Iqama renewal and dependant fees in Saudi Arabia
How renewal works, who pays and the monthly dependant levy.

In short
Your employer renews the Iqama, usually yearly, and pays the work permit fees. Each dependant costs SAR 400 per month in levy, paid at renewal by the employee unless the contract says otherwise.
- Renewal
- Employer, yearly
- Dependant levy
- SAR 400/month each
- Late fine
- SAR 500, then SAR 1,000
- Portal
- Absher / Muqeem
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Set a reminder 60 days before.
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Renew passports early
Don’t
- Don’t drive or travel with an expired Iqama
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Watch out
- Expired Iqama freezes bank accounts and blocks exit/re-entry visas.
Common questions
Can employer charge me Iqama fees?
No. Employee Iqama and work permit fees are the employer’s cost.
Official links
Background and more detail
Your employer renews the Iqama, usually yearly, and pays the work permit fees. Each dependant costs SAR 400 per month in levy, paid at renewal by the employee unless the contract says otherwise.
Key facts
- Renewal: Employer, yearly
- Dependant levy: SAR 400/month each
- Late fine: SAR 500, then SAR 1,000
- Portal: Absher / Muqeem
Steps
- Check expiry on Absher – Set a reminder 60 days before.
- Pay dependant levy – Through bank SADAD before renewal.
- Employer renews – Digital Iqama updates in Absher.
Watch out
- Expired Iqama freezes bank accounts and blocks exit/re-entry visas.
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