Sponsoring Family in Saudi Arabia: Dependent Iqama Guide

Bringing your spouse, children, or parents to live with you in Saudi Arabia is one of the most meaningful steps an expatriate worker can take. But sponsoring family members comes with financial obligations and administrative steps that are easy to underestimate. This guide from سعودي ليفنج breaks down the dependent iqama process — what you'll pay, who pays it, and how to keep everything valid and up to date.

What is a dependent iqama?

A dependent iqama is the residence permit issued to family members you sponsor as an expatriate worker — typically a spouse, children, and in some cases parents. It grants them legal residence tied to your own iqama status. As the sponsor, you are responsible for issuing, renewing, and covering all associated charges for each dependent.

Because the dependent iqama is linked to you, it's important that your own residence status stays valid and current. If your iqama expires or your situation changes, it directly affects the people you sponsor.

The dependent levy: what you pay monthly and yearly

The main recurring cost is the dependent levy — a government charge applied to each sponsored dependent. The figures are:

• SAR 400 per month
• SAR 4,800 per year

This levy is paid by the sponsor (the expatriate worker), and it multiplies with every family member you sponsor. For example, sponsoring a spouse and two children means the levy applies to all three individually. It's worth mapping this out before your family arrives so the annual total doesn't catch you by surprise.

A helpful note for planning: the SAR 400 monthly dependent levy remained in effect through 2026 and had not changed from the earlier rate, so you can budget with reasonable confidence.

Iqama issuance and renewal fees

Separate from the levy, there is a charge to issue or renew each dependent's iqama:

• SAR 500 per year for issuance or renewal

The dependent iqama is generally renewed on a yearly basis. Keeping track of each family member's renewal date is essential, since letting an iqama lapse can create complications. Set reminders ahead of the expiry to give yourself time to arrange payment and complete the process.

How to pay and process everything

The system in Saudi Arabia is largely digital, which makes managing dependents relatively straightforward once you know the tools:

• Payments are made through SADAD, the national electronic payment system integrated with local banks and apps.
• Absher and Muqeem are the official channels used for dependent residence services, including renewals and related requests.

In practice, you generate the required payment amount (levy and iqama fees) and settle it via SADAD, then complete the renewal or service through the relevant portal. Because processes and screens can be updated, always confirm the exact steps and current amounts on the official Absher or Muqeem platforms before you pay.

Other costs to plan for

The levy and iqama fees aren't the only expenses tied to sponsoring family. Budget also for:

• Health insurance for each dependent, which is a standard requirement.
• Additional service and payment fees that may apply during processing.

Adding these to the levy and renewal fees gives you a realistic picture of the true annual cost

Tips to stay compliant and avoid surprises

• Calculate the full annual cost per dependent — levy, iqama fee, health insurance — before your family arrives.
• Track each renewal date individually; family members may have different expiry dates.
• Keep your own iqama valid, since dependents' status depends on yours.
• Verify current fees and steps on official government portals rather than relying on memory or older information.
• Pay in advance of deadlines to avoid last-minute issues.

Sponsoring family is very manageable when you understand the recurring costs and use the official digital channels. With a clear budget and a renewal calendar in place, you can focus on settling your loved ones into life in the Kingdom.

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