Qiwa vs. Company-Issued Contracts in Saudi Arabia: What Expats Must Know Before Signing
- Jeddah Translation Office
- Jul 16
- 2 min read
🛬 Moving to Saudi Arabia for Work?
Read This Before Signing Your Contract
If you're an expat starting a new job in Saudi Arabia, you’ll likely come across terms like “Qiwa contract” or “company-issued contract.” These employment contracts may seem similar — but they’re not. Understanding the legal difference can protect your rights, salary, and work conditions.
At JCT Translation Office, we help expats like you translate and understand official contracts before signing them. Here's what you need to know:
📄 What Is a Qiwa Contract?
A Qiwa contract is a digital employment contract issued through the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources' official platform — Qiwa.It’s used by many companies across the Kingdom for standardized, government-recognized employment documentation.
Key Features of Qiwa Contracts:
Registered and monitored by the government
Written in Arabic (standard requirement)
Not easily editable by employers
Legally binding and transparent
Often used for full-time, part-time, or freelance work
🧾 What Is a Company-Issued Contract?
A company-issued contract is a traditional paper agreement provided directly by your employer. It may be in English, Arabic, or bilingual — but isn’t necessarily registered with Qiwa.
Key Features:
Varies by company
May or may not follow Saudi labor templates
Often less transparent
Could be ambiguous if not translated properly
⚖️ Qiwa vs. Company Contracts: A Quick Comparison
Feature | Qiwa Contract | Company-Issued Contract |
Format | Digital (Online) | Paper or PDF |
Language | Arabic (required) | May be English or bilingual |
Legal Authority | Monitored by Ministry of HR | Depends on company’s legal team |
Editing Rights | Only employer via Qiwa system | More flexible |
Transparency | Very high | Depends on employer |
🌍 Why Translation Is Essential for Expats
Many expats mistakenly assume that if their contract is in English, it’s safe to sign. But in Saudi Arabia, Arabic is the official language of legal contracts — and the Arabic version is the one that courts and government departments recognize.
That’s why you should never sign any employment agreement without an accurate, sworn translation.
✅ How JCT Translation Office Helps You
We provide fast, accurate, and legally accepted translation services for expats across Saudi Arabia.
With JCT Translation Office, you get:
📜 Certified translation of employment contracts
⚖️ Sworn translators approved by Saudi courts
🌐 Online delivery via email or WhatsApp
🔁 Quick turnaround (often within 24–48 hours)
🛡️ Confidentiality and accuracy guaranteed
Whether you’re accepting a new job offer, renewing your Iqama, or applying for a visa — your contract matters.
📢 Don’t Risk Signing Blind
Whether your contract comes from Qiwa or directly from your company, make sure you understand every word before signing.
👉 Contact JCT Translation Office today for a professional review and certified translation of your employment contract.
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