Quick Summary
- Dependent levy is SAR 400 per dependent per month (SAR 4,800 per year)
- Paid by you the sponsor — your employer does not pay this
- Applies to every dependent — spouse and children under your sponsorship
- Paid annually at the time of iqama renewal for each dependent
- Non-payment results in penalties and Absher service suspension
- Always verify current amounts at absher.sa before paying
Important Fee Disclaimer
The fees mentioned in this guide reflect the structure as of 2026. Saudi Arabia updates fee structures periodically under Vision 2030. Always verify the exact current amount at absher.sa or muqeem.sa before making any payments.
What Is the Dependent Levy?
The dependent levy — officially the expatriate dependent fee — was introduced as part of the Vision 2030 economic reform programme. It is an annual charge paid by expatriate workers in the private sector for each dependent registered under their sponsorship in Saudi Arabia.
The levy is separate from the iqama renewal fee. Every expatriate sponsor must pay this levy annually for each dependent — failure to do so affects all iqama-related services.
Who Has to Pay?
- Private sector expatriate workers — all expatriates in private companies must pay the levy for their dependents
- The sponsor — not the employer — unlike your own iqama fees which your employer pays, the dependent levy is entirely your personal financial responsibility
- Every dependent counts — you pay for each dependent separately. If you have a wife and two children that is three levy payments per year
Fee Structure 2026
Dependent Levy — Current Fee Structure (Verify at absher.sa)
| Fee Type | Amount Per Dependent | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly levy rate | SAR 400 | Per month per dependent |
| Annual levy — 1 dependent | SAR 4,800 | Paid once yearly at renewal |
| Annual levy — 2 dependents | SAR 9,600 | Paid once yearly at renewal |
| Annual levy — 3 dependents | SAR 14,400 | Paid once yearly at renewal |
| Annual levy — 4 dependents | SAR 19,200 | Paid once yearly at renewal |
Total Annual Cost Per Dependent
The dependent levy is not the only cost. Budget for all of the following:
Total Annual Cost Per Dependent (Approximate)
| Cost Item | Approximate Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent levy | SAR 4,800 | Verify at absher.sa |
| Iqama renewal fee | SAR 650 – 800 | Verify at absher.sa |
| Health insurance | SAR 1,200 – 3,000+ | Depends on age and provider |
| Exit re-entry visa | SAR 200 – 400 | When dependent travels abroad |
| Total estimate (1 dependent) | SAR 6,850 – 9,000+ | Per year — plan ahead |
How to Pay — Step by Step on Absher
Log Into Absher Individuals
Go to absher.sa and log in using your Absher credentials and registered mobile number.
Go to My Family Section
Navigate to "My Family" or "Dependents." You will see all dependents with their individual iqama expiry dates.
Select the Dependent to Renew
Click on the dependent whose iqama is due for renewal. The system displays the full fee breakdown including levy, renewal fee and any outstanding dues.
Review Total Amount Due
Absher shows the total amount — dependent levy, iqama renewal fee and any late penalties. Review carefully before proceeding.
Pay via SADAD or Card
Complete payment through SADAD online banking, credit card or debit card. Keep the payment confirmation receipt.
Repeat for Each Dependent
Each dependent has a different expiry date. Repeat the process for each dependent before their individual expiry dates.
When Is the Levy Due?
- Paid annually at the time of each dependent's iqama renewal
- You pay for the full year upfront — 12 months of levy in one payment
- Each dependent may have a different renewal date — track them separately on Absher
- Start renewal process at least 30 days before expiry to avoid late penalties
- Set calendar reminders — Absher does not always send automatic reminders
Penalties for Non-Payment
| Consequence | Details |
|---|---|
| Financial penalty | Late payment fees accumulate daily — verify exact amount at absher.sa |
| Absher services suspended | Cannot process any iqama transactions until outstanding levies are paid |
| Exit re-entry visa blocked | Cannot issue exit re-entry visas for dependents until levy is cleared |
| Iqama renewal blocked | Dependent iqama cannot be renewed — overstay risk |
| Your own iqama affected | Outstanding dependent levies can affect your own iqama renewal |
How the Levy Has Increased Since 2017
| Year | Monthly Levy Per Dependent | Annual Per Dependent |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | SAR 100 | SAR 1,200 |
| 2018 | SAR 200 | SAR 2,400 |
| 2019 | SAR 300 | SAR 3,600 |
| 2020 onwards | SAR 400 | SAR 4,800 |
| 2026 (current) | SAR 400 | SAR 4,800 — verify at absher.sa |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the dependent levy the same as the iqama renewal fee?
No — they are two completely separate charges. The iqama renewal fee is the administrative cost to renew the iqama document. The dependent levy is an additional annual charge per dependent. Both are paid together at renewal time through Absher but they are separate line items.
Does my employer pay the dependent levy?
No. Your employer pays your own work iqama fees but the dependent levy is entirely your personal financial responsibility as sponsor. Some employers offer a dependent allowance as part of your salary package — but legally the obligation falls on you as sponsor.
What if I cannot afford to pay the dependent levy?
There is no waiver or instalment option under current rules. If you cannot afford the levy the only practical option is to cancel the dependent iqama and have them exit Saudi Arabia. Keeping dependents without paying results in accumulating fines that worsen the situation.
Do I pay the levy if my dependent is outside Saudi Arabia?
If your dependent holds an active dependent iqama the levy is still due at renewal time regardless of whether they are physically in Saudi Arabia. To stop paying you must cancel the dependent iqama which requires them to exit on a final exit visa.
Can I cancel a dependent iqama to avoid the levy?
Yes — cancel through Absher under "My Family." Once cancelled the dependent must exit on a final exit visa. You stop paying the levy from the cancellation date. If they want to return later they must go through the full dependent visa process again.