How to renew family Iqama in Saudi Arabia

Renewing your family’s Iqama – the essential residency permit in Saudi Arabia – is crucial for expatriates to ensure legal status and uninterrupted access to services for themselves and their dependents. Thanks to updated online platforms like Absher and Muqeem, the renewal process is much easier and more flexible than before.

Step 1: Prepare for Renewal

Before you begin, verify these prerequisites:

The expat head of household must have a valid passport.
Iqama fee and dependent levy must be paid (these can be processed through major Saudi banks).
Your family’s medical insurance must be up-to-date.
No unpaid traffic violations associated with Iqama holders or dependents.
For dependent sons aged 18-25, additional documents like a certificate of studying from university are mandatory.
All dependents’ passports and Iqamas must be valid (for those renewing from abroad).

Step 2: Log In to Absher or Muqeem

Most individual renewals are handled via the Absher platform. Employers may use Muqeem for sponsored employees and their families.

How to log in:

Access Absher’s official portal using your username or ID and password.
You’ll receive a verification code on your registered mobile number.
After logging in, navigate to the main services/E-services page.
Select “Sponsored Services” if using Absher.
Choose “Renew Iqama” from the menu.

Step 3: Select Family Members/Dependents for Renewal

Go to the section for renewing family members.
Pick the dependent(s) whose Iqama needs renewal.
For sons aged 18-25, upload their current enrollment certificate from their educational institution, plus passport copy and photograph.

Step 4: Choose Renewal Period

New rules allow you to select renewal for 3, 6, 9, or 12 months.
This flexibility means you can align renewals with family travel plans or budget cycles.

Step 5: Pay Fees & Confirm Renewal

Pay the Iqama renewal fee and dependent levy (SR 400 per employee and SR 400 per dependent per month is common, but check the latest rates).
Use online banking, ATM, or pay at bank branches.
After payment confirmation, return to Absher or Muqeem.
You’ll see a confirmation message indicating successful renewal.

Step 6: Collect the Physical Iqama Card (Residency Identity Card)

After renewal, the card will usually be sent to your registered address via Saudi Post.
Make sure your address is correct on Absher; update if necessary or register an address through Saudi Post.
The new Iqama for dependents allows access to health care, schools, and banking.

Special Cases

Renewing from outside Saudi Arabia: As of 2024-2025, you can renew dependents’ Iqama if they are abroad, provided you (the family head) are in KSA. Exceptionally, the family head can also renew from abroad if using Absher.

If renewal is rejected: Check eligibility, document status, and confirm all fee payments. Resolve any issues via Absher, Muqeem, or by contacting Jawazat.

Key Tips & Avoiding Penalties

Renew early: Start the process at least 3 days before expiry to avoid fines.
Check updates regularly: Rules are reviewed annually so stay informed.
Keep documents ready: Copies of passports, Iqamas, photos, insurance and employment documents often need to be uploaded/presented.

Confused or need expert help with any step?

Renewing your family Iqama is no longer a daunting task – most steps can be done from the comfort of your home, and updated government services mean faster processing and greater flexibility. Don’t let your family’s legal status or vital services lapse due to missed deadlines.

Contact duvolks today: get personalized assistance, reminders, and support to ensure your family’s Iqama renewal is smooth and stress-free. Let duvolks handle the details, so you can focus on what matters.

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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.

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