What Is Iqama in Saudi Arabia?

The Iqama is the official residence permit issued to all expatriates in Saudi Arabia, functioning as both a work permit and a national identification. It is essential for anyone who wants to live, work, and access government or private services in the Kingdom.

Without an Iqama, a foreigner cannot open a bank account, sign a lease, obtain a driving license, or even own a mobile SIM card.

Types of Iqama

Saudi Arabia issues several types of Iqama depending on the resident’s situation:

Work Iqama: For expatriates employed by Saudi companies or institutions. Sponsorship by an employer is mandatory.

Dependent Iqama: For family members (spouse, children) of a primary Iqama holder.

Domestic Worker Iqama: For household help such as drivers, maid, etc.

Civil Servant Iqama: For expatriates employed directly by the Saudi government.

Business/Investor Iqama: For entrepreneurs or investors setting up companies in Saudi Arabia.

Premium/Special Iqama: Known as “Saudi Premium Residency” or the Saudi Green Card, targeting professionals, investors, and high-net-worth individuals, this offers indefinite or renewable long-term residency without needing a sponsor.

Key Functions of the Iqama

Legal Residency: Proof you are legally allowed to live and work in Saudi Arabia.

Access to Services: Needed for banking, utilities, mobile contracts, enrolling children in school, government services, and insurance.

Exit/Re-entry Visas: Required to leave or return to Saudi Arabia during the period of residency.

Employment Status: Shows your official sponsor and job classification.

How to Get an Iqama (Step-by-Step)

Secure Employment/Sponsorship: You must have a job offer or sponsor before entering Saudi Arabia.

Obtain Work Visa: The employer applies for your initial work visa.

Enter Saudi Arabia: With your work visa, enter the Kingdom.

Medical Examination: Undergo a mandatory health check at an authorized Saudi clinic.

Submit Required Documents (common requirements):
- Valid passport (minimum six months).
- Signed employment contract.
- Certified medical certificate.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Sponsor’s letter.
- Passport-size photos.
Biometric Registration: Provide fingerprints and have your photo taken at a Jawazat office (General Directorate of Passports).

Issuance of Iqama: The government processes your application, and your new Iqama card is issued (usually within a few weeks).

Family Iqamas: Dependents must have separate Iqamas, linked to the primary sponsor.

Validity and Renewal

Duration: Most Iqamas are initially valid for 1 year, renewable annually. In 2025, renewals can be done for 3, 6, 9, or 12 months, providing flexibility for employers and expats alike.

Renewal Process: Employers or sponsors initiate the process, which must be started at least 3 days before expiry to avoid penalties.

Quarterly Renewals: Now permitted for greater flexibility in workforce management.

Documentation: Renewal now requires updated biometric verification, proof of valid health insurance, and confirmation of employment status (particularly for regulated professions).

Fees and Costs

Iqama Issuance (1 year): SR 650.

Insurance Fee (1 year): SR 600.

Work Permit Fee: SR 9,600 per year (SR 800/month).

Dependent Levy: SR 400/month per dependent.

Renewal (Total Common Estimate): Around SR 10,750 for a standard work Iqama, including health insurance, work permit, dependents, and administration costs.

Quarterly renewal is available at proportionate rates (e.g. 3 months: SR 163).

Premium Residency (Unlimited Duration): One-time fee of SR 800,000 (~USD 213,000); Limited Duration: SR 100,000/year (~USD 26,660/year).

Fees can vary based on profession, company size, and dependents, so always confirm the latest amounts with your employer or an official portal.

Penalties for Expiry or Violations

First Offense: SR 500 fine for late renewal.

Second Offense: SR 1,000 fine.

Third Offense: SR 1,500 fine, and possible deportation.

No Iqama: Fines can be SR 1,000 or greater, with stricter penalties possible for repeat or serious violations.

Grace Period: Iqamas must be renewed within three days of expiry to avoid penalties; employers are also held responsible for their employees.

Carrying your Iqama at all times is legally required, and not having it during official checks may result in administrative action.

Special Notes on Premium Residency

Premium Residency (“Saudi Green Card”) offers unique benefits including:

No need for a Saudi sponsor.

Freedom to own property, establish businesses, and bring family without traditional sponsorship.

No expat levy on holders and dependents.

Eligibility based on investment, talent, entrepreneurship, or real estate asset value.

Tips and Key Points for Expats

Apply for your Iqama within 90 days of entry.

Keep contact with your sponsor or HR department for renewals and compliance.

Ensure all personal and employer databases (like GOSI, Muqeem) are up to date. Unregistered employees cannot renew.

All government processing and payments can now be done online through platforms like Absher and Muqeem.

Policy updates (2025) reward compliance: biometric renewal, digital services, and quarterly renewals are the newest improvements.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, obtaining and maintaining an Iqama is essential for any expatriate wishing to live or work in Saudi Arabia, serving as the foundation for legal residence, access to services, and smooth business operations. The process can be complex, involving strict legal and administrative steps that must be followed to avoid costly penalties and disruptions.

If you want peace of mind during your business setup or personal relocation to Saudi Arabia, consider partnering with DuVolks. As a leading consultancy in Saudi Arabia, DuVolks offers end-to-end support—from company formation and iqama processing to visa management, regulatory compliance, and ongoing government relations.
Ready to begin your journey or streamline your operations in Saudi Arabia? Contact DuVolks today for a consultation and let their experts take care of the rest.

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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.