How Many Times Iqama Can Be Transferred In Saudi Arabia (2025 Guide)

How Many Times Iqama Can Be Transferred In Saudi Arabia. As Saudi Iqama, I serve as your official residence permit in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, granting you legal residency and work status. One of the most frequent questions asked by expatriates working in Saudi Arabia is: “How many times can Iqama be transferred from one employer to another?”

In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the official rules under Saudi Labor Law regarding Iqama transfer limits, valid conditions for transfer, steps using Absher and Qiwa, and the applicable fees. Whether you are a domestic worker or a corporate employee, this guide will help you understand your transfer rights and responsibilities clearly.

Read Also: Your Iqama Can Be Updated With Al Rajhi Banking 2025

Under Saudi Labor Law, Iqama can be transferred a maximum of 3 times. This means:

• An expatriate worker is allowed to transfer sponsorship (kafala) up to four times (the original employer + 3 transfers).
• After the third transfer, the Iqama holder will no longer be eligible for another transfer unless granted special permission under exceptional circumstances.

This policy aims to stabilize the labor market and reduce the frequency of random job hopping by expatriates.

Qiwa is the official Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development platform used to manage employment contracts and services, including Iqama transfers.

Here are the three main Iqama transfer scenarios allowed in Qiwa:

Transfer Type	Employer Approval Needed	Notice Period	Eligibility Requirements
Direct Transfer	❌ No	❌ No	End of work permit or Iqama expiry
With Notice Period (No Approval)	❌ No	✅ Yes (max 90 days)	Over 1 year in KSA, meets specific facility conditions
With Employer Approval	✅ Yes	❌ No	Less than 1 year in KSA or non-compliant facility

Direct Transfer Without Employer Approval

• No notice period or employer approval is needed.
• This applies when:

The work permit has expired, or The Iqama has expired.

Steps:

• Step 1: New employer sends a transfer request through Qiwa.
• Step 2: Employee approves the request.
• Step 3: New employer completes transfer via Absher Business or Resident portal.
• Step 4: Iqama transfer is finalized.

Transfer with Notice Period but No Employer Approval

• No approval from the current employer is needed.
• A notice period of up to 90 days is required.
• This applies when:

Employee has completed more than one year in Saudi Arabia.

The new company complies with:

• 100% documentation of expat contracts.
• Approved internal labor regulations.

Steps:

• Step 1: New employer sends a request via Qiwa.
• Step 2: Employee approves the request.
• Step 3: Transfer proceeds after the notice period ends (current employer may reduce it).
• Step 4: New employer completes transfer in Absher.
• Step 5: Iqama transfer is completed.

Transfer Requiring Employer Approval

• Employer approval is mandatory.
• No notice period is needed.
• Applies if:

Worker has spent less than one year in Saudi Arabia.

New company does not meet Qiwa compliance conditions.

Steps:

• Step 1: New employer sends transfer request.
• Step 2: Employee approves.
• Step 3: Current employer approves.
• Step 4: New employer completes the process via Absher.
• Step 5: iqama transfer is finalized.

If you’re a domestic worker, your Iqama transfer happens through the Absher Platform.

Steps:

• Step 1: Current employer submits a transfer request on Absher.
• Step 2: Domestic worker (employee) logs in and approves the request.
• Step 3: New employer confirms the transfer via Absher.
• Step 4: Transfer is completed after confirmation from all parties.

To accept or request a transfer, a company must meet these mandatory conditions:

• A valid commercial registration.
• Establishment must be formally active.
• Valid work licenses for the establishment.
• Full compliance with the Wage Protection System.
• Classified as at least Medium Green (or Very Small Green for small businesses).
• Sufficient balance in foundation account for transfers.

As an Iqama holder, you must also meet specific requirements to transfer legally:

• No unpaid traffic violations.
• Iqama must be valid and unexpired.
• Passport must be valid.
• No escape reports (Huroob) against you.
• No existing exit/re-entry or final exit visas.
• Approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is mandatory.

Iqama transfers come with official fees set by the Saudi government. Here is the breakdown:

Transfer Attempt	Fee (SAR)
First Transfer	2,000
Second Transfer	4,000
Third Transfer	6,000

These fees are usually paid by the new employer, but can vary based on contract agreements.

As your Saudi Iqama, I facilitate your legal stay, employment, and services in the Kingdom. However, my transfer from one employer to another is subject to strict rules, approval mechanisms, and fee structures.

Remember:

• You can transfer Iqama up to 3 times only.
• Use Qiwa for most private-sector transfers.
• Absher is the platform for domestic worker transfers.
• Both employers and employees must meet compliance criteria.
• Transfer fees increase with each attempt.

Following the rules ensures a smooth transfer process, maintains your legal status in Saudi Arabia, and protects your rights as a resident worker.