What is Debt Burden Ratio (DBR)?
April 1, 2026
What is Debt Burden Ratio?
Debt Burden Ratio (DBR) is the percentage of your net monthly income (take-home pay) that goes toward debt repayments. It includes all monthly obligations: mortgage installments, personal loans, credit cards, and auto finance.
How is it calculated?
DBR = (Total Monthly Debt Payments ÷ Gross Monthly Salary) × 100
Example: If your salary is SAR 15,000 and your monthly payments are SAR 5,000, your DBR = 33.3%
SAMA Ceiling
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) sets a maximum DBR of 65% of net monthly income. This means the sum of all your monthly installments cannot exceed 65% of your income.
Risk Levels
- Below 40% — Affordable: You have a healthy safety buffer
- 40% - 55% — Stretch: Banks will approve but it's tight
- Above 55% — High Risk: Approaching the SAMA 65% ceiling