Monthly Domestic Worker Leasing in Saudi Arabia
Monthly domestic worker leasing has emerged as one of the most popular household staffing options in Saudi Arabia's major cities. Rather than committing to the full process and expense of overseas recruitment (istiqdam), families pay a fixed monthly rate to a licensed agency for access to a domestic worker — maid, nanny, cook or driver — with the agency retaining sponsorship responsibility for the worker.
How Monthly Domestic Worker Leasing Works
The process is straightforward compared to overseas recruitment:
- Family contacts a licensed domestic staffing agency (or WeRecruit, which connects families with such agencies)
- Family specifies requirements — type of worker, preferred nationality, working hours, tasks
- Agency presents available workers from their pool
- Family meets the worker and confirms selection
- Monthly lease contract is documented (ideally through the Ajir Individual system)
- Worker begins with the family; iqama stays with the agency
Monthly Maid Leasing Rates Saudi Arabia 2026
Rates vary by nationality, working hours and agency. As a general guide:
- Ethiopian maid: SAR 1,000–1,400/month
- Filipino maid: SAR 1,300–1,800/month
- Indonesian maid: SAR 1,200–1,700/month
- Nanny: SAR 1,400–2,000/month
- Cook: SAR 1,600–2,500/month
Rates typically cover the worker's salary plus the agency's service fee and cost of maintaining sponsorship. Always clarify exactly what is included before signing.
Companies Offering Monthly Maid Leasing in Saudi Arabia
Monthly maid leasing companies operate in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Khobar and other major cities. The market is fragmented, with many small agencies operating alongside larger established providers. Quality and reliability vary significantly — which is why families benefit from using a trusted referral like WeRecruit to identify vetted agencies.
What the Monthly Rate Typically Covers
- Worker's basic salary
- Agency's fee for sponsorship maintenance
- Health insurance (basic coverage)
- In some cases: replacement if the worker is unable to continue
Accommodation, food and transportation are typically provided by the family, not the agency. Confirm this in writing before the arrangement begins.
Tips Before Signing a Monthly Lease Agreement
- Verify the agency is licensed by the Ministry of Human Resources
- Ensure the contract is documented on the official Ajir platform
- Clarify working hours, days off and accommodation arrangements upfront
- Ask about the replacement policy — what happens if the worker doesn't suit your family?
- Do not pay large sums upfront before meeting the worker