What Is Iqama In Saudi Arabia: Complete Guide To The Saudi Residency Permit

What Is Iqama In Saudi Arabia. If you’re planning to live and work in Saudi Arabia, understanding the residence permit (locally known as Iqama) is crucial. Whether you are relocating for employment, investment, or family reasons, obtaining an Iqama is a legal requirement for foreign nationals staying beyond a short visit. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Saudi Residence Permit, types of Iqama, application processes, costs, and important things to consider before moving.

Read Also: 3 Easy Steps To Change Iqama Profession In Saudi Arabia

The Residence Permit, or Iqama, is an official document issued by the Saudi Arabian government allowing foreigners to reside legally in the country for extended periods, usually beyond 90 days. It not only permits lawful stay but also grants the holder the ability to work, access healthcare, open a bank account, and sponsor dependents.

There are two primary categories of Saudi residence permits:

Type of Permit	Duration	Purpose
Temporary Residence Permit	90 days up to 5 years	For work, business, or specific projects
Long-term Residence Permit	Indefinite	For permanent residency and entrepreneurs

• Legal residency: Saudi Arabian expatriates are allowed to reside there legally through the Iqama.
• Work authorization: This document ensures legal employment status within the Kingdom by granting permission to work.
• Access to services: Iqama holders have access to banking, healthcare, and education services.
• Family sponsorship: Iqama holders can sponsor their spouse and children to live in the country with them.
• Ease of travel: Expatriates may travel visa-free or on arrival to other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries with an Iqama.

1. Temporary Residence Permit (Short-Term Iqama)

A temporary residence permit in Saudi Arabia is issued to foreigners who intend to stay for up to five years. It’s commonly linked to employment contracts or specific business projects. In many cases, the validity of the Iqama aligns with the duration of the work agreement.

When you secure a job in Saudi Arabia, your employer (sponsor) handles most of the Iqama application process. The Iqama is issued along with a work visa, making your stay and employment legal in the Kingdom.

Key Points:

• Renewable depending on contract extension.
• Sponsorship by a Saudi company is mandatory.
• Issued alongside a valid work visa.

2. Long-Term Residence Permit (Permanent Iqama)

For those seeking to live permanently in Saudi Arabia, the country offers the Premium Residency Program. This long-term option caters to investors, skilled professionals, and individuals looking to contribute to the Saudi economy without the traditional need for a local sponsor.

There are two options under the Premium Residency scheme:

• Renewable Residency (Temporary)
• Lifetime Residency (Permanent)

Eligibility Criteria for Premium Residency:

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Hold a valid passport.
• Possess a clean criminal record.
• Be financially solvent.
• Provide proof of good health.

Cost Structure:

Type	Cost (Approximate)
Temporary Premium Residency	100,000 SAR (~27,000 USD) annually
Permanent Residency	800,000 SAR (~213,000 USD) one-time payment

3. Requirements For A Residence Permit In Saudi Arabia

To apply for an initial residence permit without employment, applicants must fulfill the following conditions:

• Legal entry into Saudi Arabia without immigration violations.
• Clear criminal record (for those over legal age).
• No prior deportation bans.
• Absence of infectious diseases as per international health standards.
• Personal application submission for visa processing.

This program mainly aims to attract investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled migrants rather than just affluent individuals.

4. What Is the Saudi Arabia Iqama?

The Iqama is more than just a residence card — it acts as your identity document within Saudi Arabia. It contains personal information, your employer’s details, job title, and visa status.

In Saudi Arabia, employment laws require that every foreign worker must have a local sponsor typically their employer who will handle the work visa and Iqama procedures.

Important:

• Iqama validity is typically tied to the employment contract.
• Renewal is mandatory and usually occurs annually.
• Without a valid Iqama, it is illegal to work or stay in Saudi Arabia.

5. Iqama Application Process In Saudi Arabia

Obtaining an Iqama involves several structured steps:

• Steps 1: Work Visa Approval: Your employer must obtain a block visa approval from the Ministry of Labor and Social Development (MLSD).
• Steps 2: Visa Authorization: After approval, the company receives a visa authorization number from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Steps 3: Work Visa Stamping: You must apply for the work visa in your home country’s Saudi Embassy, including a mandatory medical examination.
• Steps 4: Entry to Saudi Arabia: With the work visa, you can enter the Kingdom.
• Steps 5: Application for Iqama: Within 90 days of arrival, your employer will apply for your Iqama through the Ministry of Interior (Absher platform).
• Steps 6: Exit and Re-entry Permit: If you need to travel during your stay, you must obtain an exit/re-entry visa.

6. Expatriate Tax In Saudi Arabia

As of 2017, Saudi Arabia introduced an expat levy applicable to foreign workers:

Year	Monthly Fee per Worker
2017	SAR 400
2019	SAR 600
2020 onwards	SAR 800

Additionally, expatriates sponsoring family members (dependents) must pay a fee during Iqama renewal. Some companies cover these costs, while others leave them to the employee’s responsibility.

7. Life in Saudi Arabia for Expatriates

Before moving, it’s essential to know what life is like as a foreign resident:

Nationalities In Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia hosts a diverse expatriate community:

• Indians and Pakistanis dominate the construction and service sectors.
• Filipinos work extensively in healthcare and hospitality.
• Westerners and Arabs (Jordanians, Sudanese) are common in specialized sectors like medicine and engineering.

Expatriate Benefits

Although expatriate salary packages have been reduced in recent years, many still offer:

• Housing allowance.
• Family medical insurance.
• Annual airfare for home visits.
• Paid transportation.
• Schooling fees for children.

Housing Options

Large companies may provide accommodations in secure, Western-style compounds offering amenities like swimming pools, gyms, and grocery stores. However, living outside a compound is also common and more affordable.

8. How Can Company Formation Saudi Help?

Navigating Saudi Arabia’s immigration system can be challenging, but expert guidance can make a difference. Company Formation Saudi offers:

• Visa and Iqama services.
• Legal consultancy.
• Virtual office setup.
• Payroll and accounting solutions.

With over two decades of experience, they make your transition into Saudi Arabia smooth and hassle-free.

In Saudi Arabia, there are two types of residence permits available to foreign citizens:

• Temporary;
• Permanent.

The process of obtaining a Saudi residence permit in 2025 is straightforward, as most procedures can now be completed online regardless of where the applicant lives, including with the help of our & immigration lawyers in Saudi Arabia.

Our local consultants are at your disposal if you wish to open a company in Saudi Arabia to get residency. A Saudi iqama can be obtained this way in one of the simplest ways.

Saudi Iqama applications require several steps to be completed. A block visa is an application through which multiple visas are issued for several employees at once, as requested by the sponsoring employer. Every year, residence permits are issued based on a predetermined number. These quotas, which are set by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, allow local companies to sponsor foreign workers for long-term employment. The awards are given based on a variety of factors, including:

• Nationality and country of origin of the applicant.
• Specific duties of the job.

Sponsoring employers must apply for a visa authorization number and power of attorney from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs after accepting employees to apply for work visas on their behalf. The enterprise can now submit a work permit application to the Saudi diplomatic mission in the worker’s country of residence.

Getting a Saudi Arabian residence permit can be challenging, which is why we offer PRO services designed specifically for this purpose.

You can also find an infographic on how to obtain Saudi residency here:

Those who have obtained a job contract with a local company are entitled to a residence permit in Saudi Arabia. Temporary permits will be issued along with work visas.

The company hiring foreign citizens will complete most of the procedures for obtaining a Saudi Arabian iqama based on employment in 2025.

Our immigration specialists can assist you in applying for a Saudi Arabian visa based on an employment contract.

Foreigners who wish to become permanent residents in Saudi Arabia can do so under the recently enabled premium residence visa program.

Premium residence visa holders have two options regarding the Saudi iqama:

• Temporary renewable residency.
• Permanent residency.

Foreigners must meet certain eligibility criteria to apply for any of them. The following are listed:

• Applicants must be at least 21 years old when they apply for a visa;
• Passports must be valid, as well as a clean criminal record;
• His/her financial stability should be ensured;
• Applicants must show proof of fitness and health to be admitted.

The requirements for this Saudi residence permit can be discussed with our consultants if you are interested.

This program, which is overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was created to attract investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled migrants, so it is not meant for rich individuals. Saudi Arabians who have lived in the country before are more likely to qualify for a permanent residence permit since they are familiar with its culture and language.

Our company formation agents who specialize in company formation can assist you with incorporating your business if you decide to immigrate to Saudi Arabia by opening a business in 2025.

Our accounting services are available to companies in all sectors. Due to our focus on all industries, our Saudi Arabian accountants are always up-to-date on the most recent tax rules and know which bookkeeping methods and technologies are most effective for your company. Please contact us if you would like tailored accounting support and advice.

The following paperwork is required to obtain a Saudi Arabian residence permit:

• Original passport:
• We can assist our clients in Saudi Arabia with the application form, which can be provided by our immigration lawyers;
• This visa referral note has been released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (you can use it to obtain This referral);
• A certificate from a licensed physician attesting to the applicant’s good health that cannot be older Than three months;
• Three recent passport-sized photographs.

The passport must have a minimum validity of six months and at least two blank pages for the stamp to be placed. American citizens must also file their green cards alongside

There may be other documents required depending on the reason for immigration to Saudi Arabia. The move must also be accompanied by proof of kinship, for instance. Marriage certificates and birth certificates can be used.

Our lawyers can provide updated information on Iqama fees in Saudi Arabia.

Obtaining a Residence Permit (Iqama) in Saudi Arabia is a crucial step for anyone planning to live, work, or invest in the Kingdom. Whether you’re seeking a temporary stay through employment or aiming for permanent residency, understanding the processes, costs, and requirements is vital. With the right preparation and assistance, your new journey in Saudi Arabia can begin smoothly and successfully.