.

The “Leave it to us” philosophy

It rests on a simple principle: a client who understands what they are paying and why is a comfortable client. Full transparency in fees is a cornerstone of the Ekal experience.

What raises the cost of recruitment without justification?

Sometimes the price is high for no real reason. Recognising these cases protects you from paying more than you should.

Unnecessary intermediary commissions

Some companies rely on a chain of intermediaries, each taking a commission, and every commission is added to the final price. A direct company with one headquarters (such as Ekal in Riyadh, with no branches outside the Kingdom) reduces these commissions.

Heavy social media advertising

Companies that spend large sums on advertising may pass the cost on to the client. This doesn’t mean avoiding every company that advertises, but it is a reason to check whether the value of the service justifies the price.

Inflated fees for marginal services

Some companies add “consultation fees”, “monthly follow-up fees” or “additional service fees” that are inflated compared with what they actually provide.

Pushing extra packages you don’t need

Some companies push you to buy a bigger package than you actually need (such as a one-year package instead of 3 months just for a short trial). This raises the cost without justification.

How do you avoid these increases?

• Choose a direct company with one headquarters (no chain of intermediaries).
• Ask for a breakdown of every fee in the quote.
• Buy only what you need, not what you’re offered.
• Compare two or three quotes before deciding.

How do you deal with fee updates after signing the contract?

In some rare cases, some fees may change between signing the contract and actually receiving the worker (such as a change in government fees or an update to ticket prices).

How does that happen?

• Government fees may be updated by ministerial decisions.
• Ticket prices may rise with the season.
• Agreements between the two countries may change.

What should be in the contract

A trustworthy contract states:

• Whether the price is “fixed” regardless of any update.
• Whether the price can be adjusted if government fees are updated.
• Who bears any unexpected increase (the sponsor or the company).

Advice before signing

• Read the “price changes” clause in the contract carefully.
• Ask for written confirmation of whether the price covers updates.
• If it can be adjusted, ask what the maximum possible increase is.

Ekal’s commitment

In Ekal’s contracts, the terms are written clearly. There are no surprise increases after signing, except for mandatory government fees updated by the relevant authorities, in which case you are informed in detail in advance.

Final tips for dealing smartly with recruitment fees

• Ask any company for a written fee breakdown before committing.
• Compare two or three quotes from licensed companies.
• Don’t focus only on the total figure, but on how transparent the items are.
• Make sure government fees are calculated correctly.
• Don’t accept verbal promises about any fee.
• Keep a copy of the quote and contract for later reference.
• Call Ekal on 920033993 for a transparent, detailed quote for your specific needs.
• Don’t rush to pay under any time pressure; a genuine offer stands up to review and comparison.
• Ask to sign the electronic contract through the Musaned platform before any payment, as it is the key legal document that fully protects your rights.

Contact Ekal

For a transparent breakdown of all recruitment fees in your specific case, contact the Ekal team:

• WhatsApp: 0536033993
• Unified number: 920033993
• Website: request our domestic services for individuals

Our team will help you:

• A detailed quote with every item.
• A clear separation between government fees and company fees.
• An explanation of what the price includes and what it doesn’t.
• An explanation of the official, accepted payment methods.
• Answer all your questions before any financial commitment.

Leave it to us.

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Frequently asked questions

1. How much are visa authorisation fees in Saudi Arabia in 2026?

The fees vary with the worker’s nationality, the type of occupation and seasonal updates to government regulations. Government fees are fixed by the Ministry of Human Resources and no company may change them. To know the current fees precisely, check the payment page on the Musaned platform, or ask Ekal on WhatsApp at 0536033993.

2. What is the difference between government fees and recruitment company fees?

Government fees are fixed and go directly to the government authorities through the Musaned platform (visa, authorisation, electronic contract). Recruitment company fees vary between companies and cover operations, selection, follow-up and the guarantee. Separating the two clearly helps you assess any offer smartly.

3. Does the cost of recruitment include travel tickets?

In trusted packages, yes. The cost of the worker’s ticket from her country to the Kingdom is usually built into the total package. Read the contract carefully to see whether the ticket is included or separate. In new recruitment the ticket is one way, and its cost may vary with the country and season.

4. Who pays for the worker’s medical tests?

Medical tests in the sending country and in the Kingdom are mandatory. In trusted packages, their cost is built into the total package and paid by the sponsor as part of the all-inclusive price. The recruitment company makes sure the tests are completed before handing over the worker. Don’t accept a worker who hasn’t passed the mandatory tests.

5. Is health insurance mandatory, and how much does it cost?

Yes, health insurance for domestic workers is mandatory under Saudi regulations. In a new recruitment contract, insurance for the first year is usually included in the package. After the first year, renewal may be the sponsor’s responsibility. The cost varies with the policy and the insurance company. Ask the recruitment company about the insurance details before signing.

6. Why do recruitment fees vary between licensed companies?

Government fees are the same for every company, but company fees vary with experience, the quality of partners in the sending country, the level of customer service, infrastructure and the extra services included (such as training, delivery, guarantee and follow-up). A company with a much lower price may be saving at the expense of service quality.

7. Can a recruitment company reduce government fees?

No. Government fees are set by the Ministry of Human Resources and are fixed; no recruitment company may change them. A company claiming it can reduce government fees is either deceiving the client or is a fake company. Real discounts are only on the company’s fees and services.

8. What do I do if I discover extra fees after signing?

If extra fees appear that weren’t stated in the written contract, you have the right to refuse to pay them. Contact the recruitment company to clarify where they come from. If the company insists on payment without a written basis in the contract, you can complain to the relevant authorities. The written contract is your main legal reference.

9. Are instalments available for recruitment fees?

Yes. There are several instalment options: bank instalments through the Musaned platform (the safest), monthly packages as a natural instalment model, or financing from outside finance companies (check they are licensed). Each option should be documented in writing before payment. Contact Ekal on 0536033993 to ask about the instalment options available.

10. How do I get a precise breakdown of recruitment fees for my case?

Contact Ekal Human Resources on WhatsApp 0536033993 or the unified number 920033993, or visit the domestic services for individuals page on the website. The team will give you a detailed written quote with every fee item, separating government fees from company fees and explaining everything the price includes and doesn’t include, with no prior commitment. Leave it to us.

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Contact us:
Ekal Human Resources Company

☎️ Unified number
9200-33-993

📠 Fax
+966-11-510-4949

📧 Email
info@ekalsa.com

🌍 Website
www.ekalsa.com

📌 Address
Head office: Riyadh, King Abdulaziz District, Ibn Kathir Street, Building No. 7304, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

📮 Mailing address
P.O. Box 10133, Riyadh 11433