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Saudi 5-Year Resident ID (Muqeem Card) — Full 2026 Guide
Updated May 2026 · Based on Jawazat & Absher official announcements
🪪 Saudi Arabia rolled out a new physical Resident ID card valid for 5 years in 2026. Important: the card lasts 5 years, but your underlying Iqama (residency) still renews annually. This guide explains exactly what changed, what you need to do, and what stays the same.
What Exactly Is the New 5-Year Resident ID?
In late 2025, the Saudi General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) announced a new generation of physical Iqama cards. Unlike the old card which had to be physically replaced every year at renewal, the new card is valid for 5 years from issuance.
The card is also called the Muqeem Card (because residency data is managed via the Muqeem platform). It is made of polycarbonate with a contactless chip, similar to a national ID. The chip stores your Iqama number, biometric data, sponsor details, and emergency contact.
The Critical Distinction — Card vs. Residency
⚠️ Many expats are confused by this: the 5-year validity is for the physical card only. Your residency status (the legal right to live and work in Saudi Arabia) is still managed via Absher and still requires annual renewal with the SAR 650 fee.
Think of it like a national ID card vs. a passport — the card itself is durable, but the rights it carries can change. If you fail to pay your annual Iqama renewal, your card becomes invalid even though the printed expiry date is still years away.
Who Gets the New Card and When?
The new card is being rolled out gradually:
- New expats arriving from January 2026 onward receive the new card by default.
- Existing residents get the new card at their next renewal cycle — no separate application needed.
- If your Iqama expires in 2026 and you renew normally via Absher, your new physical card will be sent within 14 days.
- Family dependents (spouse, children) also receive the new format on next renewal.
How to Receive Your New Card — Step by Step
- Verify your National Address in Absher. The card is delivered by SPL/Wasil postal service — if your address is wrong, the card will not reach you. Go to Absher → My Profile → National Address.
- Pay your annual Iqama renewal (SAR 650 + employer-paid work permit levy) via SADAD as you normally would.
- Wait for SMS confirmation — Absher will send a notification confirming the new card has been issued.
- Receive at your door — Wasil typically delivers within 7–14 working days. Someone over 18 must be present to receive.
- If undelivered after 14 days — log a ticket in Absher → Services → Card Delivery Inquiry.
What If My Sponsor or Status Changes?
If you transfer to a new employer (Iqama transfer), your physical card stays the same — the database is updated digitally. You do not need a new card for sponsor changes. Exception: if your name or photo is significantly changed, you can request a card reissue at SAR 100.
What Happens at the 5-Year Mark?
When your 5-year card approaches expiry, you'll receive an Absher notification. You'll need to visit a Jawazat office or use a self-service kiosk to renew the physical card — this is a separate process from your annual Iqama renewal. The card-renewal fee is expected to be SAR 100 (final figures pending Jawazat announcement).
Fees Summary
| Item | Fee (SAR) | How Often |
|---|
| Annual Iqama renewal | 650 | Every year |
| Work permit levy (employer pays) | 800/month for most categories | Monthly |
| Dependent levy | 400 per dependent/month | Monthly |
| 5-year physical card issuance | Free (replaces old yearly card) | Every 5 years |
| Card reissue (lost / damaged) | 100 | As needed |
| National Address update | Free | As needed |
What to Do Now (Action Checklist)
- ✅ Log into Absher and confirm your National Address is current.
- ✅ Update your mobile number in Absher to receive delivery SMS.
- ✅ Renew your Iqama on time — late renewal still costs SAR 500/month penalty.
- ✅ Keep your old card until the new one arrives. Don't throw it away.
- ✅ Verify the new card details (Iqama number, name, expiry) on delivery and report any errors immediately.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 5-year card mean I don't have to renew Iqama every year?+
No. The 5-year validity applies only to the physical plastic card. Your Iqama residency status still expires every year and must be renewed annually via Absher with the SAR 650 fee. If you skip an annual renewal, your card becomes invalid even though the printed date is years away.
Do I need to apply for the new card?+
No separate application is needed. The new card is issued automatically at your next Iqama renewal cycle. New expats arriving in 2026 receive the new card by default.
How is the new card delivered?+
Via SPL/Wasil postal service to your registered National Address. Make sure your address in Absher is correct, otherwise the card will not reach you. Delivery typically takes 7–14 working days after renewal.
What happens if I lose my new card?+
Report the loss in Absher within 24 hours to prevent misuse. You can request a reissue for SAR 100. The replacement card retains the original 5-year validity.
Does the new card affect my work permit or sponsor?+
No. The card is just a physical identity document. Your sponsor, work permit (Mehna), and Nitaqat status are managed digitally through Qiwa and Muqeem and are not tied to the physical card.
Is the new card biometric?+
Yes. The card has a contactless chip storing your biometric data (fingerprint, facial template), Iqama number, sponsor info, and emergency contact. It can be tapped at airports, hospitals, and government counters.