IQAMA Renewal Fees in Saudi Arabia: 2025 Ultimate Guide

Renewing your Iqama (residence permit) in Saudi Arabia is a vital process for every expatriate living and working in the Kingdom. Recent years have seen not only updates in the Iqama renewal charges in Saudi Arabia, but also new procedures and flexible payment options. Therefore it is important to be well versed with the new Iqama rules in Saudi Arabia

This detailed blog breaks down everything you need to know about Iqama renewal fees in Saudi Arabia, who pays what, how much, and how to pay these charges in 2025.

What is Iqama?

Iqama is the official residence permit for expatriates in Saudi Arabia. Without a valid Iqama, you cannot legally work, access government services, or even rent housing. Renewing your Iqama on time is therefore crucial for a hassle-free stay in the Kingdom.

Detailed Breakdown of Iqama Renewal Fees in Saudi Arabia

1. MOI Iqama Fee

Annual Iqama Renewal Fee: SAR 650 (for new issuance or one-year renewal).
Quarterly Options: Flexibility is now available for 3, 6, 9, and 12-month renewals.
- 3 months: SAR 163
- 6 months: SAR 325
- 9 months: SAR 488
- 12 months (1 year): SAR 650

2. Work Permit (Maktab Amal) Fee

Monthly Fee: SAR 800
Quarterly and Annual Totals:
- 3 months: SAR 2,400
- 6 months: SAR 4,800
- 9 months: SAR 7,200
- 12 months: SAR 9,600
Who Pays? Employers are legally responsible for these charges.

3. Dependent (Expat Levy) Charges

Per Dependent, Per Month: SAR 400
Annual Total: SAR 4,800 per dependent

4. Health Insurance Fees

Range: SAR 500–2,000+ per year (varies by insurance plan and provider).

5. Administrative/Absher Platform Fees

Absher Business Renewal Fee: SAR 51.75 (for certain electronic services/documentation)

6. Other Associated Fees

In some cases, additional small fees may be charged (e.g., for ATM card issuance, documentation, GOSI—pension contributions, etc.).

Fee Category	3 months	6 months	9 months	12 months (1 year)
MOI Iqama	163 SAR	325 SAR	488 SAR	650 SAR
Work Permit (Maktab Amal)	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/Processing Fee	51.75 SAR (for online renewals/admin tasks)

Note: Actual total cost depends on number of dependents, insurance chosen, and other specific factors.

Iqama Renewal Charges in Saudi Arabia: Who Pays?

Employees: Usually, the employer covers both the Iqama renewal and work permit fees for expatriate employees.

Dependents: The expat (employee) personally pays the dependent levy.

Health Insurance: Typically arranged by the employer, but policy upgrades or additional dependents may result in extra charges.

How to Pay Iqama Renewal Charges in Saudi Arabia

Via Bank Apps (e.g., SNB, Al Rajhi):

Log in to your online banking account.
Navigate to the government payments/SADAD portal.
Choose ‘Alien Control’ → Renew Iqama.
Enter Iqama ID and duration for renewal.
Confirm details and pay the fees instantly.

Through Absher Platform:

Use Absher Business for business accounts or Absher Individuals for personal Iqama management.
Follow prompts for renewal; pay associated admin and processing fees (e.g., 51.75 SAR for specific digital services).

Tip: Always verify amounts shown at checkout, as fees sometimes vary by bank or service channel.

Exemptions & Special Categories

Certain domestic workers, home drivers, and businesses under specific size criteria may be exempt from some charges, especially the expat levy.
Spouses and children of Saudi citizens sometimes have reduced fees.

Important Reminders

Late Renewal Penalties: Fines are imposed for delays in renewal, making timely payment crucial. Therefore it is important to know how to check iqama expiry date in Saudi Arabia

Regulations Evolve: Fee structures and applicable rules change occasionally, so always check the latest government announcements before renewing.

Documentation Required: Make sure all supporting documentation (passport, photo, employment contract) is valid prior to applying.

Ready to renew your Iqama effortlessly?

Understanding the structure of Iqama renewal fees in Saudi Arabia and the step-by-step payment methods can help expatriates and employers avoid penalties and ensure legal compliance. Having clarity on Iqama renewal charges in Saudi Arabia is essential for a secure and uninterrupted stay.

Trust DuVolks—the hassle-free platform dedicated to expatriates in the Middle East. From reminders to documentation and expert support, DuVolks has you covered every step of the way. Renew with confidence—choose DuVolks today!

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Author Bio

Salman Thorop is the Founder of DuVolks, with a deep-rooted presence in Saudi Arabia since 2009. His entrepreneurial journey began in 2014 when he established his business under the SAGIA (now MISA) license. A compliance expert by profession, Salman has developed extensive expertise in Saudi Arabia’s regulatory landscape and specializes in business setup and PRO services. He maintains a keen understanding of government initiatives and policy changes through active engagement with official Saudi government Twitter handles.