Iqama Renewal in Saudi Arabia: Steps, Fees & Timeline

Renewing your Iqama (residence permit) on time is one of the most important obligations of living and working in Saudi Arabia. An expired Iqama can affect travel, banking, government services and even lead to fines. The good news is that the process is largely digital and, for employees, handled by the sponsor. This Saudi Living guide explains who is responsible, what it costs in 2026, the renewal periods available, and the steps to keep your residency valid.

Who is responsible for renewing your Iqama?

For expatriate employees, Iqama renewal is processed by the sponsor or employer — not by the worker personally. It is completed through the official government portals linked to the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Human Resources, primarily أبشر and مقيم.

• Private-sector employees: renewal is handled by the employer.
• Domestic workers (driver, maid, etc.): the sponsor pays and processes the renewal.
• Government-sector employees: the renewal fee is covered by the government entity, so it is effectively free to the employee.
• Dependents: the sponsoring resident is responsible for renewing family members' Iqamas.

Iqama renewal fees in 2026

The core residence-permit fee has remained stable. Below are the main figures for 2026:

• Private-sector employee Iqama: SAR 650
• Domestic worker Iqama: SAR 600 paid by the sponsor.
• Government-sector employee: effectively free (covered by the entity).
• Adult son/daughter or wife of a resident: around SAR 500
• Son or daughter under 18: the Iqama renewal fee itself can be zero.

On top of these, an e-service processing fee of SAR 51.75 per Iqama transaction currently applies to each issuance or renewal via the main electronic channels, paid by the employer or sponsor.

The dependent levy — don't forget it

The dependent levy is charged in addition to the Iqama renewal fee and is usually borne by the employee. In 2026 it is SAR 400 or SAR 4,800 per year. This applies even in cases where the dependent's Iqama fee itself is zero — for example, a child under 18 pays no renewal fee, but the monthly levy still applies. Budget for this well in advance, especially for larger families.

Renewal periods: quarterly, semi-annual or annual

You do not have to renew for a full year at once. Several durations are available for the worker Iqama fee, with approximate official brackets:

• 3 months: around SAR 163.
• 6 months: around SAR 325.
• 9–12 months: around SAR 488–650, depending on the duration chosen.

Shorter periods can help manage cash flow, but remember that the dependent levy still accrues monthly regardless of the Iqama period you select.

Work permit levy (Maktab Amel) — paid by the employer

Separate from the SAR 650 Iqama fee is the work permit levy, which is paid by the employer for private-sector expat staff:

• SAR 700 per month (SAR 8,400 per year) for establishments that meet the Saudization balance.
• SAR 800 per month (SAR 9,600 per year) when expat employees outnumber Saudis.

Consolidated fee tables often show a work permit package of roughly SAR 8,500+ confirming the same cost structure.

Step-by-step: how the renewal is processed

• Ensure the work permit (Maktab Amel) is valid or renewed first — the Iqama cannot be renewed if the work permit has lapsed.
• The sponsor logs into أبشر Business or مقيم and selects the Iqama renewal service.
• Choose the renewal duration (3, 6, 9 or 12 months).
• Confirm any outstanding dependent levy and pay through SADAD/online banking.
• Complete the transaction; the e-service fee is applied
• The updated Iqama validity reflects immediately in توكلنا and أبشر.

Practical tips

• Renew before expiry to avoid fines and service interruptions.
• Keep dependents' levy payments current; unpaid levies can block renewal.
• Check your Iqama status regularly in أبشر or توكلنا.
• Because fees are periodically reviewed, always confirm the exact current amounts on the official Saudi government portals before paying.

Staying ahead of your Iqama renewal keeps your residency, employment and daily life running smoothly across the Kingdom.

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