Obtaining a Certificate of Employment (COE) is among the most essential procedures in maintaining a professional and legal history, in case of working in Saudi Arabia. This document can be used as the official evidence of your working experience, whether you are being hired in a new position, applying for a visa, a bank loan, or your future departure.
As an expat and employee, you will find in this guide how to save time and other inconveniences to have your certificate on time and without stress.
What is a Certificate of Employment?
A Certificate of Employment is a documented form that is granted by your employer, and it encompasses:
- Your job position
- Employment duration
- Salary details
- Company information
It is typically typed on company letterhead and signed and stamped.
Types of Employment Certificates in Saudi Arabia
There are several types depending on your need:
- Employment Certificate: To those employees who are currently working.
- Experience Certificate: For previous jobs.
- Salary Certificate: Focuses on income details.
- Service Certificate: Issued when leaving a company
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Method 1: via the Qiwa Website
This is the quickest, simplest, and most formal way of obtaining your Certificate of Employment in Saudi Arabia. Do the following simple steps:
Step-by-Step Process
1. Log in to your Qiwa account
Go to the Qiwa platform and sign in using your Absher-linked account details. This verifies your identity as an employee.
2. Go to “Services.”
After logging in, navigate to the Services section where all available employee services are listed.
3. Click on “Employment Certificates.”
Find and select the Employment Certificates option. This is the section dedicated to requesting your certificate.
4. Select “Request New Certificate.”
Click on this option to start a new request. This opens the application form.
5. Choose certificate type
Choose the kind of certificate required (e.g., employment, experience, or salary certificate).
6. Select your employer/job
If you’ve worked with multiple employers, choose the correct company and job role.
7. Submit the request
Check the information and place the request with the help of the system.
8. Wait for employer approval
Your employer (HR department) will receive the request and must approve it before issuance.
9. Download your certificate
Once approved, you can download your Certificate of Employment directly from Qiwa.
Processing Time
Typically requires 1-3 working days, depending on the speed at which your employer accepts the request.
Cost
Completely free of charge through Qiwa.
Alternative Method: Request from Employer
If you prefer the manual method:
Steps:
- Contact the HR department
- Send a formal request email
- Mention purpose (job, visa, etc.)
- Wait for issuance
Required Information in the Certificate
Your certificate must include:
- Company name and logo
- Employee’s full name
- Job title
- Employment start and end date
- Salary details (if required)
- Company stamp
- Authorized signature
Missing any of these can make your certificate invalid.
Do You Need Attestation?
You may need attestation if you are using the certificate:
- Outside Saudi Arabia
- For immigration purposes
- For embassy submissions
Attestation Authorities:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
- Saudi Embassy
- Home country authorities
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these errors to prevent rejection:
- No company stamp
- Incorrect job title
- Missing salary details
- Wrong employment dates
- Not using official letterhead
- No Arabic version (important in KSA)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Certificate of Employment in Saudi Arabia?
A Certificate of Employment (COE) is a personal document issued by your employer that states your employment, salary, and the period of employment. It is widely applied in the workplace, visas, and finances.
2. What is the way that I can obtain a Certificate of Employment in Saudi Arabia?
You may have it two ways:
- By Qiwa Platform (fastest/free way)
- By asking them to do it directly to your employer or HR department.
3. Does Saudi Arabia have a free Certificate of Employment?
Yes, it is totally free when you request it via the Qiwa platform.
4. What is the time taken to obtain the certificate?
This will take an average of 1-3 working days, depending on the speed of your employer to approve the request.
5. Can I get the certificate without the consent of the employer?
No, the approval of the employer is required. Your employer has to validate and sanction the request even on Qiwa.
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Final Words
This guide has included all that you require, whether it be step-by-step techniques or professional advice and pitfalls to avoid. By following these steps, you will not only save time but also be sure that your certificate will be accepted to any official purpose.
Use your Certificate of Employment as a key to your professional record that can open some doors to new working opportunities, financial services, and global procedures.
