Iqama Renewal in Saudi Arabia: Steps, Fees & Timeline

Renewing your iqama (residence permit) on time is one of the most important routines of life in Saudi Arabia. An expired iqama can affect your travel, your dependents' status, and even everyday transactions. The good news is that in 2026 the process is streamlined and largely digital — but there are a few key facts every resident should understand, especially around who is responsible for the renewal and what it actually costs. This Saudi Living guide walks you through the steps, the fees, and the realistic timeline.

Who is responsible for renewing your iqama?

For most residents this is the single most important point: if you are a private-sector employee, your iqama renewal in 2026 is processed by your employer or sponsor, not by you personally. You cannot simply log in and renew it yourself.

• Private-sector workers: the company submits the renewal through its e-services account.
• Government-sector employees: the government entity covers the iqama fees, so the cost to the employee is effectively zero.
• Domestic workers (drivers, housekeepers, guards): renewed by the individual sponsor who employs them.

Because timing depends on your sponsor, it is smart to remind your HR department well before the expiry date.

How the renewal is submitted

Renewal is handled through مقيم (Muqeem), which operates under the General Directorate of Passports, usually via the company's e-services account. Many employers use أبشر Business as the front-end to initiate or confirm the transaction. Payment of government dues is made through Saudi banks' SADAD bill-payment channels.

A small e-service/processing fee of about SAR 51.75 per renewal transaction also applies.

Iqama renewal fees in 2026

The base residence-permit fee depends on the worker category:

• Company/institution workers: SAR 650 per year (pro-rated for shorter periods).
• Domestic workers (private driver, housekeeper, guard): SAR 600
• Government-sector employees: effectively zero to the employee.

A useful update in 2026 is that private-sector iqama renewal can now be done for 3, 6, 9, or 12 months — you are no longer limited to full-year renewals. Typical pro-rated residence-permit fees for workers are:

• 3 months: SAR 163
• 6 months: SAR 325
• 9 months: SAR 488
• 12 months: SAR 650

The dependent levy — usually paid by you

If you sponsor family members, the dependent levy is a major part of your cost. In 2026 it remains SAR 400 per month per dependent — roughly SAR 4,800 per year for each dependent — with no announced changes to the rate.

Key points to remember:

• Dependent fees are typically paid by the employee, not the employer.
• They must be paid in full for the chosen renewal period before the iqama can be renewed.
• Because you can now renew for 3, 6, 9, or 12 months, you can align the dependent payment with a shorter period if cash flow is tight.

What the employer typically pays

For most expatriate workers, the employer also covers an expat work-permit levy of roughly SAR 700–800 per month per worker — about SAR 8,400–9,600 per year — depending on the company's Saudization (Nitaqat) status. Altogether, a standard 12-month renewal in a Saudization-compliant private company in 2026 typically costs the employer around SAR 9,202 in total government dues (work-permit levy, iqama card fee, licence, and transaction fee).

Timeline and practical tips

The online submission and payment can be completed quickly once all dues are settled, but the overall timeline depends on preparation:

• Confirm your dependent levy is fully paid for the period you want.
• Ask HR to start the process before expiry to avoid any lapse.
• Keep a copy of the SADAD payment confirmation.
• After renewal, verify the new expiry date on Muqeem or Absher.

Because fees, categories, and rules can change, always confirm the exact amounts and any updates on the official Muqeem, Absher, or Passports channels before you pay.

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