Iqama Renewal: How To Renew Your KSA Resident Identity Card?

Last updated: Apr 15, 2026

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Iqama renewal overview

The Iqama is the resident ID for expatriates working and living in Saudi Arabia (KSA). It must be kept current to avoid fines, service suspensions, or status issues.

For all Iqama holders, it is imperative to perform an Iqama check regularly and renew before your Iqama expiry date.

Residency status is typically renewed in 3, 6, 9, or 12-month increments for most categories (domestic-worker renewals follow a separate schedule).
Since 2025, the physical Muqeem (Resident Identity) card is issued with a five-year validity, but your residency status must still be renewed annually (or in the increments above) via Absher or Muqeem.
Jawazat applies fines beginning three days after expiration, so renew well before the deadline.

Before you start

Confirm the following items are in order before starting the renewal in Absher:

All fees paid (MOI Iqama fee, work permit fee if applicable, dependent levy if sponsoring family).
No outstanding traffic fines on the sponsor or any dependents being renewed.
Biometrics (fingerprints and photos) recorded for anyone aged six or older.
A valid passport for each person being renewed.
Not reported as “absent from work” (huroob).
Separate valid passport on file for each family member.

Eligibility and conditions

Renewal is permitted once these conditions are met:

Iqama fees, work permit fees, and dependent levies have been cleared in full.
No outstanding traffic fines.
Valid passport on file for the individual being renewed.
Biometrics on record for all family members aged six and above.
From outside KSA, renewals are allowed for dependents and domestic workers only, per the Jawazat announcement of 8 January 2025 (SPA update).

Steps to renew via Absher

Follow these steps inside Absher to renew an Iqama:

Sign in to Absher (Individual or Business).
Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
Go to Services → E-Services → Sponsored Services.
Select Renew Iqama.
Choose the person to renew.
Review details, confirm duration (3, 6, 9, or 12 months), and select Renew Iqama.

Ensure all required fees are paid and reflected in the system before hitting Renew, otherwise the transaction will error out.

Iqama renewal fees

MOI Iqama fee

The MOI Iqama fee for company-sector workers is SAR 650 per year. Domestic workers (drivers, housekeepers, guards) pay SAR 600 per year instead.

Duration	Fee (SAR)
12 months	650
9 months	488
6 months	325
3 months	163

Work permit fee

This is the expat-levy component linked to the employer’s Saudisation (Nitaqat) status. Rates are SAR 800 per month where expats outnumber Saudis, and SAR 700 per month where Saudisation targets are met.

Duration	Fee (SAR)*
12 months	9,600
9 months	7,200
6 months	4,800
3 months	2,400

*Table shown at SAR 800/month. Some establishments qualify for the SAR 700/month rate; confirm your band with the employer.

Dependent levy

The dependent levy is SAR 400 per dependent per month, paid by the resident sponsor (not the employer).

Duration	Fee (SAR)
12 months	4,800
9 months	3,600
6 months	2,400
3 months	1,200

Who pays what: under Article 40 of the Saudi Labor Law, the employer bears the Iqama fee, work permit fee, and any late-renewal fines, while the resident sponsor pays the dependent levy (HRSD).

Late renewal penalties

Fines escalate with repeat offences and begin three days after the Iqama expires:

First offence: SAR 500.
Second offence: SAR 1,000.
Third or subsequent offence: SAR 2,000 or more, with possible deportation and re-entry ban.

Under Article 40 of the Labor Law, the employer is legally responsible for these fines on the worker’s Iqama. Treat the three-day window as a buffer, not a grace period — renew early to avoid service suspensions.

Processing time

Renewals submitted via Absher are often processed on the same day for family members and domestic workers once all fees are reconciled. Processing times can vary with system load and verification checks.

Troubleshooting: common errors

If Absher rejects the renewal, check the following first:

Outstanding traffic fines: settle them via Absher, then retry.
Missing biometrics: ensure fingerprints and photos are recorded for everyone aged six or older.
Expired passport: renew the passport first, then update it on the Iqama record.
“Absent from work” (huroob) flag: resolve with the employer or sponsor before reattempting.

FAQs

Can I renew my Iqama while outside KSA?

Yes, but only for dependents and domestic workers. Jawazat’s 8 January 2025 SPA announcement allows dependents and domestic workers abroad to renew via Absher or Muqeem. Primary workers must be inside the Kingdom.

When should I pay the fees?

Before you start the renewal in Absher. The system only lets you complete the transaction once the MOI fee, work permit fee, and any dependent levies have been paid and reflected.

Who pays the work permit fee?

The employer. Under Article 40 of the Saudi Labor Law, the employer pays the Iqama fee, work permit fee, and any fines arising from late renewal. Deducting these from the worker’s salary is not permitted.

What happens if my Iqama has already expired?

Settle the late fee and renew as soon as possible. The fine is SAR 500 for a first offence, SAR 1,000 for a second, and SAR 2,000 or more for a third (plus possible deportation and re-entry ban).

Do I still need to replace the physical Iqama card every year?

No. Since 2025, the physical Muqeem card is issued with a five-year validity and is delivered via the Wasil postal service. You still renew the underlying residency status annually (or in 3/6/9-month increments) via Absher or Muqeem.

Sources

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