Ready template
Experience certificate template:the four items the Law requires
Article 64 requires the employer to give a free service certificate when the employee asks for one. It lists the four items the certificate shows and bans anything that may harm the employee's reputation or reduce their employment prospects.
- Ready template
- Every clause cites its article
Issuing a service certificate is a legal duty. Article 64 of the Labour Law requires the employer, when the contract ends, to give the employee a free certificate on request and to return everything the employee deposited with them.
The Law lists what the certificate shows: the date of joining, the date the employment ended, the occupation, and the last wage. It also says the certificate may not include anything that may harm the employee's reputation or reduce their employment prospects.
So the certificate records facts and does not assess the employee. Adding the reason for leaving or comments on performance goes beyond its purpose and exposes the employer to liability.
The statutory basis
Article 64(1) of the Law
A service certificate free of charge on the worker's request, showing the date of joining, the date the relationship ended, the occupation and the last wage, with nothing that may harm their reputation or reduce their employment prospects.
Article 64(2) of the Law
Return of all certificates and documents the worker deposited with the employer.
Article 88 of the Law
Wages and dues must be paid within one week of the relationship ending if the employer ended it, and within two weeks if the employee did.
Certificate text
Certificate text
[Establishment logo] [Establishment name] | [Commercial registration number] | [Address] Service certificate Reference: [Number] | Date: [Date] [Establishment name] certifies that: Name: [Full name as per the identity document] ID or Iqama number: [Number] Nationality: [Nationality] Joined our service on [joining date] Ended their employment relationship on [end date] Occupation: [Occupation as stated in the contract and work permit] Last wage: [Amount] riyals per month This certificate is issued on the holder's request, free of charge, and is not to be used for any other purpose Name: [Authorised signatory] | Title: [Title] Signature: [Signature] | Stamp: [Establishment stamp]
Text in square brackets marks fields to fill with your own data. The template follows the provisions cited above and does not replace professional advice in a dispute.
Drafting rules
- 01Include all four items the Law names. If one is missing, the certificate does not do its job.
- 02State the occupation exactly as it appears in the contract and work permit, because it is checked against official records.
- 03State the last wage in riyals and say that it is monthly.
- 04Do not mention the reason for leaving, performance ratings or penalties. The Law prohibits anything that may harm the employee's reputation or prospects.
- 05Return every certificate and document the employee deposited with you. This is a separate requirement in the same article.
- 06Issue it free of charge. The Law says so expressly.
Common mistakes
Stating the reason for leaving
The certificate records facts. Mentioning resignation or dismissal may fall under the prohibition in Article 64.
Tying it to a release
The employee is entitled to the certificate on request. It cannot be made conditional on signing a settlement or waiver.
Charging for it
The Law says expressly that it is free of charge.
Not returning documents
Article 64(2) requires you to return all certificates and documents the employee deposited.
How Barez saves you filling it in by hand
Data comes from the file
Joining date, end date, occupation and last wage are already in the employee file, and the certificate is generated from them.
Issuing is recorded
HR issues the certificate from the system through an approval route, which keeps a record of when it was issued.
The settlement stays separate
The final settlement is handled separately, so the certificate never depends on it.
Sources
This page is explanatory guidance, not legal advice.
In a dispute, rely on the official text and consult the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development or a licensed lawyer.
Ready template
Frequently asked questions
Is an experience certificate mandatory?
Yes. Article 64 of the Labour Law requires the employer, when the contract ends, to give the employee a free service certificate on request and to return any documents the employee deposited.
May the reason for leaving be stated?
The Law prohibits including anything that may harm the employee's reputation or reduce their employment prospects. The safest approach is to include only the four items the Law lists.
How does it differ from a salary certificate?
A service certificate is issued at the end of the relationship and shows length of service, occupation and last wage. A salary certificate is issued during service for banking or visa purposes and carries different data.
Templates and forms
Continue from here
Article 111: pay for unused leave
What the employee is owed for leave not taken.
The final settlement
How to put together the final statement of dues.
End-of-service calculator
Compute the gratuity before drafting the settlement.
Written warning template: what makes it valid
A warning must state the violation, the penalty, its amount and the penalty if the violation is repeated. Article 68 of the Regulations lists these items, and this template includes all of them.
Ready templateInvestigation minute template: the step before any penalty
No penalty above a fine of one day's wage may be imposed until the employee has been notified in writing, heard, and had their defence examined, with a minute filed in their personal file. This template is that minute.
Official route guideWork regulations: the unified template and how it is approved
The ministry issues a unified template for work regulations and approves them through its own service. A file downloaded from a website and signed internally has no standing. This guide covers both approval routes and the records you must keep.
Start today
Ready to move your team to Barez?
Reserve your place today, or book a demo and we'll walk you through Barez on your own company.