Per month overdue, charged to employer or employee
Replacement (lost Iqama)
SAR 200
Report loss to police first
Dependent levy (per dependent)
SAR 400/month
Separate from Iqama renewal β for dependents on your visa
β οΈ Important: The SAR 500/month late penalty is per month of delay β not a one-time fee. A 3-month delay means SAR 1,500 in penalties on top of the renewal cost. Renew before expiry.
How to Renew Iqama via Absher (Step-by-Step)
Log into Absher β Download the Absher app (iOS / Android) or visit absher.sa. Login with your National Access Number (Ψ±ΩΩ Ψ§ΩΩΩΨ§Ψ° Ψ§ΩΩΨ·ΩΩ) or Iqama number.
Check eligibility β Absher will show if your Iqama is eligible for renewal. Any unpaid fines must be cleared first.
Pay renewal fees β SAR 650 via SADAD, bank transfer, or credit/debit card linked to your Saudi bank account.
Receive confirmation β Renewal confirmation is sent via SMS and appears in Absher instantly. The new expiry date is updated in the system.
Physical card (optional) β Print from Absher or visit a government service center (Mawid) to get the physical Iqama card updated.
β Pro tip: Set a reminder 60 days before your Iqama expiry date. This gives you enough time to clear any outstanding issues before the renewal window. Use our Iqama tracker to get an automatic countdown.
Iqama Renewal β Employer Responsibility
Under Saudi Labour Law, the employer (kafeel/sponsor) is legally responsible for renewing their employees' Iqamas on time. If an employer fails to renew the Iqama, penalties are charged to the employer, not the employee. However, in practice, many employers deduct renewal fees from employees' salaries β check your employment contract for clarification.
What Happens if Your Iqama Expires?
An expired Iqama immediately affects your daily life in Saudi Arabia:
SAR 500 fine per month of delay
Cannot renew driving licence
Cannot open or access some bank services
Cannot use Absher for other services
Cannot leave Saudi Arabia on exit visa
Risk of legal status issues if significantly overdue
Dependent Iqamas β Extra Costs
If you sponsor family members (spouse, children) on your Iqama, each dependent costs SAR 400 per month in the Dependent Levy β separate from the annual renewal fee. Use our dependent levy calculator to see your full annual cost for family members.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew Iqama without my employer? βΌ
Iqama renewal is technically the employer's responsibility in Saudi Arabia. However, employees can initiate renewal through Absher if their sponsor has granted them the relevant Absher permissions. If your employer is unresponsive, file a complaint at hrsd.gov.sa.
Does Iqama renewal require a medical test? βΌ
Medical tests are not required for annual Iqama renewal for most professions. However, they may be required when changing jobs, changing visa status, or for specific professions in healthcare.
Can I travel if my Iqama is expired? βΌ
No. You cannot get an exit visa or re-entry visa if your Iqama has expired. You must renew the Iqama first before any international travel. Contact Jawazat (jawazat.gov.sa) for emergency travel situations.