Iqama Expiry Date 2026: How to Check Your Iqama Expiration Date

Last updated: May 26, 2026

Every expatriate in Saudi Arabia must keep their Iqama (residence permit) valid at all times. An expired Iqama blocks banking, mobile services, and all government transactions — and triggers escalating fines.

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Ways to check your Iqama expiry date

Below are five free, official ways to run an Iqama validity check in 2026. For a broader overview of Iqama types, the red-green status system, and more, see our complete Iqama KSA guide.

MHRSD website (no login required)

This is the quickest method if you do not have an Absher account.

Go to the official MHRSD website.
Select your language: English, Arabic, or Urdu.
Enter your Iqama number and date of birth (Gregorian or Hijri).
Complete the captcha and click Next.
Your Iqama expiry date and residency status will display.

MOI public query (no login required)

Visit the Ministry of Interior portal.
Navigate to Public Query → Resident ID Expiry.
Enter your Iqama number and the image verification code.
Your expiry date appears instantly — no account or OTP needed.

Absher (web)

Go to the Absher portal.
Sign in with your username/ID, password, and OTP.
Open My Services → Query Iqama Expiry.
Your Iqama expiry date shows in both Hijri and Gregorian formats.

Absher mobile app

Open the Absher app and sign in.
Tap My Services → Profile → My Iqama.
Your Iqama expiry date and details will display.

Tawakkalna app

Open the Tawakkalna app and log in.
Your digital Iqama — including the expiry date, profession, and sponsor — appears on the home screen.

Tawakkalna also displays your health status, travel history, and other government-linked data in one place.

Employers: Check via Muqeem

Employers and sponsors use the Muqeem portal to view Iqama validity, work permit status, and visa details for all registered employees. Individual workers can check their visa validity at vv.muqeem.sa.

What you need before checking

Your Iqama number
Date of birth (Gregorian or Hijri)
For Absher: a registered mobile number (for OTP)
For Tawakkalna: the app installed and linked to your ID

Iqama renewal fees in 2026

Planning to renew your Iqama? Here are the current fees.

Category	Annual fee
Company worker	SAR 650
Domestic worker	SAR 600
Dependent / companion	SAR 400/month (SAR 4,800/year)

Flexible renewal periods of 3, 6, 9, or 12 months are available depending on your employment contract and sponsor preference. Children under 18 and foreign wives of disabled Saudi citizens are exempt from renewal fees.

Penalties for an expired Iqama

The Ministry of Interior requires Iqama renewal at least 3 days before the expiration date. Missing that deadline triggers the following penalties:

First offense: SAR 500 fine
Second offense: SAR 1,000 fine
Third offense: fine plus deportation proceedings and a ban on re-entry

Beyond fines, an expired Iqama freezes your bank accounts, suspends mobile services, and blocks all government transactions.

Under 2026 MHRSD regulations, employers face a flat fine of SAR 10,000 per undocumented worker — and this multiplies by the number of affected employees. A separate fine of SAR 3,000 per worker applies to employers who retain employee passports or Iqama cards.

Final exit visa and Iqama validity

Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports) requires your Iqama to have at least 30 days of remaining validity before issuing a final exit visa. If your Iqama has 30–59 days left, the exit visa matches that remaining time. With 60 or more days left, the visa lasts 60 days.

Final exit visas are free and can be issued through Absher or Muqeem. If your Iqama has fewer than 30 days left, you must renew it before applying.

For full details on exit permits and re-entry rules, read our Saudi exit/re-entry visa guide.

The 5-year Iqama card: what it really means

Saudi Arabia now issues a physical Resident ID card valid for 5 years. However, the card’s validity and your residency status are separate. Your underlying residency (Iqama status) must still be renewed annually via Absher or Muqeem.

Think of it this way: the plastic card stays in your wallet for 5 years, but the digital residency permit behind it expires every year. For a detailed breakdown, see our 5-year Iqama explainer.

Troubleshooting

“Data not found”: Re-check your Iqama number and date of birth. Try switching between Gregorian and Hijri.
Captcha failing: Refresh the captcha image. Avoid spaces when entering numbers.
No OTP received: Confirm your KSA mobile number is registered with Absher. Request a new OTP and check SMS filters.
MHRSD not loading: Try a different browser, clear the cache, or use Absher or Tawakkalna instead.

Frequently asked questions

Can I check my Iqama expiry without Absher?

Yes. Use the MHRSD website or the MOI public query tool — both require only your Iqama number and a captcha, with no login or OTP.

Can I check my dependents’ Iqama expiry?

Yes. Dependents linked to your ID appear under your Absher account. Employers can check dependent status through Muqeem.

Hijri vs Gregorian date — does it matter?

Either format works. Just make sure the date of birth you enter matches your records exactly.

Is there a fee to check Iqama validity?

No. Checking your Iqama expiry date is completely free through all official platforms — Absher, MHRSD, MOI, Tawakkalna, and Muqeem.

How do I transfer my Iqama to a new employer?

Saudi Arabia formally abolished the kafala (sponsorship) system in October 2025, replacing it with a contract-based employment model. Iqama transfers are processed through Absher or Muqeem by the new employer. In certain cases — such as an expired contract, unpaid wages, or a sponsor on Red Nitaqat status — you may transfer without your current employer’s approval. The process typically takes 3–7 working days.

What happens if my Iqama expires while I’m outside Saudi Arabia?

You will not be allowed to re-enter until your sponsor renews your Iqama. Contact your employer immediately if your Iqama is close to expiry while you are abroad.

Sources

Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.