01. Overview 02. Home Country 03. Arrival 04. Fees & Rules

Saudi Iqama: Summary, Costs & Renewal

Costs and Fees Breakdown

While the employer is generally responsible for these costs, understanding the breakdown is vital.

1. Government Issuance Fees

  • • Standard Annual Fee: SAR 650 (approx. USD 173)
  • • Flexible Payment: 3, 6, 9, or 12 months

2. Work Permit (Maktab Amal) Levy

  • • Monthly Fee: SAR 800 (USD 213)
  • • Annual Total: SAR 9,600 (USD 2,558)
  • Note: Varies based on Saudization %

3. Dependent Fees

  • • Fee: SAR 400 (USD 106) per month per dependent
  • • Annual Total: SAR 4,800 per person

4. GOSI (Social Insurance)

Employer contributes 2% of monthly salary (capped at SAR 45,000) for occupational hazard insurance.

Renewal and Validity

The physical card is often printed with a 5-year validity, but the residency status is usually valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Requirements

  • Renew at least 3 days before expiration.
  • Valid medical insurance linked to CCHI.
  • Updated biometrics.
  • Payment of all fees.

Penalties for Late Renewal

  • • 1st Violation: SAR 500
  • • 2nd Violation: SAR 1,000
  • • 3rd Violation: Deportation

Critical Legal Compliance

  • ! Carry Your ID: You must present your Iqama to security officers upon request. Failure to do so is a punishable offense.
  • ! Sponsorship: It is illegal to work for anyone other than your sponsor. If your company closes, your Iqama becomes invalid.
  • ! Lost or Stolen: Report a lost Iqama to the Passports Authority (Jawazat) or police within 24 hours.

How to Check Your Iqama Status

  1. Online: Ministry of Interior website or Absher platform.
  2. SMS: Send code to provider (STC: 888994, Mobily: 624444, Zain: 709444) format: 12*SponsorID*IqamaNumber

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