Iqama Renewal process In Saudi Arabia: Latest Guide With Easy Steps

Iqama Renewal process In Saudi Arabia. A Saudi Arabian Iqama (residency permit) is essential if an expatriate wants to legally live and work in the country. Renewal procedures have been streamlined for residents and employers, especially with the integration of online services like Absher and Muqeem. You can find a detailed guide on how to renew your Iqama in 2025, along with the latest updates.

Read Also: Iqama Validity Check in Saudi Arabia

The following requirements must be met before beginning the renewal process for your Iqama:

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months when you renew your Iqama.
• Medical Insurance: All international residents must have valid health insurance, which needs to be renewed before renewing an Iqama.
• No Outstanding Traffic Fines: All pending traffic fines should be cleared before renewal.
• Paid Government Fees: Iqama renewal fees have to be paid either by the employer or by the resident. Any applicable late fees and work permit fees are included in these costs.

Iqama renewal has undergone some significant changes and updates in 2025, which will have a direct impact on all Iqama holders. These are some additional details:

• Changing Iqama Renewals: Expats are now able to renew their Iqama quarterly, biannually, or annually. Renewals can be scheduled according to other obligations, allowing residents to better manage their finances.
• New Renewal Grace Period: Expatriates have been granted a 90-day grace period after their Iqama expires.
• Digital Iqama: The Absher platform now offers a digital version of the Iqama. Expats can carry a digital version of their residency card on their smartphones this way.

• Step 1: Go to the official website of Absher.
• Step 2: You will need to log in with your Absher username and password.

• Step 3: You will receive an OTP to the mobile number for your Absher account after logging in. Enter the OTP to log in.

• Step 4: Choose “Worker Services,” then “Iqama Renewal,” and it will appear.

• Step 5: You can select “My Services” from the main dashboard.
• Step 4: Log in to your account and click the “Renew Iqama” option.

• Step 5: Click on “Start Services,” then you will see the option to choose between 1 year or 2 years. After that, your payment method will be activated.

Confirm Employee Information

When you renew your Iqama through your employer, the employer will confirm your details on the Muqeem portal. The same information is available on Absher, however, if you are a resident.

• Make sure all the details, such as job title, salary, and personal information, are accurate.
• You should contact your Human Resources department or the Ministry of Interior if any discrepancies are found before renewing your contract.

Payment Method of Iqama Renewal

• Step 1: Using the Al Rajhi Bank application, go to the payment section, and select government payments.

• Step 2: Once you click “Resident Services” again, click “Renew Iqama.”
• Step 3: Enter your Iqama number, select the duration, and then click confirm.
• Step 4: You will see your payment after clicking confirm.

• Step 5: Ensure your Iqama has been renewed by going back to check your Absher.

Pay The Iqama Renewal Fees

You may have to pay different fees depending on the category of your job and the employer you work for when renewing your Iqama. Fees typically cover:

• Iqama renewal fee: Depending on your occupation, it ranges between SAR 650 and SAR 800 per year.
• Work permit fee (if applicable): 9,600 Saudi Riyals per year, payable by the employer.
• Dependent fee: There is an additional fee of SAR 400 per dependent per month for dependents under your sponsorship.

Iqama renewal fees can be paid via online banking, ATMs, or at your local bank.

Renewal Confirmation

Please return to the Absher portal after paying the renewal fees. The Iqama renewal process will be confirmed by a notification once it has been completed.

RIYADH: According to Okaz, the Ministry of Interior’s Absher Business platform has introduced fees for seven services.

The updated fees for extending the exit and reentry visa amount to SR103.5, while the updated fees for renewing residency permits (Iqama) and final exits are SR51.75 and SR70, respectively. Iqama issuance now costs SR51.75, employee reports cost SR28.75, and passport information for expats costs SR69.

• Exit and reentry visa extension: 103.5 Saudi Riyals
• Total exit: 70 Saudi Riyal
• Permit of residency (Iqama): 51.75 Saudi Riyal
• Renewing the Iqama: 51.75 Saudi Riyal
• To obtain an employee report: 28.75 Saudi Riyal
• Expat passport information update: 69 Saudi Riyal

To submit such a report, Absher stipulated five conditions. The conditions stipulate that an absentee’s visa must be classified as a personal or family visa, and that the report must be submitted within 7 days after the date of the expiry of the visit visa of the absentee. The report cannot be submitted 14 days after the expiration of the visa, and the status of the visit visa must be expired.
Additionally, the report can only be submitted once for each visitor, and once it is submitted, it cannot be canceled.

The physical card will be delivered to your designated address or can be collected from Absher once your Iqama is renewed.

• Penalty for late renewal: Failure to renew an Iqama after a 90-day grace period will lead to fines starting at SAR 500 and increasing to SAR 1,000 if it is a repeat offense. Deportation may result from continued failure to renew.
• Responsibility of Employer: Your employer is primarily responsible for renewing your Iqama on time. You are responsible for paying any fines if your employer delays or fails to renew your Iqama.

The Iqama of your dependents must also be renewed if you are sponsoring them. There is a similar process, but dependent fees must be paid as well.

• Log in to Absher.
• You can renew your Iqama by selecting “Family Members”.
• Fee payment and confirmation follow the same steps.

You may be rejected for renewing your Iqama for several reasons:

• Unpaid Fines or Fees: Make sure all outstanding fines (traffic, GOSI, etc.) have been paid.
• Expired passport: Make sure your passport is current.
• Information Incorrect: Check your details and contact your employer or the Ministry of Interior if there are any discrepancies.

If you have any questions regarding the renewal of your Iqama, you may contact the following:

• Support via Absher: Mobile app and website available.
• Human Resources and Social Development Ministry: Issues work permits and employer licenses.
• Jawazat (Passport Office): Responsible for Iqama-related issues.

Absher and Muqeem have made iqama renewal easier in Saudi Arabia. A grace period, flexible renewal periods, and digital Iqama options have made residency status management easier for expats. Stay up-to-date on the latest changes and renew your Iqama within the set time frame to avoid fines.

These steps will ensure a smooth renewal process and avoid any unnecessary delays or penalties.Whether you need assistance with Iqama renewal or related processes, J K Management Consultancies can assist.