How to Renew Your Iqama Easily in Saudi Arabia


 

If you are an expat living and working in Saudi Arabia, one of the most important documents you must always keep valid is your Iqama (residence permit). The Iqama serves as your official ID, allowing you to live, work, and access government services legally.

Failing to renew your Iqama on time can lead to heavy fines, deportation, or even job loss. In this guide, we’ll explain how to renew your Iqama easily in 2025, the fees, requirements, and step-by-step process for both employees and dependents.

📅 When to Renew Your Iqama

The Iqama is usually valid for one year, though some employers may renew it for two years depending on the contract. You can check your Iqama expiry date online using Absher or Moi.gov.sa.

🔹 Check Iqama Expiry Date on Absher

  1. Log in to your Absher account.

  2. Click My Services → Inquiries → Query Iqama Expiry Service.

  3. Your Iqama expiry date will appear in both Hijri and Gregorian calendars.

Renewal should be done at least one week before expiration to avoid penalties.

💼 Who Is Responsible for Iqama Renewal?

In Saudi Arabia, the sponsor (kafeel) or employer is legally responsible for renewing the employee’s Iqama. However, the expat must ensure:

  • The passport is valid for at least 6 months.

  • All GOSI (Social Insurance) and medical insurance are updated.

  • No traffic fines or violations remain unpaid.

For family dependents, the employee must handle renewal via Absher.

🧩 Related Post: How to Sponsor Your Family in Saudi Arabia – Complete Guide

💰 Iqama Renewal Fees (2025 Updated)

Here are the latest Iqama renewal charges as of 2025:

CategoryFee (SAR)
Iqama renewal (per year)650
Work permit fee (Maktab Amal)800–9600 (depends on profession & Saudization ratio)
Health insurance (for dependents)500–1000
Late renewal fine500 (first time), 1000 (second time)

Note: Fees may vary depending on your profession, company size, and Saudization status.

🧩 Related Post: GOSI (Social Insurance) – What Expats Need to Know

🖥️ Step-by-Step Process to Renew Iqama Online

The renewal process can be completed online via Absher (for dependents) or Qiwa / Muqeem (for employers).

🔸 Step 1: Log in to Absher (for Family Iqama Renewal)

  1. Go to Absher.sa.

  2. Log in using your username and password.

  3. Select Family Members → Services → Renew Iqama.

  4. Choose the dependent’s name.

  5. Select renewal duration (1 or 2 years).

  6. Pay the required fee through SADAD.

  7. Confirm renewal and print the new Iqama once available.

🔸 Step 2: Employer Renewal (for Employees)

Employers can renew through:

  • Muqeem Portal

  • Qiwa Platform

Process:

  1. Employer logs in to Qiwa.sa.

  2. Navigates to Services → Employee Management → Renew Iqama.

  3. Verifies employee details and selects the renewal period.

  4. Pays renewal and Maktab Amal fees.

  5. The updated Iqama will reflect automatically in Absher within 24 hours.

📱 How to Pay Iqama Renewal Fee Online

You can pay your Iqama renewal fee using:

  • Al Rajhi Bank App

  • SNB Bank App

  • STC Pay

  • ATM / SADAD payment system

Example (Al Rajhi App):

  1. Open the app and log in.

  2. Go to Payments → Government Payments → Alien Control → Renew Iqama.

  3. Enter Iqama number, duration, and confirm payment.

Once payment is complete, your renewal will process automatically.

🚫 Penalties for Late Iqama Renewal

If your Iqama expires and is not renewed within the grace period, the penalties are:

  • First violation: SAR 500 fine

  • Second violation: SAR 1000 fine

  • Third violation: Deportation

Always renew before the expiry date to avoid complications.

🧩 Related Post: Check How Many SIM Cards Are Registered on Your Iqama

🏠 Renewing Iqama for Dependents (Family Members)

You can renew your family’s Iqama if:

  • Your own Iqama is valid.

  • Dependents are registered under your sponsorship.

  • Health insurance for dependents is active.

Process:

  1. Log in to Absher → Family Members → Renew Iqama.

  2. Select each dependent and pay renewal fees.

  3. Download or print the updated Iqama card.

If your dependent’s Iqama expires, exit and re-entry visas or residency services cannot be processed.

🧾 How to Check Iqama Renewal Status

You can check whether your Iqama has been renewed using one of these methods:

1️⃣ Absher Platform

  • Log in → “My Dashboard” → “Iqama Expiry Date.”

2️⃣ Moi.gov.sa

  • Visit Moi.gov.sa → “Inquiries” → “Iqama Expiry Service.”

3️⃣ Bank App

  • After renewal, check your Iqama number under beneficiaries — if valid, renewal succeeded.

💡 Tips to Make Iqama Renewal Easy

✅ Ensure passport validity for at least 6 months.
✅ Update health insurance regularly.
✅ Pay all traffic fines in advance.
✅ Keep your company status active in the MHRSD system.
✅ Track expiry dates using Absher notifications.

🧩 Related Post: How to Check Your Labor Complaint Status Online in Saudi Arabia

🕌 Iqama Renewal and Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation under Vision 2030 has made most government processes paperless. Iqama renewal now takes only a few minutes online — no more long queues at Jawazat.

Digital platforms like Absher, Qiwa, and Muqeem ensure faster, safer, and more transparent services for expats.

✈️ Final Thoughts

Keeping your Iqama valid is crucial for a peaceful stay in Saudi Arabia. With the latest online systems, renewal has become faster and easier than ever.

Remember to start the process early, maintain all documentation, and check regularly on Absher to avoid fines or delays.

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