Everything you need to know about the dependent levy (the fee charged for expatriates' family members), who pays it, who is exempt, and how to calculate your annual cost.
The dependent levy is a monthly fee paid for each family member living in Saudi Arabia on a dependent (family) visa. It was introduced in 2017 as part of the Vision 2030 fiscal reforms, and currently stands at SAR 400 per month for each dependent.
| Dependent type | Monthly fee | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | SAR 400/month | SAR 4,800/year |
| Son (under 18) | SAR 400/month | SAR 4,800/year |
| Son (18–21, student) | SAR 400/month | SAR 4,800/year |
| Daughter | SAR 400/month | SAR 4,800/year |
| Each additional dependent | SAR 400/month | SAR 4,800/year |
These are two completely different fees. The iqama renewal fee (around SAR 650/year) is paid once a year to renew your residency document. The dependent levy (SAR 400/month) is an ongoing monthly fee that does not renew anything — it is simply a residency charge for each dependent. If you have family in the Kingdom, you must pay both.
Sources: Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) dependent levy fee schedule. Figures and rules are set by the issuing authority and may change — verify current details on the official portal before relying on them. Last reviewed: June 2026.
⚠️ Disclaimer: All results are estimates based on publicly available Saudi government regulations and rates. Always verify important financial or legal decisions with your employer, bank, or the relevant Saudi authority (Ministry of Human Resources, GOSI, ZATCA, Jawazat, or SAMA).