Quick Summary
- Renew dependent iqama through Absher Individuals — absher.sa
- Start renewal at least 30 days before expiry — do not wait
- Total renewal cost is approximately SAR 5,450 – 5,600 per dependent per year
- This includes iqama renewal fee + annual dependent levy — paid together
- Late renewal results in daily fines that accumulate quickly
- Each dependent has their own expiry date — track them all separately
Fee Disclaimer
All fees mentioned reflect the 2026 structure. Saudi Arabia updates iqama fees periodically. Always verify exact current amounts at absher.sa before making any payments.
When to Renew
Each dependent iqama has its own expiry date which may be different from your own iqama expiry date. You must track each dependent's expiry separately.
- Start the process 30 days before expiry — never wait until the last week
- Check all dependent expiry dates monthly on Absher under "My Family"
- Set a calendar reminder 45 days before each dependent's expiry date
- If a dependent's passport expires before their iqama — update the passport first on their iqama record before renewing
Documents Needed for Renewal
Dependent iqama renewal is largely handled digitally through Absher. However have the following ready:
- Your valid iqama as the sponsor
- Dependent's valid passport — must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the renewal date
- Valid health insurance for the dependent — must be active and cover the renewal period
- No outstanding fines — clear any Absher violations or dependent levy arrears before attempting renewal
How to Renew — Step by Step on Absher
Log Into Absher Individuals
Go to absher.sa and log in. Use your iqama number and the OTP sent to your registered Saudi mobile number. If you have Absher app installed on your phone you can also log in from there.
Navigate to My Family
From the main dashboard click on "My Family" or "Dependent Services." You will see a list of all dependents under your sponsorship with their iqama numbers and expiry dates.
Select the Dependent to Renew
Click on the dependent whose iqama is coming up for renewal. The system will show their current iqama status, expiry date and a renewal option if they are within the renewal window.
Verify Health Insurance is Active
Absher will check if the dependent has active health insurance. If health insurance is expired or not registered the renewal will be blocked. Update health insurance with your provider and ensure it is linked in the system before proceeding.
Review Fee Breakdown
Absher will display the total amount due — this includes the iqama renewal fee, the annual dependent levy and any outstanding fines or arrears. Review each line item carefully. Do not proceed if the total seems incorrect — contact your HR for clarification.
Complete Payment
Pay through SADAD online banking, credit card or debit card. Save the payment confirmation number and screenshot the receipt. Keep this as proof in case any issues arise with the renewal processing.
New Iqama Issued — Verify Details
The renewed iqama is processed within a few working days. Go back to Absher "My Family" to confirm the new expiry date is updated. If a physical iqama card is required arrange collection through your HR or the nearest HRSD office.
Repeat for Every Dependent
Each dependent must be renewed separately. Do not assume all dependents renew at the same time — their expiry dates are often different. Check all dates and set reminders for each one.
Renewal Fees 2026
Dependent Iqama Renewal — Total Cost Per Dependent (Verify at absher.sa)
| Fee Item | Approximate Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Iqama renewal fee | SAR 650 – 800 | Administrative renewal fee — verify at absher.sa |
| Annual dependent levy | SAR 4,800 | SAR 400/month — verify at absher.sa |
| Health insurance (if renewing) | SAR 1,200 – 3,000+ | Paid to insurance provider separately |
| Total renewal cost (excl. insurance) | SAR 5,450 – 5,600 | Per dependent per year |
Late Renewal Fines
If you miss the renewal deadline — even by one day — fines begin accumulating:
| Situation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| 1 – 30 days late | Daily fine accumulates — verify current daily rate at absher.sa |
| 30+ days late | Higher fine rate — Absher services may be suspended |
| Dependent becomes overstay | Deportation risk — serious legal implications for sponsor |
| Outstanding fines unpaid | Cannot process any iqama transaction until cleared |
How to Check All Dependent Expiry Dates
- Log into absher.sa → My Family → view each dependent's iqama expiry date
- Write down all expiry dates and set calendar reminders 45 days before each one
- Check Absher monthly — expiry dates are displayed on the dependent's profile
- Your HR or PRO can also check dependent expiry dates through Muqeem — ask them to alert you 60 days before expiry
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my dependent iqama through my HR instead of Absher myself?
Yes — your HR department or PRO can renew dependent iqamas on your behalf through the Muqeem system or Absher Business portal. However you are still financially responsible for all fees. Ensure your HR is tracking dependent expiry dates — do not assume they will remind you automatically.
What if my dependent is outside Saudi Arabia when the iqama expires?
You can still renew the dependent iqama through Absher even if the dependent is outside Saudi Arabia — as long as they have a valid exit re-entry visa and will return before it expires. If the iqama expires while they are abroad they will be unable to re-enter Saudi Arabia until the renewal is processed. Renew before they travel if the expiry is approaching.
My dependent's passport expires before their iqama — what do I do?
You must update the dependent's new passport details on their iqama record before the passport expires. Ask your HR or PRO to update the passport number on Muqeem. Once updated you can then renew the iqama normally. Never let a dependent's passport expire without updating it — it creates problems with all iqama services.
I have 4 dependents with different expiry dates — how do I manage this?
Track each dependent separately. Create a simple spreadsheet with each dependent's name, iqama number and expiry date. Set calendar reminders 45 days before each expiry. Some sponsors ask HR to stagger renewals so they do not all fall at the same time — reducing the financial burden of paying multiple renewals in the same month.
Can I renew for 2 years instead of 1 year?
Dependent iqama renewals are typically issued for one year at a time. Multi-year renewals are not a standard option under current rules. You pay the annual levy and renewal fee each year. Verify current options at absher.sa as policies may change.