Iqama in Saudi Arabia
Renew your Iqama through Absher or Muqeem in under a day - if your paperwork is in order.
Last verified: 2026-06
Overview
The Iqama is the Saudi residency card every expatriate worker, and most dependents, must carry. It's issued by the Ministry of Interior and renewed annually - or every two years depending on what your sponsor pays.
Renewals are processed by the sponsoring employer through the Muqeem portal, while individual residents check status, pay traffic-related items, and request travel permits through Absher. Most renewal failures come from one of three issues: unpaid municipality or traffic fines, a lapsed health insurance policy, or outstanding levies the sponsor hasn't cleared.
Documents required
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining
- Current Iqama (even if expired)
- Active health insurance policy registered with CCHI
- Cleared traffic and municipal fines
Eligibility
- You are under a valid Saudi sponsorship (work, family, or domestic)
- Sponsor's establishment is in good standing (no labour office holds)
- All previous Iqama and dependent fees are paid
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Iqama renewal (Maktab Amal fee) | 650 SAR | Per year, paid by employer through SADAD. |
| Work permit / Maktab Amal levy | 9,600 SAR | Annual levy for expat workers, typically paid by employer. |
| Dependent fee | 4,800 SAR | Per dependent per year (400 SAR per month). Usually borne by employee. |
| Health insurance | Varies SAR | Mandatory; cost depends on category and provider, typically 800-2,500 SAR per person per year. |
Step by step
- 1
Pre-check your status
Log into Absher and confirm Iqama expiry, outstanding fines, and current health insurance status. Pay any open fines first - the renewal will not go through otherwise.
online
- 2
Ensure insurance is active
Confirm with HR that your health insurance is renewed and registered with CCHI for the new period. Without this, Muqeem will reject the renewal.
1-2 days · either
- 3
Sponsor pays dependent fees and levy
Your employer settles the work permit levy and any dependent fees through SADAD using the establishment's account.
Same day · online
- 4
Renewal submitted on Muqeem
HR or the company's GRO submits the renewal through Muqeem. The system pulls insurance and fee status automatically.
Same day · online
- 5
Updated Iqama status
Once approved, the new expiry date is reflected immediately on Absher. Physical Iqama cards typically don't need reprinting unless damaged or expired beyond 5 years.
Instant · online
Processing time: Same day if all prerequisites are clear; 1-3 days when fines or insurance are pending.
Renewal
Iqama is typically renewed annually. Sponsors can renew for up to 2 years at once by paying the levy upfront. Late renewal triggers a 500 SAR fine for the first offence and 1,000 SAR for subsequent ones.
Fines & penalties
- First late renewal: 500 SAR fine
- Second and subsequent: 1,000 SAR fine each
- Expired Iqama beyond grace period can lead to deportation
- Unpaid dependent fees block exit/re-entry visas
Common pitfalls
- Renewing before paying traffic fines - the request will silently fail
- Assuming HR has renewed your insurance when they haven't
- Not paying dependent fees in advance - blocks exit visas later
- Trying to renew through Absher Individuals when only the sponsor can submit it
FAQs
No. Iqama renewal is a sponsor-side action through Muqeem. You can pay personal fines and check status through Absher, but the renewal itself is filed by your employer.
As of 2026, the dependent levy is 400 SAR per dependent per month, payable by the expat worker. The fee must be cleared before Iqama renewal and before any exit/re-entry visa is granted.
Government services, banking, and travel are blocked. A late renewal fine applies, and an Iqama expired beyond the grace period can put you at risk of deportation.
Yes. CCHI-registered insurance must cover the full renewal window - if you renew for 2 years, insurance must also be valid for 2 years, or the request will be rejected.