Jawazat Increases Iqama Renewal Fee for Expats – 2025 Update

The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) in Saudi Arabia has officially increased the Iqama renewal fees for expatriates in 2025. This update directly impacts millions of expat workers and their families living in the Kingdom.

📢 What’s New in the Iqama Renewal Fee?

Effective immediately, the annual Iqama renewal fee has gone up due to adjustments in government charges. The revised fees vary based on the number of expats in a company and whether it meets Saudization (Nitaqat) requirements.

🔸 Updated Iqama Fees for 2025

  • Small Businesses (1–5 employees): SAR 7,200 – SAR 9,600
  • Medium to Large Companies: SAR 9,600 – SAR 11,400 per expat
  • Dependents Fee: Remains SAR 400/month per dependent (SAR 4,800/year)

⚙️ Why Has the Fee Increased?

The increase aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals to promote local employment through Saudization. Higher fees are meant to encourage companies to hire more Saudi nationals rather than rely on expat workers.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who Is Affected?

  • Expat workers in both private and individual sponsorship sectors
  • Employers hiring expat labor
  • Families with dependent Iqamas

📅 When Does the New Fee Apply?

The new Iqama renewal rates apply to all renewal transactions made after June 1, 2025. Any pending renewal before that date may still qualify for the older fee structure, subject to Jawazat’s review.

💡 Tips to Save on Iqama Renewal

  • Renew your Iqama for up to 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your situation.
  • Coordinate with your employer to pay ahead if fee hikes are expected.
  • Ensure your company is in the green or platinum Saudization zone to reduce costs.

📚 Related Posts

The recent update from Jawazat is a reminder of the importance of staying updated on labor and residency regulations in Saudi Arabia. Always monitor your Iqama status and coordinate with your employer to avoid penalties or overcharges.

Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only. Always verify with official sources like Jawazat and the Ministry of Interior for the latest updates.

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