Salary certificate: its importance and how to obtain it in Saudi Arabia

A salary certificate is a fundamental official document in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, issued by the employer and authenticated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. It serves as an official document detailing an employee's monthly income. This certificate is important because it is a key requirement in many financial and governmental transactions, providing conclusive proof of an individual's financial capacity and job stability.

General context and digital transformation in government services

The provision of electronic salary certificate issuance is part of the Kingdom's comprehensive digital transformation initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030. This vision aims to build a fully integrated e-government that streamlines procedures and enhances the efficiency of services provided to citizens and residents. Previously, obtaining such documents required complex paperwork and frequent visits to human resources offices and government agencies. Today, platforms like "Qiwa" and "Mudad," affiliated with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, have automated this process, ensuring faster processing, data accuracy, and reduced administrative burdens for both employees and employers.

The importance and impact of a salary certificate

The importance of a salary certificate extends far beyond simply proving income; it has become an essential empowering tool in an individual's daily life. Its importance is evident in several key aspects:

• Banking and financing transactions: The certificate is a mandatory requirement for banks and financial institutions when applying for personal loans, real estate financing, car loans, or even credit cards, as these entities rely on the data mentioned in it to assess the applicant’s creditworthiness.
• Government and legal procedures: The certificate is required in certain procedures with government departments, such as updating civil registry information or when applying for certain government support programs. It can also be used as supporting documentation in courts to prove income in alimony cases and other matters.
• Lease agreements and real estate transactions: These are required by property owners and real estate marketing companies as a guarantee of the tenant's ability to pay the monthly rent regularly.
• Visa issuance and international travel: Many embassies require a salary certificate as part of the requirements for obtaining a tourist or visit visa, in order to ensure that the traveler can cover the costs of his trip and has a job connection in his country.

How to obtain a salary certificate

Obtaining a certificate has become a simple and straightforward process thanks to digital platforms. Private sector employees can request it from their organization's human resources department, which then issues it electronically through the "Qiwa" or "Mudad" platforms. Certificates issued through these platforms are digitally authenticated and contain a QR code that relevant authorities can scan to instantly verify the data, thus ensuring high reliability and preventing any forgery attempts.