# Recovering money owed in Saudi Arabia

If a company or person in Saudi Arabia owes you money, a licensed Saudi lawyer can usually pursue it without you travelling. Most matters start with a written demand and negotiation, then a court claim if the debt stays unpaid. If you hold a judgment, a cheque or a similar document, you may go straight to enforcement.

Published by RAED ALI ALJOHANI COMPANY FOR Lawyership and Legal Consultations · Last updated 2026-10-19. General information about Saudi law — not advice on your situation.

## At a glance

- **Who this is for:** Foreign companies, suppliers, credit insurers, foreign law firms and individuals owed money by a company or a person in Saudi Arabia.
- **Can it be handled from outside Saudi Arabia?:** Yes. In most matters. A Saudi lawyer can act for you through a power of attorney, and most court work is electronic. We tell you early if any step needs someone in person.
- **What usually decides the route:** Whether you hold a document the Enforcement Court accepts (such as a judgment, an arbitration award or a cheque), what your contract says about disputes, and where the debtor's assets are.
- **What you usually need first:** A short outline: who owes you, roughly how much, and what you hold. No documents yet.
- **First step with us:** Send that outline by WhatsApp, phone or email.


## Common situations we help with

We recover money owed by companies and individuals in Saudi Arabia, including enforcing foreign judgments and arbitration awards. Start with the page closest to your question.

### What changes for creditors under Saudi Arabia's new Enforcement Law?

From 28 October 2026, a new Enforcement Law sets the rules for making debtors pay. It puts more weight on finding and reaching the debtor's assets. See [what the new Enforcement Law changes for creditors](https://saudilaw.co/debt-recovery/new-enforcement-law/).

### How do you get a Saudi company to pay an unpaid invoice?

Usually you start with a clear written demand and try to settle. If that fails, a lawyer brings a claim, or goes straight to enforcement if you hold a document the court accepts. See [recovering an unpaid invoice from a Saudi company](https://saudilaw.co/debt-recovery/unpaid-invoices/).

### Are our promissory notes and cheques still enforceable in Saudi Arabia?

A cheque is a document the Enforcement Court can act on without a new lawsuit. The new law changes how promissory notes are enforced, including the role of Nafith, the national electronic platform for promissory notes. See [promissory notes, cheques and the Nafith platform](https://saudilaw.co/debt-recovery/promissory-notes-and-cheques/).

### Can a court judgment from another country be enforced in Saudi Arabia?

Often, yes, but not automatically. The Enforcement Court reviews it first, and still looks at reciprocity: whether that country's courts enforce Saudi judgments. See [enforcing a foreign court judgment in Saudi Arabia](https://saudilaw.co/debt-recovery/foreign-judgments/).

We are also writing pages on these questions:

- [Enforcing an arbitration award in Saudi Arabia](https://saudilaw.co/debt-recovery/arbitration-awards/) — Saudi Arabia is a party to the New York Convention on foreign arbitration awards.
- [Recovering money from an individual in Saudi Arabia](https://saudilaw.co/debt-recovery/money-owed-by-an-individual/) — When a person owes you money, the routes are similar, but some steps differ.
- [Finding assets and securing payment before judgment](https://saudilaw.co/debt-recovery/tracing-and-securing-assets/) — How a debtor's assets are found, and when they can be secured.
- [Claims when a Saudi customer is in bankruptcy or restructuring](https://saudilaw.co/debt-recovery/customer-in-bankruptcy/) — How creditors take part in a bankruptcy procedure.

## How does debt collection in Saudi Arabia work, step by step?

Debt collection in Saudi Arabia usually moves through six stages. You secure payment terms, send a written demand and negotiate, then claim in court or go straight to enforcement if you hold a judgment, an award or a cheque. Next, the debtor's assets are found and secured, and the enforcement file is followed stage by stage. If the debtor cannot pay, you claim in insolvency. From 28 October 2026, the new Enforcement Law puts more weight on finding assets. Not every matter needs all six stages, and the order can change.

1. **Secure payment terms before you ship.** Agree in writing how and when you will be paid before you deliver. *Where a lawyer helps:* checking your terms and the payment documents you take from the buyer.
2. **Send a documented demand and negotiate.** Put the debt in writing, with the invoices and delivery records behind it. Talks or mediation may follow; [Taradhi](https://saudilaw.co/glossary/) is one official option. *Where a lawyer helps:* a demand in Arabic that records the debt and sets out your position.
3. **Claim in court, or enforce directly.** With only invoices and a contract, a claim usually comes first. With a judgment, an arbitration award or a cheque, you may start enforcement directly. Our guide to [enforcement instruments](https://saudilaw.co/guides/enforcement-instruments-explained/) explains which documents skip a full lawsuit.
4. **Find and secure the debtor's assets.** Enforcement works on what the debtor owns, such as bank accounts or property. From 28 October 2026, the new law puts more weight on finding those assets.
5. **Follow the enforcement file stage by stage.** An enforcement file is a case at the [Enforcement Court](https://saudilaw.co/glossary/enforcement-court/), and each stage needs follow-up. *Where a lawyer helps:* following the file on Najiz and acting at each stage.
6. **Claim in insolvency if the debtor cannot pay.** If the debtor enters bankruptcy proceedings, creditors usually claim inside that procedure. *Where a lawyer helps:* watching the official notices and filing your claim.

Contact: WhatsApp or phone +966 54 797 7285 · email office@raedlawyer.com · undefined

## Can you recover a debt in Saudi Arabia without travelling there?

Usually, yes. A Saudi lawyer can act for you under a power of attorney you sign in your own country. Saudi courts run most hearings electronically. If any step needs someone in person, we tell you early.

A [power of attorney](https://saudilaw.co/glossary/power-of-attorney/) signed abroad usually has to be certified before Saudi authorities accept it. Depending on your country, that means an apostille or legalisation. See [power of attorney for Saudi Arabia, signed abroad](https://saudilaw.co/from-abroad/power-of-attorney/) and [documents for Saudi Arabia by country](https://saudilaw.co/documents-from-abroad/).

[Najiz](https://saudilaw.co/glossary/najiz/) is the Ministry of Justice's online platform for cases and powers of attorney. According to the Najiz platform itself, you sign in with Nafath, the Saudi government's login app. Nafath needs a Saudi digital identity, linked to an ID issued in Saudi Arabia. So a creditor abroad usually acts through a lawyer, who files and follows the matter.

Court work in Saudi Arabia is done in Arabic. Documents in other languages may need a certified Arabic translation. Ask us before you pay for one.

## What are the routes to getting paid in Saudi Arabia?

There are usually five: settlement, a court claim, direct enforcement, enforcing a foreign decision, and a claim in bankruptcy. Which one fits depends on the documents you hold and on the debtor's position.

**Common routes to getting paid in Saudi Arabia**

| Route | When it usually fits | What you usually need | More detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settlement or mediation | The debtor does not deny the debt, or the dispute is about timing or amount. | The contract, the invoices and the messages about the debt. | [Unpaid invoices](https://saudilaw.co/debt-recovery/unpaid-invoices/) |
| A claim in the commercial courts | You hold invoices or a contract, but no enforcement instrument. | Proof of the debt and of delivery. | [Unpaid invoices](https://saudilaw.co/debt-recovery/unpaid-invoices/) |
| Direct enforcement at the Enforcement Court | You hold a Saudi judgment, an arbitration award, a cheque or another enforcement instrument. | The document itself and the debtor's details. | [Notes and cheques](https://saudilaw.co/debt-recovery/promissory-notes-and-cheques/) |
| Enforcing a foreign judgment or award | A court or tribunal abroad has decided in your favour, and the debtor has assets in Saudi Arabia. | An authenticated copy and a certified Arabic translation. | [Foreign judgments](https://saudilaw.co/debt-recovery/foreign-judgments/) |
| A claim in bankruptcy proceedings | The debtor has entered a bankruptcy or restructuring procedure. | Proof of the debt, and close attention to the official notices. | Page coming soon |

This is a general comparison, not a ranking. The right route depends on your documents and on the debtor.

Still deciding whether to sue at home or in Saudi Arabia? Start with where the debtor's assets are. A judgment from your own courts is reviewed by the Saudi Enforcement Court before it can be enforced.

If a person, not a company, owes you money, the routes are similar, but some steps differ.

## What should you do first if you are in Saudi Arabia, or outside it?

Wherever you are, keep everything in writing and gather your documents. What changes is how you use Saudi platforms and who signs for you.

### If you are in Saudi Arabia

- Keep every message about the debt in writing, and save the delivery records.
- Do not sign new payment terms, a settlement or a release before a lawyer has read it.
- Keep original cheques, promissory notes and signed contracts safe.
- If you plan to leave Saudi Arabia, sign a power of attorney first, so the matter can continue.
- Act early. Older debts are harder to prove, and time limits may apply.

### If you are outside Saudi Arabia

- You need a Saudi online account to use Najiz. From abroad, a lawyer usually acts for you under a power of attorney.
- Check what your contract says about disputes. A clause naming arbitration or another country's courts changes the route.
- Keep the originals of cheques, notes and judgments safe. We tell you how to send them, after we agree to act.
- If the debt is insured, check your policy's own steps before you agree anything with the debtor.

## What should you prepare before contacting a Saudi lawyer?

A short outline is enough for a first message: who owes you, roughly how much, and what you hold. Have these ready:

- Who owes you, and their [commercial registration](https://saudilaw.co/glossary/commercial-registration/) (CR) number if you have it. A CR is a business's entry in the official commercial register.
- The contract, purchase order or terms of sale.
- The invoices, and proof of delivery or of the work done.
- Emails or messages about the debt, especially any in which the debtor accepts it.
- Any cheque, promissory note, judgment or arbitration award.
- What you have tried so far, and any reply from the debtor.

Keep them ready — don't send them yet. We tell you which ones to send after we agree to act.

## What's changed recently

- **28 October 2026.** The new Enforcement Law takes effect. It changes what creditors (people and companies who are owed money) can do. See [the dated entry on our what's changed page](https://saudilaw.co/whats-changed/).

## How we help

We act for creditors in Saudi Arabia and abroad. We explain the routes in plain words, then act for you in Arabic, the language Saudi courts work in.

It starts with a short outline from you. We tell you whether we can help, what we need and how fees are agreed. Work starts only after an engagement letter, the written agreement between you and the firm, is signed. Under a power of attorney, we then send the demand, negotiate, and bring the claim or the enforcement request.

No one can promise how a recovery ends. Before you decide, we tell you plainly what can be done, what it takes and on what written terms. Payment is arranged directly with the firm, never on this site. Raed AlJuhani is a licensed Saudi lawyer.

- [How we work with clients outside Saudi Arabia](https://saudilaw.co/how-we-work/)
- [Company details](https://saudilaw.co/about/verify-us/)
- [Finding and checking a lawyer in Saudi Arabia](https://saudilaw.co/find-a-lawyer-in-saudi-arabia/)


## Frequently asked questions

### Should I use a debt collection agency or a lawyer in Saudi Arabia?

If the matter may go to court or to enforcement, use a licensed Saudi lawyer. Most matters start with a written demand and negotiation. Under a power of attorney, a lawyer can send the demand in Arabic, negotiate, and then bring the claim or the enforcement request if talks fail. A licensed lawyer should review your documents before you choose the next step.

### What do I need to start debt collection in Saudi Arabia?

Usually three things: proof of the debt, the debtor's details and a power of attorney for a Saudi lawyer. Proof can be a contract, invoices, delivery records, emails, a cheque, a promissory note, a judgment or an arbitration award. The debtor's details include its commercial registration (CR) number, if you have it. You sign the power of attorney in your own country. See [power of attorney for Saudi Arabia, signed abroad](/from-abroad/power-of-attorney/).

### How long does debt recovery take in Saudi Arabia?

There is no standard timeline, and we don't publish one. What usually decides it is the route (a settlement, a court claim or direct enforcement), how the debtor responds and whether their assets can be found and reached. Once we see your documents, we explain the stages ahead.

### How much does debt collection cost in Saudi Arabia?

There is no single figure. Court and government fees are set by the authority concerned, not by the lawyer, and the official page has the current details. Our own fees depend on the work and are agreed in writing before any work starts. See [how legal fees work in Saudi Arabia](/find-a-lawyer-in-saudi-arabia/how-legal-fees-work/).

### Is it worth recovering a small debt in Saudi Arabia from abroad?

Sometimes. It depends on your documents, on whether the debtor has assets that can be reached, and on what each step costs compared with the amount owed. Before you decide, we tell you plainly what can be done, what it takes and on what written terms. The decision stays yours.

### What happens to our debt if a Saudi customer goes bankrupt?

Creditors usually have to claim inside the bankruptcy procedure, so watch the official notices and act as soon as you hear of one. Have a licensed lawyer review your position, because the procedure has its own steps. We can watch the notices for you, file your claim and explain how the procedure works for it.

### How do we recover money from a Saudi government body?

Don't assume the usual steps for a private company apply. Start by gathering your contract, the invoices and your payment records, and keep the messages about the debt. We read them first, then explain which route applies to your claim, which court or body hears it and what you need to prepare.

### Can a debtor be banned from leaving Saudi Arabia over unpaid debt?

Don't build your plan around it. From 28 October 2026, the new Enforcement Law sets the rules for making debtors pay, and it puts more weight on finding and reaching the debtor's assets. So start with where the assets are. Whether any other measure fits your file is something we assess with you. See [how travel bans end in Saudi Arabia](/cases-arrests-travel-bans/how-travel-bans-end/).

## Official sources

- Ministry of Justice: [Ministry of Justice (MOJ)](https://www.moj.gov.sa/) (checked 2026-10-19)
- Ministry of Justice: [Najiz (Ministry of Justice e-services)](https://najiz.sa/applications/landing) (checked 2026-10-19)
- Ministry of Justice: [Ministry of Justice legislation portal](https://laws.moj.gov.sa/) (checked 2026-10-19)
- Umm Al-Qura (Official Gazette): [Umm Al-Qura official gazette, where new laws are published](https://www.uqn.gov.sa/) (checked 2026-10-19)
- Ministry of Justice: [Taradhi (Ministry of Justice e-reconciliation)](https://taradhi.moj.gov.sa/) (checked 2026-10-19)

General information about Saudi law, not legal advice on your situation. For your own case, speak to a licensed lawyer. Contacting us does not create a lawyer–client relationship until an engagement letter is signed.

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Saudi Law is operated by RAED ALI ALJOHANI COMPANY FOR Lawyership and Legal Consultations, licensed in Saudi Arabia. https://saudilaw.co/debt-recovery/