Part-Time Jobs in Saudi Arabia for Expats – New Regulations Explained (2025)



 As an expatriate living in Saudi Arabia, you may be thinking: “Can I take on a part-time job? What are the rules? And what has changed in 2025?” The good news: yes, there are opportunities for supplemental work, side hustles, or part-time roles—but you must navigate the latest regulations carefully. In this post, we’ll unpack the new rules, how they affect expats seeking part-time work, and practical steps you can take to stay compliant and maximise your income.

✅ Why This Matters for Expats

Many expats in Saudi Arabia rely on their full-time job sponsorship and Iqama (residency permit). But with rising living costs, family considerations and changes to labour market rules, the option of additional part-time income is becoming increasingly relevant. However, the Kingdom’s labour laws and visa regulations have historically limited how non-Saudi residents work outside their primary employment.

With recent reforms in 2025, there’s greater clarity (though not always full freedom) around secondary work, side roles, freelancing and part-time jobs. Knowing these rules is vital if you don’t want to risk your full-time job, your Iqama or legal status.

🆕 What’s New in 2025: Key Regulatory Changes

Several key labour reforms and permit-system updates affect part-time work for expats. Here are the most relevant:

1. Skill-Based Work Permit Classification

From mid-2025, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) introduced a new classification system for work permits. They now categorise expatriate work permits into three tiers: High-Skilled, Skilled, and Basic. 

What does that mean for part-time or side jobs?

  • Your primary permit and job must align with the classification category you meet (based on your education, experience, salary, age).

  • If you take on additional work, it should not conflict with your permit category or employer’s conditions.

  • Employers, visa sponsors and authorities now have clearer criteria when approving any additional employment or job switch.

2. Expanded Legal Framework for Part-Time, Remote & Seasonal Work

In 2025, parts of the labour law were amended to specifically address fixed-term, part-time, seasonal and remote work. 

Key takeaways:

  • Employment contracts must clearly state the job type (full-time, part-time, fixed-term).

  • If you are taking on a part-time role, expect the contract to spell out hours, duties, pay and duration.

  • Non-compliance (e.g., working second job without approval) may lead to penalties for you and possibly for your sponsor employer.

3. Stronger Enforcement & Saudization Priorities

The Kingdom continues to pursue its nationalisation (Saudization/Nitaqat) goals, meaning expats must navigate an environment where firms are increasingly evaluated for how many Saudi nationals they employ. 

Implication for part-time work:

  • Companies might limit hiring of additional non-Saudi labour, reducing the “side job” pool.

  • Freelance or secondary services need to ensure they are properly registered and not replacing a Saudi job quota.

🧐 Can Expats Legally Take On Part-Time Jobs?

Yes—but with caveats. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

✔ What you can do

  • Engage in a side job with employer and sponsor consent—either formally as part-time or through secondment.

  • Work in an approved remote/online capacity, provided your full-time sponsor/employer allows it and it doesn’t conflict with your main job contract.

  • Offer seasonal or fixed-term work, such as hospitality during high season, event-based assignments, or specialised project-based roles—if your permit supports such flexibility.

✘ What you should avoid

  • Working a second job without consent or notification to your sponsor/employer.

  • Taking part-time employment that competes or conflicts with Saudization rules (e.g., non-Saudi working where Saudis should be hired).

  • Freelancing or moonlighting in a completely separate business without appropriate permit or registration—the rules remain stricter here for expats.

🔍 Steps to Take If You’re Seeking a Part-Time Job

Here’s a practical checklist:

  1. Check your primary employment contract

    • Does it allow secondary employment?

    • Are there clauses about exclusivity or working only for your sponsor?

  2. Verify your work permit category

    • Use the Qiwa platform (or as applicable) to ensure your permit is classified correctly (High-Skilled, Skilled, Basic).

    • Ensure your main job aligns with that category; taking extra work should not downgrade your status.

  3. Get your sponsor/employer’s written consent

    • Ideally you should document an agreement that allows you a part-time or side role.

    • If the part-time work is with a different employer, you may need sponsorship or permission via labour authorities.

  4. Ensure the part-time role is legal and registered

    • Check the job type, contract, pay, hours, and scope.

    • The job should be registered in the labour system (labour contract or fixed term) under your name.

  5. Watch for sponsorship or contract changes

    • If you switch job or take a second job, your Iqama sponsor may need to change.

    • Ensure compliance to avoid fines or issues when renewing your Iqama or permit.

  6. Keep documentation

    • Store your contract (part-time), pay slips, registration approvals.

    • If you ever need to prove your job status or use your part-time income legally, you’ll be prepared.

📌 Example Part-Time/Side Job Categories Expats Use

Here are some types of roles that expats often do (when allowed):

  • Online tutoring, language instruction, or coaching (if your main job allows remote/part-time work)

  • Hospitality or event-season roles (during festivals, seasonal peaks)

  • Specialist consulting or project work for your field (engineering, IT, marketing)

  • Remote freelancing from within KSA, if permitted by your permit + employer

Bear in mind: even if a job seems informal, treat it like a formal employment contract: clear hours, pay, and agreement.

🧾 Things to Watch & Potential Pitfalls

  • Conflict with main employer: If your sponsor doesn’t approve your part-time job, you may face issues at renewal or risk termination.

  • Permit category mismatch: If you take on a job not aligned with your classification (e.g., you’re “Basic” but you do a “Skilled” job) you may face audit or non-renewal.

  • Saudization rules: Working in a sector where Saudis are prioritised may create issues.

  • Undeclared income: If you’re doing freelance or side work without proper contract, you may lack pay-slips or proof, making it difficult to validate your job status.

  • Renewal risks: During renewal of your Iqama or work permit, authorities may review your employment history. Non-compliance may risk renewal or future visa issues.

🧠 FAQs for Expats Considering Part-Time Work

Q1: Can I change jobs and pick up a part-time role too?
Yes — but you must go through your sponsorship change process and clearly document both jobs. Your permit classification must still align.

Q2: Do I need to inform the labour authorities if I take a second job?
Yes. Your part-time employment should be formally registered, either in your main employer’s contract or via separate contract under labour law.

Q3: Can I freelance or do gig work online?
Only if your work permit allows such activities and you obtain employer consent. Freelancing remains a grey area and the right permit may be required.

Q4: Are there hourly limits for part-time jobs?
Labour law doesn’t set a fixed global “part-time hours limit” yet, but your contract should clearly define the hours. Ensure you’re not violating overtime or contract rules.

Q5: Will part-time income affect my taxes or benefits?
Saudi Arabia has no personal income tax for most expats right now, but keep records (contracts, pay slips) for any future regulatory or visa requirements.

🎯 Tips for Maximising Your Part-Time/Side Income

  • Clearly negotiate your part-time contract with hours, pay and duties defined.

  • Choose roles aligned with your classification: if you’re “Skilled” or “High-Skilled”, pick side work that reflects your experience so you stay compliant.

  • Keep good documentation: pay slips, contract copies, employer consent.

  • Avoid informal cash gigs without contract — they’re risky with the new regulatory focus.

  • Periodically review your full employment status to ensure you remain within the correct permit classification and that your part-time job hasn’t jeopardised your main job.

  • Stay updated on labour law changes — 2025 reforms are already in motion and more are expected.

🔗 Related Posts You Might Like

The landscape for part-time work in Saudi Arabia is evolving. For expats, the potential to earn extra income or take on side jobs is real—but only if you proceed with clarity, proper documentation and full compliance of your contract and permit conditions. Remember: your main job and your work permit category still matter.

By following the right steps, keeping your employer in the loop, and choosing roles that align with your classification, you can take advantage of supplemental income opportunities while staying secure and compliant.

Stay informed, stay compliant—and may your expat journey in Saudi Arabia continue to be rewarding in every way.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Life in Expat Compounds in Saudi Arabia: What Expats Need to Know (2025)

Image
Life in Expat Compounds in Saudi Arabia: What Expats Need to Know (2025) Saudi Arabia has long hosted a large expatriate community, and for many foreign residents, living in an expat compound offers comfort, convenience, and a familiar lifestyle. In 2025, expat compounds continue to play a significant role in helping newcomers adapt while maintaining certain freedoms and privacy. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about life in expat compounds — including what they are, who can live in them, amenities, pros and cons, costs, and comparisons with living outside compounds. What Is an Expat Compound? Expat compounds are gated residential communities specifically designed for foreigners living and working in Saudi Arabia. These compounds are often spacious, secure, and equipped with modern amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, shops, and even restaurants or cafes. They provide a culturally relaxed environment where expats can live more freely, often without the s...
Read more

How to File a Labor Complaint in Saudi Arabia – Complete Guide for Expats and Workers

Image
  Saudi Arabia has implemented significant reforms in recent years to protect workers' rights, particularly under the Saudi Labor Law. If you're an expatriate or Saudi national facing issues such as unpaid salaries, unfair dismissal, contract violations, or harassment at work, you have the legal right to file a labor complaint . This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about filing a labor complaint in Saudi Arabia, including when to file, where to submit, the required documents, and how the process works. Why You Might Need to File a Labor Complaint Understanding your rights as an employee is essential. The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) ensures that employees are treated fairly. Some of the most common reasons to file a labor complaint in KSA include: Unpaid or delayed salaries End of service benefits not paid Wrongful termination Overworking beyond contract hours Working without Iqama (residency permit...
Read more

How to Replace Your Foreign Driving License in Saudi Arabia (2025 Guide)

Image
How to Replace Your Foreign Driving License in Saudi Arabia (2025 Guide) Meta Description: Need to swap your foreign driving license for a Saudi one? Learn the step-by-step process, required documents, fees, appointment booking, and where to go. Labels: Driving in Saudi Arabia, Expat Driving License, Absher, License Conversion, Saudi Traffic Rules Introduction If you’ve moved to Saudi Arabia from abroad and hold a valid foreign driving license, you can replace it with a Saudi one—no need to retake driving exams if your country is approved. Here's how to navigate the process smoothly in 2025. 📄 Documents You’ll Need Original foreign license + Arabic translation Four passport-sized photos (4×6 cm) Iqama (residency permit) copy + sponsor letter Copy of passport Completed official form (available at Moroor or online) Payment receipt (200 SAR for 5 years, or 400 SAR for 10 years) Medical check report (eye + blood test) The medical test must be done at...
Read more