Saudi Probation Period: 2026 Guide
What the Saudi Labor Law fixes about probation since the 2025 amendment — the 180-day ceiling, who can end it, and why your contract sets the notice.
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Saudi probation rules were updated by the Labor Law amendment (Royal Decree M/44 of 1446H, effective around February 2025). The change matters, because probation length and termination rights now work differently from the old default. The rules sit in Article 53.
Maximum length
Probation can now be set at up to 180 days directly in the employment contract from the start. Under the old rule, probation defaulted to 90 days and could only be extended to 180 through a separate written agreement.
Termination rights during probation
Since the 2025 amendment, either party can terminate during probation by default — termination rights are mutual. Previously, a contract could reserve the right to terminate to one side only.
Notice during probation
The Labor Law does not fix a statutory notice period for ending employment during probation. It is governed entirely by your employment contract. If the contract is silent, no statutory minimum applies — which is why reading the probation clause matters.
No gratuity or compensation
If employment ends during probation, neither side owes gratuity or compensation. Probation is a genuine trial window on both sides.
Repeating probation
You cannot be placed on probation twice by the same employer for the same role. Exceptions: a genuinely different role, or if at least six months have passed since your previous employment with that employer ended.
What this means in practice
Because the law leaves probation notice to the contract, two employees at different companies can face very different exit terms during probation. Always confirm your probation length and notice clause, and check the current position with HRSD/Qiwa. Once you pass probation, your service continues toward the end-of-service award.
What to check in your probation clause
Because Saudi law leaves probation notice entirely to the contract, the probation clause is the document that governs your trial period. Read it for four things: the probation length (up to 180 days), whether any notice is required to terminate during probation, whether termination rights are mutual (they now are by default), and any conditions on re-probation. A well-drafted clause protects both sides; a silent one means termination can be immediate with no notice. If you are an employee, negotiating even a short mutual notice into the clause gives you predictability the statute does not provide.
Key takeaways
- Probation can be set at up to 180 days directly in the contract since 2025.
- Termination rights are mutual by default after the amendment.
- No statutory notice applies — the contract governs it entirely.
- No gratuity or compensation is owed on a probation exit.
- Re-probation needs a different role or a 6-month gap.
Frequently asked questions
How long can probation last in Saudi Arabia?
Up to 180 days, which can now be set directly in the employment contract from the start since the 2025 amendment. Before that, the default was 90 days, extendable to 180 only through a separate written agreement.
How much notice during Saudi probation?
The Labor Law does not fix a statutory notice period for probation — it is left to your employment contract. If the contract is silent, no statutory minimum applies.
Can I be put on probation twice by the same employer?
Not for the same role, unless you are taking a different position or at least six months have passed since your previous employment with that employer ended.
Is any gratuity owed if I leave during probation?
No. Neither party owes gratuity or compensation for termination during probation.
Related calculators & guides
More Saudi Arabia employment calculators
Calcnate keeps a full set of Saudi Labor Law tools — all updated for the 2025 amendments — so you can check every part of an exit or contract in one place:
- Saudi End-of-Service Calculator — the half-month/full-month award with resignation tiers.
- Saudi Notice Period Calculator — the 30/60-day rule and pay in lieu.
- Saudi Probation Period Calculator — the 180-day contract rules.
- Saudi Maternity Leave Calculator — 12 weeks at full pay.
- Saudi Leave Encashment Calculator — cash value of unused annual leave.
Browse everything on the Saudi Arabia hub.