Iqama Renewal Rules In Saudi Arabia: Complete Guide 2025
Iqama Renewal Rules In Saudi Arabia. As of 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has implemented a revised set of regulations for renewing Iqama (residency permits) that apply to all residents, including domestic workers, facility employees, and family members of expatriates. Whether you’re managing your renewal through the Absher platform, the Muqeem portal, or through a bank app like Al Rajhi, it’s crucial to comply with these updated requirements to avoid legal penalties and maintain your lawful residency status.
This guide by Saudi Iqama explains everything you need to know about the new rules for Iqama renewal in 2025, including step-by-step procedures, renewal fees, and platforms you can use.
Read Also: Iqama For New Born: Guide To Step-By-Step 2025
Who Must Follow The New Iqama Renewal Rules?
The updated regulations apply to the following groups:
- Facility workers (private sector employees)
- Domestic workers (housemaids, drivers, etc.)
- Family members (dependents of expatriates)
Iqama Renewal Requirements For Facility Workers (Private Sector Employees)
Facility workers must meet several conditions before renewing their residency:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Presence in KSA | The worker must be physically present in Saudi Arabia. |
| Iqama Renewal Fees | Must be paid in full. |
| Traffic Violations | All pending traffic fines must be cleared. |
| Late Renewal Penalty | Any late fees due to delayed renewals must be settled. |
| Biometric Data | Fingerprints and photo must be recorded for the worker and their dependents. |
| Medical Checkup | A valid medical examination from an approved health center is mandatory. |
| Health Insurance | The worker and their dependents must have valid medical insurance. |
| Passport Validity | The worker’s passport must be valid. |
| No Absentee Report | The worker must not have an active “absent from work” report. |
| Work Permit | For professions that require it, a valid work permit must be obtained. |
Iqama Renewal Conditions For Domestic Workers
Domestic workers such as drivers, cleaners, and housemaids must comply with the following:
- Full payment of residence renewal fees.
- All traffic fines must be paid.
- Valid passport at the time of renewal.
- No absence report (the worker must not be reported as absent).
- Biometric data (photo and fingerprint) must be updated.
- The Iqama must not have expired for more than 6 months.
Rules For Iqama Renewal For Family Members (Dependents)
Family members of expats are required to fulfill these criteria:
- Pay renewal fees for each dependent.
- Settle any traffic violations.
- Ensure the passport is valid.
- Provide fingerprints and photos for family members aged over 6 years.
- There must be no family members listed in the primary holder’s passport.
- Iqama must not be expired for more than 6 months.
How To Renew Iqama Online Via Absher (Domestic Workers & Family Members)
You can renew Iqama easily via the Absher Individuals platform. Here’s how: Steps for Domestic Workers:
- Step 1: Visit the Absher platform.
- Step 2: Log in with your username and password.
- Step 3: Enter the verification code sent to your mobile.
- Step 4: Click on “Labor”, then “Iqama Renewal”.
- Step 5: Agree to the terms and click “Next”.
- Step 6: Choose the worker from the list.
- Step 7: Select the renewal period (1 or 2 years).
- Step 8: Click “Renew” → “Confirm”.
Steps For Family Members:
- Step 1: Log into Absher.
- Step 2: Complete login with OTP verification.
- Step 3: Click “Family Members”, then “Iqama Renewal”.
- Step 4: Select the dependent to renew.
- Step 5: Choose the duration and click “Renew” → “Confirm”.
Iqama Renewal Via Muqeem Platform
For employers or businesses, Muqeem offers a convenient method to manage Iqama renewals. Steps to Renew via Muqeem:
- Step 1: Visit Muqeem portal.
- Step 2: Log in using your account credentials.
- Step 3: Enter the OTP received.
- Step 4: Click on “Manage Residents” → “Search for Resident”.
- Step 5: Enter the Iqama number and click “Search”.
- Step 6: Click “View” → “Renew Iqama”.
- Step 7: Choose the renewal period.
- Step 8: Click “Continue to Pay”, then “Confirm”.
A success message will be displayed upon completion.
Renewing Iqama through Absher Business Platform
Employers managing multiple employees can renew Iqamas through Absher Business. Steps:
- Step 1: Visit Absher Business.
- Step 2: Log in and verify using OTP.
- Step 3: Click “My Business Services” → “Renew Iqama”.
- Step 4: Choose the sector and the employee.
- Step 5: Select the renewal duration and agree to terms.
- Step 6: Click “Renew” → “Confirm”.
How To Pay Iqama Renewal Fees via Al Rajhi Bank App
For quick payment, Al Rajhi mobile app allows you to settle Iqama fees: Steps:
- Step 1: Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Step 2: Open and log into your account.
- Step 3: Go to Payments → Government Payments.
- Step 4: Select Renew Iqama.
- Step 5: Enter the resident’s Iqama number and renewal duration.
- Step 6: Review the details and click “Confirm”.
- Step 7: Enter OTP received via SMS.
- Step 8: You’ll get a confirmation of successful payment.
Iqama Renewal Fees (2025)
| Category | Fee Amount (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Domestic Workers | 600 SAR per year |
| Family Members (18+) | 500 SAR per person/year |
| Facility Employees | 650 SAR per year |
Iqama Renewal Quick LinksQ
Here are the official platforms for Iqama renewal:
FAQs About Iqama Renewal Rules In Saudi Arabia
Q1) What are new rules about Iqama renewal in Saudi Arabia?
Ans:- Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has introduced a new policy that allows expatriates to renew their Iqama (residency permit) even if their family members are outside the Kingdom.
Q2) What is the grace period for Iqama renewal?
Ans:- 90-Day Grace Period
The new 90-day grace period allows expats to renew their Iqama after its expiration without incurring fines during this period, providing more breathing room to renew it on time.
Q3) Is it possible to renew Iqama if dependents are outside KSA?
Ans:- Iqama renewals are now available to expats, even if their dependents live elsewhere
Conclusion
Complying with the new rules for Iqama renewal 2025 in Saudi Arabia is essential for maintaining your legal status, avoiding penalties, and ensuring uninterrupted residency. Whether you’re a domestic helper, an employee, or an expatriate managing dependents, make sure your documents are updated, fines paid, and health insurance in place. Use trusted platforms like Absher, Muqeem, or your bank’s mobile app for secure and smooth processing.
