The real differences between house (family) driver and company driver jobs: law, hours, pay, freedom and career growth.
Two of the most common driver jobs in the Gulf are the house (family) driver and the company driver. They sound similar, but the visa, the laws that protect you and daily life are very different.
Which law covers you?
- House driver: you're a domestic worker. Your sponsor is a family, and you're covered by the domestic worker law of that country (for example Musaned contracts in Saudi Arabia, or Law 68/2015 in Kuwait).
- Company driver: you're a private sector employee covered by the labour law, with a company sponsor and usually the Wage Protection System.
Comparison
- Pay: company jobs usually pay more in cash. House jobs often include room, food and medical care, which saves you money.
- Hours: company drivers usually work fixed shifts (around 8 hours plus overtime). House drivers are on call to the family's schedule, with limits such as a weekly day off and minimum daily rest.
- Overtime: company drivers are paid overtime by law. Overtime for house drivers depends on the contract.
- End of service: company drivers earn it every year under the labour law. Domestic worker rules differ by country (for example, one month after four years in Saudi Arabia).
- Changing jobs: transfers are possible in both cases, but the process differs. Domestic workers usually need the sponsor's cooperation or a specific legal reason.
- Career growth: company drivers can upgrade to heavy, trailer or tanker licences and earn more. House drivers can move into VIP or executive driving.
Who is a house driver job good for?
- First-time workers in the Gulf who want food and accommodation covered
- Drivers who like a calm job and a close relationship with one family
- Drivers who speak some Arabic or English (this pays more)
Who is a company driver job good for?
- Drivers who want fixed hours and overtime pay
- Drivers planning to get a heavy licence and move up
- Drivers who want stronger labour law protection
Find both kinds of jobs
Browse house and family driver jobs and company driver jobs across the Gulf. Check pay ranges in our Saudi and UAE salary guides.
Common questions
Can a house driver later become a company driver?
Sometimes, but moving from a domestic visa to a private sector visa is restricted in several Gulf countries. Check the current rules before you plan on it.
Which job is easier to get from abroad?
House driver jobs are often easier for first-time workers, because families recruit through agencies in large numbers.
Do house drivers get end-of-service pay?
Yes, but under domestic worker rules, which differ by country. For example, Kuwait pays one month per year of service.
Is accommodation always included?
For house drivers, nearly always. For company drivers, it may be a shared room or a housing allowance.
