Quick Summary
- Iqama must be renewed every year — validity is 1 year from issue date
- Your employer is legally responsible for renewing your iqama — not you
- Iqama renewal fees are paid by the employer — you cannot be forced to pay
- Fine for expired iqama: SAR 100 per day — employer pays this too
- You can check iqama expiry through the Absher app anytime
- If employer refuses to renew, file an HRSD complaint immediately
What Is an Iqama?
The iqama — also spelled iqama or residence permit — is the official residency identification card issued to all foreign workers and residents in Saudi Arabia. It serves as your primary ID document inside the Kingdom and proves your legal right to reside and work there.
Your iqama is tied to your employer's sponsorship through the Kafala system. When you join a company, they sponsor your iqama. When you leave, your iqama must be transferred or cancelled through a Final Exit.
Who Is Responsible for Iqama Renewal?
This is one of the most important points that every expat in Saudi Arabia must know: your employer is legally responsible for renewing your iqama — not you.
Under Saudi Labour Law and the Kafala system, the sponsor (employer) has the obligation to:
- Renew the iqama before it expires each year
- Pay all iqama renewal fees including government levies
- Pay any late renewal fines that accumulate if renewal is delayed
- Ensure all documents required for renewal are in order
Iqama Renewal Fees
Iqama renewal fees in Saudi Arabia consist of several components that are all paid by the employer:
- Basic renewal fee — varies based on the company's Nitaqat (Saudization) classification. Companies with poor Saudization ratios pay higher fees.
- Expatriate levy — an annual government fee per expatriate worker that increases each year as part of Saudi Vision 2030 workforce nationalization.
- Medical insurance premium — employers must provide health insurance and the premium is part of the renewal process.
Documents Required for Iqama Renewal
The HR department of your company handles the documents. As an employee you may need to provide:
- Valid passport — must have at least 6 months validity remaining
- Current iqama card
- Valid medical insurance card or policy number
- Medical fitness certificate if required by your profession
- Updated photo if required by Jawazat
- Any profession-specific licence or certificate renewal
The actual renewal application is submitted by your employer through the Absher Business platform or through the Jawazat (Passport Authority) system.
Step-by-Step — How Iqama Renewal Works
Check Your Iqama Expiry Date
Open your Absher app and check when your iqama expires. You should do this at least 3 months before expiry to give your employer enough time to process renewal. You can also check on the MOI website at moi.gov.sa.
Notify HR Department
Inform your HR department 2–3 months before expiry. Many companies track this automatically but it is your responsibility to follow up. Send a written reminder via email so there is a record of your notification.
Provide Required Documents
Submit any documents your HR department requests — typically passport copy and current iqama. Ensure your passport has sufficient validity. If your passport expires soon, renew it first at your country's consulate before iqama renewal.
Employer Submits Renewal Application
Your HR or PRO department submits the renewal through Absher Business or the Jawazat online portal. The renewal fee and any government levies are paid at this stage by the company.
Collect New Iqama
Once approved — usually within a few days — your new iqama card is either printed at the Jawazat office or mailed to your company address. Your HR department will hand it to you. Verify all details on the new card are correct.
How To Check Iqama Expiry Online
There are three ways to check your iqama expiry date:
- Absher App — Log in with your Iqama number and mobile number. Go to "My Services" → "Residency." Your expiry date is displayed clearly. This is the fastest method.
- MOI Website — Visit moi.gov.sa and use the "Inquire about Iqama" service with your Iqama number to see full status and expiry.
- Qiwa Platform — Log into qiwa.sa with your Iqama number to see your residency and employment status including expiry date.
What Happens If Iqama Expires?
If your iqama expires without being renewed, a fine of SAR 100 per day accumulates from the expiry date. As discussed, this fine is legally the employer's responsibility — not yours.
Beyond fines, an expired iqama creates practical problems:
- You cannot travel outside Saudi Arabia until iqama is renewed or a valid exit visa is issued
- You may face difficulties at police checkpoints or government offices
- Your iqama cannot be used as valid ID for banking or official transactions
- If you are stopped by authorities with an expired iqama, you may be detained briefly
Calculate Your Iqama Expiry Fine
If your iqama has expired, use our free calculator to find out the exact fine amount that has accumulated and who is responsible for paying it.
Calculate Iqama Fine — FreeWhat If Your Employer Refuses to Renew Your Iqama?
Employer refusal to renew iqama is a serious violation. If your employer is not renewing your iqama — whether due to financial problems, negligence or as a pressure tactic — here is what you should do:
- Request in writing — Send HR a formal written request for iqama renewal, noting the expiry date. Keep a copy.
- File an HRSD complaint — Report the failure to renew at hrsd.gov.sa. HRSD can compel the employer to renew.
- Contact Jawazat — The Passport Authority (Jawazat) can be approached directly if the employer is completely unresponsive.
- Explore sponsorship transfer — If the employer relationship has broken down, a sponsorship transfer to a new employer resolves the iqama issue entirely.
Iqama Renewal and Nitaqat (Saudization)
Your company's Nitaqat classification affects iqama renewal fees but also your rights as an employee. Companies in the "Red" or "Ultra Red" Nitaqat zones (lowest Saudization compliance) face restrictions on sponsoring new expat workers and higher fees.
If your company is in a poor Nitaqat zone, employees gain certain additional mobility rights including the ability to transfer sponsorship more freely. Check your company's Nitaqat status on the HRSD website if you suspect compliance issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my iqama myself without going through my employer?
No — iqama renewal must be done by your employer through the Absher Business or Jawazat system. You cannot renew it independently. If your employer is refusing to renew, your only options are to file an HRSD complaint or transfer to a new sponsor.
My iqama expired while I was abroad on vacation. What do I do?
Contact your employer immediately and have them arrange renewal urgently. Meanwhile check with the Saudi embassy or consulate in your country about returning with an expired iqama — procedures vary. Most cases require the employer to arrange a new entry visa if the iqama cannot be renewed remotely.
How long does iqama renewal take?
Once the employer submits the application with all documents and pays the fees, renewal typically takes 3–7 working days. Urgent processing is available in some cases. The physical card takes slightly longer to print and deliver.
My employer renewed my iqama but the profession listed is wrong. Can I change it?
Yes — profession corrections can be made through the Jawazat or through your employer's HR portal. Having the correct profession on your iqama matters because it determines what work you can legally do and what EOSB calculation applies.
Who pays the iqama fine if it expired due to employer negligence?
The employer pays the fine. The legal obligation for iqama renewal — and any resulting fines from late renewal — rests with the sponsor (employer). If your employer tries to deduct the fine from your salary, this is illegal and can be reported to HRSD.
Iqama Renewal Problem With Your Employer?
Whether your employer is refusing to renew, asking you to pay fees or your iqama has already expired — book a consultation for clear guidance on your next steps based on your exact situation.