Hiring Cost Calculator for UAE and Saudi Tech Teams
Compare what a tech hire costs under each Staffenza model. Enter the salary, number of hires and period. It covers remote staff augmentation at USD 225 a month and direct hire at 15–20% of the first-year package. It also covers EOR at AED 899 a month, using your numbers only.
Results are estimates from your inputs and Staffenza's published fees. Government costs, insurance and end-of-service accruals are not included. For a written quote, email [email protected].
How the Hiring Cost Calculator Works
The calculator multiplies salary by the number of hires and months. It then adds the fee for each hiring model. It does not use market salary averages, so the result depends only on what you enter.
Inputs you control
- Gulf salary: the monthly gross salary for someone employed in the UAE or Saudi Arabia. It drives the direct hire and EOR results.
- Remote salary: the monthly salary for an engineer working remotely, for example from India. It drives the staff augmentation result.
- Hires and period: the number of people you need and for how long.
- Agency fee: an optional percentage for comparison with your current provider.
Currency conversion
Fees are converted at the official dollar pegs: 3.6725 AED and 3.75 SAR to one US dollar.
How to Calculate the Cost of a Tech Hire
Each model has a simple formula. You can check any result by hand.
The direct hire fee is paid once per hire. The other two fees are paid every month the person works for you.
Remote Staffing vs Direct Hire vs EOR: Cost Comparison
| Model | Staffenza fee | Who employs the person | When it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remote staff augmentation | USD 225 a month on top of salary | Staffenza, outside the Gulf | You want engineers who join your team at a lower total cost |
| Direct hire | 15–20% of the first-year package, once | Your company | You want a permanent employee on your own payroll |
| Employer of Record | AED 899 per employee per month, plus government costs | Staffenza, in the UAE or Saudi Arabia | You need someone in the country without your own entity |
A senior developer in India costs about 45% less than a Dubai hire, including the USD 225 fee. This is based on Levels.fyi median salaries in October 2026.
Costs the Calculator Does Not Include
Hiring in the Gulf carries costs beyond salary and fees. Budget for these separately.
- Government costs: work permits, residence visas, medical tests and Emirates ID or Iqama. Under EOR, these are billed at actual cost.
- Health insurance: required for employees in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
- End-of-service benefits: UAE gratuity under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, or the Saudi end-of-service award.
- Social insurance: pension contributions for UAE and GCC nationals, and GOSI in Saudi Arabia.
- Your own costs: equipment, software licences and management time.
See our UAE hiring guide and Saudi hiring guide for the rules behind these costs.
Get an Exact Quote
Send us the role, skills and budget. We will confirm the salary range and every fee in writing. Email [email protected] or call +971 55 9962 706. You can also browse developer roles.
Hiring Cost FAQs
How do I calculate the cost of hiring a developer?
Add the salary for the period to the fees for your hiring model. For remote staff augmentation, that is salary plus USD 225 a month. For direct hire, add a one-off fee of 15–20% of the first-year package. For EOR, add AED 899 a month plus government costs.
How much does it cost to hire a developer through Staffenza?
Remote staff augmentation costs USD 225 a month on top of salary. Direct hire costs 15–20% of the first-year package, with a 3-month replacement guarantee. EOR costs AED 899 per employee per month, plus government costs at actual cost.
What costs does the calculator leave out?
It leaves out government costs such as visas, work permits, medical tests and Emirates ID or Iqama fees. It also leaves out health insurance, end-of-service accruals, equipment and your own management time.
Which model is cheapest?
It depends on salary, location and how long you need the person. Remote staff augmentation is often the lowest-cost route because the engineer is based outside the Gulf. A senior developer in India costs about 45% less than a Dubai hire, including the fee.
Why are the exchange rates fixed?
The UAE dirham and the Saudi riyal are pegged to the US dollar. The calculator uses the official pegs of 3.6725 AED and 3.75 SAR to one US dollar.
Is the direct hire fee paid once or every month?
It is paid once per hire. The fee is 15–20% of the first-year package and includes a 3-month replacement guarantee.