Dependent Iqama Guide: Sponsoring Family in Saudi Arabia

Bringing your spouse and children to live with you in Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest steps for any resident. Once your family arrives, each person needs their own residence permit — a dependent iqama — issued under your sponsorship. In this Saudi Living guide, we break down the fees, the payment process, the renewal channels, and the extra costs you should budget for, so there are no surprises when the bills come due.

What is a dependent iqama?

A dependent iqama is a residence permit issued to family members you sponsor under your own iqama — typically your spouse and children. It gives them legal residency for the same period selected on your permit, and it must be kept valid and renewed on time to avoid penalties.

The main cost of sponsoring dependents comes from two separate charges: the annual dependent levy (a government fee for each dependent) and the iqama issuance or renewal fee. Understanding the difference between them is the key to budgeting correctly.

The fees you need to know

There are two core costs per dependent:

• Dependent levy: SAR 400 which works out to SAR 4,800
• Iqama issuance / renewal fee: SAR 500

Adding these together, the typical minimum first-year cost is about SAR 5,300 per dependent — before medical insurance and document attestation. Remember this figure multiplies with each family member, so a spouse and two children will cost significantly more.

As of 2026, no change to the dependent levy has been identified: the SAR 400 monthly rate remains in force.

The 90-day grace period for new arrivals

If your family has just arrived in the Kingdom, there is helpful news: the first 90 days after arrival are treated as fee-free for the dependent levy under current 2026 guidance. Use this window to complete medical insurance, document attestation, and the iqama issuance steps without the levy clock adding pressure. It's a good idea to line up everything early rather than waiting until the grace period is close to ending.

How and where to pay

The dependent levy and iqama fees are settled through SADAD using your Saudi banking channels — your bank app, online banking, or an ATM. A few practical points:

• The levy is charged for the full period you request on the residence permit and is generally paid in advance, not month by month.
• The iqama is issued and renewed for the residence-permit period you select, so the total you pay upfront reflects that duration.
• Keep your SADAD payment confirmations — you may need proof when finalizing the renewal.

Which portal to use

The process runs through official government platforms depending on your situation:

• أبشر (Absher): the main channel for individual residents to manage family visas, set up dependents, and renew iqamas.
• مقيم (Muqeem): employer-linked and professional residency processing is handled here, so your employer or a business account may complete certain steps on your behalf.

In many cases you will interact with أبشر for your family matters while your employer's HR handles portions through مقيم. Confirm with your HR department which steps fall to you and which they manage.

Extra costs to budget for

Beyond the levy and iqama fees, plan for these additional expenses so your budget is realistic:

• Health insurance for each dependent, which is required and priced separately.
• Attestation of marriage and birth certificates, needed to prove the family relationship.
• Translation and courier fees for documents that need certified Arabic translation or shipping.

These vary by nationality, insurer, and the type of documents involved, so gather quotes early.

Practical tips before you start

• Calculate the total per dependent (levy + iqama fee + insurance) and multiply by your family size before committing.
• Renew on time — a lapsed iqama can lead to fines and complications for the whole family.
• Because fees are paid in advance for the full period, choose your renewal duration deliberately.

Exact fees and processes can be updated, so always confirm the current figures and steps on the relevant official Saudi government portal — أبشر for individuals and مقيم for employer-linked processing — before you pay.

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