Hiring your first employee: the setup checklist

Hiring your first employee brings new legal and financial obligations. Setting them up correctly from the start saves fines and disputes later.

Before the first day

1. 1A written employment contract, documented on the Qiwa platform, stating the job, wage, allowances, working hours, probation and contract term.
2. 2Registration with GOSI (social insurance) so contributions are paid from the first month.
3. 3Wage protection: salaries are paid through banks and reported through the Mudad platform as required.
4. 4For non-Saudi employees: the work permit and residency procedures, and your Nitaqat position.

In your books

• Record the full cost: salary, allowances, GOSI contributions and the end-of-service provision.
• Keep a personnel file with the contract, ID copies and qualifications.

Policies worth writing early

• Working hours, leave and overtime.
• Expense claims.
• Use of company equipment and data.

Platforms and requirements are updated regularly, so check the current rules on Qiwa and the Ministry's website before hiring.