Saudi Arabia has implemented significant updates affecting expatriates under the new iqama rules in Saudi Arabia for 2025. These changes reflect the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reforms, aiming to enhance workforce regulation, ensure better compliance, and streamline processes for residents and their families.
What is an Iqama?
An iqama is a Saudi residency permit issued to expatriates working or residing in the country. It’s crucial for:
- Opening bank accounts,
- Accessing government and health services,
- Renting property or signing contracts,
- Traveling in and out of Saudi Arabia (with a visa).
New Iqama Process in Saudi Arabia
The new iqama process in Saudi Arabia involves several clear steps and important requirements:
- Sponsorship: Every expat must have a Saudi-based sponsor (employer or family).
- Application Timeline: Your sponsor must apply for the Iqama within 90 days of your arrival on a work visa.
- Medical Examination: Compulsory health checks at an authorized center.
- Document Submission: Includes a valid passport, contract, work permit, visa, health insurance, and other documents.
- Biometric Registration: Biometric data (fingerprints, facial scan) must be recorded and is now mandatory for renewals as well.
- Approval & Issuance: Once approved by relevant ministries, the physical Iqama card is issued. Activation may happen online or via a government service center.
Key 2025 Process Change:
- Online Extensions: Dependents and domestic workers can now renew their iqamas online through Absher and Muqeem portals—even if outside Saudi Arabia.
- Updated Fee Structure: Employers are usually responsible for all costs, with new fees and payment flexibility introduced.
New Iqama Renewal Rules in Saudi Arabia
The new iqama renewal rules in Saudi Arabia for 2025 focus on compliance, accessibility, and flexibility:
Major Changes in Renewal Rules
- Biometric Verification: All renewals now require updated biometric data via Jawazat.
- Health Insurance Link: Renewal only possible if valid insurance exists, confirmed on CCHI platform.
- Quarterly Renewals: Employers can now opt to renew iqamas for 3, 6, 9, or 12 months, not just annually.
- Online Access: Both renewal and extension of exit/re-entry visas can be completed online, even if some family members are outside the Kingdom.
- Fee Breakdown:
- Standard renewal fee: SAR650–800/year, with new quarterly options (e.g., SAR162.5 for 3 months).
- Dependent fee: SAR400 per month per dependent.
- Late renewal penalty: SAR500 (first time), SAR1,000 (second), deportation possible for third offense.
- Some domestic staff and very small businesses are exempt from certain fees.
- Professional Classification: For skilled jobs, workers must now have their professional status validated with the relevant councils (like SCE or SCFHS) before renewal is allowed.
- GOSI or Muqeem System Listing: Only workers registered in official company records can have their iqama renewed. Unregistered workers will be excluded automatically.
- Grace Period: Renewals can be done within 90 days after expiry date without extra fees—but penalties start thereafter.
Who Does This Affect?
- All expatriates and their dependents (spouses and children).
- Employers (companies/corporate and domestic sponsors).
- Regulated professions (doctors, engineers, etc.) must maintain their professional classification.
Skill-Based Classification for Work Permits
A pivotal reform in the new iqama rules in Saudi Arabia is the three-tier, skill-based classification for all new work permits and iqama-linked residency:
| Category | Occupational Groups | Main Requirements |
| High-Skill | Groups 1–3 | Accreditation + Points-based eligibility |
| Skilled | Groups 4–8 | Accreditation + Wage minimum |
| Basic | Group 9 | Accreditation + Age cap of 60 |
- This structure ensures jobs are matched to proper qualifications and salary criteria.
Essential Considerations and Penalties
- Timely Renewal: Must be started at least 3 days prior to expiry.
- Delayed Renewal: Attracts escalating fines and possible deportation on the third offense.
- Services Suspension: Expired iqama leads to suspension of civil services and bank accounts.
- Electronic Iqama: Digital storage and online verification now possible via the Absher portal.
Summary Table: Changes at a Glance
| Area | 2025 Update Highlights |
| Biometric Data | Now mandatory for all |
| Health Insurance | Proof required for renewal |
| Renewal Period | 3, 6, 9, 12 months allowed |
| Fees and Payment | Quarterly & annual options |
| Skill-Based Permit | 3-tier (high, skilled, basic) |
| Online Renewals | For dependents—even abroad |
| Penalties | Higher fines, strict enforcement |
Saudi Arabia’s 2025 updates to the new iqama rules in Saudi Arabia and new iqama renewal rules in Saudi Arabia make compliance smoother but stricter. Early preparation, complete documentation, and using digital portals (Absher and Muqeem) are essential for both employers and expatriates to ensure uninterrupted legal residency and work status in the Kingdom.
Ready to start, renew, or resolve your Iqama matters in Saudi Arabia?
Let the experts at DuVolks simplify the experience for you. Whether you’re setting up a business, handling residency permits, or ensuring you meet all the new requirements, DuVolks provides end-to-end support for expatriates and corporate leaders in Saudi Arabia.
- Expert Guidance: From understanding the latest regulations to handling all paperwork, DuVolks streamlines the entire iqama process.
- Proven Track Record: Trusted by hundreds of clients, with fast, compliant, and transparent solutions.
- Personalized Support: Dedicated consultants who manage your application, renewals, and even government portal activations, so you can focus on what matters most.
Take the next step—trust DuVolks to handle your iqama journey with confidence and peace of mind.
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