IQAMA Renewal Fees In Saudi Arabia 2026
IQAMA Renewal Fees In Saudi Arabia 2026. Renewing your Iqama is one of the most important legal responsibilities for expatriates living and working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As regulations continue to evolve, understanding the Iqama renewal fees in Saudi Arabia has become more critical than ever. With updated payment structures, quarterly renewal options, and revised government charges, staying informed can help you avoid penalties, delays, and legal issues.
This ultimate 2026 guide provides a complete, easy-to-understand breakdown of Iqama renewal charges in Saudi Arabia, including who pays which fees, current costs, payment methods, and exemptions everything expatriates and employers need to know.
Read Also: Iqama Renewal Fees For 1 Year In Saudi Arabia: A Complete Guide (2026)
What Is an Iqama?
An Iqama is the official residence permit for expatriates in Saudi Arabia. It legally authorizes foreign nationals to live, work, open bank accounts, rent accommodation, access healthcare, and use government platforms such as Absher.
Without a valid Iqama, expatriates face serious consequences, including fines, service restrictions, or even deportation. That’s why timely renewal and accurate payment of Iqama renewal fees is absolutely essential.
Detailed Breakdown of Iqama Renewal Fees in Saudi Arabia
Saudi authorities have introduced flexible renewal durations, allowing residents to renew their Iqama for 3, 6, 9, or 12 months instead of only annually.
1. Ministry of Interior (MOI) Iqama Fee
The MOI Iqama renewal fee applies to both new issuance and renewal.
| Renewal Duration | Iqama Fee (SAR) |
|---|---|
| 3 Months | 163 SAR |
| 6 Months | 325 SAR |
| 9 Months | 488 SAR |
| 12 Months (1 Year) | 650 SAR |
This flexibility helps expatriates and employers manage costs more efficiently.
2. Work Permit Fee (Maktab Amal Fee)
The work permit fee, also known as the Maktab Amal fee, is a mandatory charge for expatriate employees.
- Monthly Fee: 800 SAR
- Legal Responsibility: Employer
| Duration | Work Permit Fee |
|---|---|
| 3 Months | 2,400 SAR |
| 6 Months | 4,800 SAR |
| 9 Months | 7,200 SAR |
| 12 Months | 9,600 SAR |
Important: Employers are legally obligated to pay the work permit fees. Employees should not be charged for this.
3. Dependent (Expat Levy) Charges
The dependent levy applies to expatriates sponsoring family members in Saudi Arabia.
- Monthly Fee per Dependent: 400 SAR
- Annual Cost per Dependent: 4,800 SAR
| Duration | Dependent Levy (Per Dependent) |
|---|---|
| 3 Months | 1,200 SAR |
| 6 Months | 2,400 SAR |
| 9 Months | 3,600 SAR |
| 12 Months | 4,800 SAR |
This fee must be paid by the expatriate, not the employer.
4. Health Insurance Fees
Health insurance is mandatory for Iqama renewal.
- Estimated Cost: 500 SAR – 2,000+ SAR annually
- Depends On: Provider, coverage type, age, and dependents
Most employers provide basic coverage, but upgraded plans may increase costs.
5. Absher & Administrative Fees
Some digital services require additional administrative charges.
- Absher Business Processing Fee: 51.75 SAR
- Applies to certain online renewals and documentation services.
6. Other Possible Charges
Additional minor fees may apply in specific situations, such as:
- ATM card issuance
- GOSI (social insurance contributions)
- Documentation processing
Complete Iqama Renewal Fee Table (2026)
| Fee Category | 3 Months | 6 Months | 9 Months | 12 Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOI Iqama Fee | 163 SAR | 325 SAR | 488 SAR | 650 SAR |
| Work Permit Fee | 2,400 SAR | 4,800 SAR | 7,200 SAR | 9,600 SAR |
| Dependent Levy (per dependent) | 1,200 SAR | 2,400 SAR | 3,600 SAR | 4,800 SAR |
| Health Insurance | — | — | — | 500–2,000+ SAR |
| Absher Admin Fee | 51.75 SAR (if applicable) |
Note: Total cost varies depending on dependents, insurance plan, and renewal duration.
Iqama Renewal Charges in Saudi Arabia – Who Pays What?
- Employer Pays:
- Iqama renewal fee
- Work permit (Maktab Amal) fee
- Employee Pays:
- Dependent levy
- Health Insurance:
- Usually employer-covered
- Employee pays for upgrades or extra dependents
How To Pay Iqama Renewal Fees in Saudi Arabia
Payment via Bank Apps (SNB, Al Rajhi, SABB, etc.)
Iqama renewal fees in Saudi Arabia can be paid online through the Absher portal, bank mobile apps such as Al Rajhi or SNB, or via ATMs using the SADAD system. The total amount usually includes the Iqama renewal fee (around SAR 650), a work permit fee that can reach SAR 9,600 per year, and active medical insurance. Before making the payment, make sure there are no traffic fines, your fingerprints are registered, and your passport is valid.
Payment Methods for Iqama Renewal
You can pay the Iqama renewal fee using several easy methods in Saudi Arabia.
1. Absher Portal (Best Option):
- Log in to your Absher Individual account.
- Go to My Services → Passport Services → Renew Iqama.
- Choose the beneficiary and check the details.
- Pay the fee directly through SADAD on Absher.
2. Bank App or ATM (SADAD):
- Open your Saudi bank app (such as Al Rajhi, SNB, SABB, etc.) or use an ATM.
- Select Government Payments or SADAD.
- Choose Alien Control or Iqama Renewal.
- Enter the Iqama number, select the renewal period, and complete the payment.
3. Employer Payment (Company-Sponsored):
- Many companies renew Iqama through Muqeem or Qiwa.
- In this case, the renewal fee is paid directly from the company’s account, not the employee.
Important Reminders For Iqama Renewal
- Late Renewal Penalties: Delays result in fines and legal issues
- Check Iqama Expiry Date: Always verify your expiry status before renewal
- Rules Change Frequently: Always confirm latest updates from official sources
- Documents Must Be Valid: Passport, insurance, and employment details must be active
Conclusion
Understanding Iqama renewal fees in Saudi Arabia is essential for expatriates and employers alike. With clear knowledge of Iqama renewal charges, payment methods, and legal responsibilities, you can ensure a smooth, penalty-free renewal process and maintain lawful residency in the Kingdom.
