Iqama (Residency Permit) in Saudi Arabia
Your Iqama is the gateway to everything in Saudi Arabia - banking, schooling, travel, contracts.
Last verified: 2026-06
Overview
The Saudi residency visa, universally known as the Iqama, is issued under an employer or family sponsor. First issuance happens after you arrive on a work visa, complete medicals, and the employer registers you on Qiwa and Muqeem.
Since the Labour Reform Initiative of 2021, Iqama transfers between employers no longer require the previous sponsor's consent in most cases - the transfer is filed on Qiwa, and the new employer pays the standard transfer fee.
Renewal is annual (or biennial), tied to a paid work permit, valid health insurance, and clear fines. Family Iqamas are renewed alongside the primary worker's Iqama.
Documents required
- Original passport (valid 6+ months)
- Saudi work visa (entry visa stamped on arrival)
- Medical fitness certificate from approved Saudi clinic
- Employment contract registered on Qiwa
- Valid CCHI health insurance policy
- Two recent passport photos (white background)
Eligibility
- You have a valid Saudi work or family entry visa
- Your sponsoring establishment is active and Nitaqat-compliant
- Medical fitness test passed within 90 days of arrival
- No active labour disputes or absconding cases against you
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First-time Iqama issuance | 650 SAR | Per year. Paid by employer through SADAD. |
| Work permit levy (Maktab Amal) | 9,600 SAR | Standard annual rate; employer pays. Confirm current amount on Qiwa. |
| Sponsor transfer fee | 2,000 SAR | First transfer; 4,000 SAR second transfer, 6,000 SAR third. Confirm current tier on Qiwa. |
| Medical exam (Muqeem-approved clinic) | 300-500 SAR | Paid by employee or employer depending on contract. |
| Iqama card replacement (lost/damaged) | 1,000 SAR | First replacement; 3,000 SAR for subsequent ones. |
Step by step
- 1
Arrive on work visa
Enter Saudi Arabia within 90 days of visa issuance. Your employer must report your arrival on Muqeem within 90 days to start the Iqama process.
online
- 2
Medical fitness test
Complete the medical at a Muqeem-approved clinic. Results are uploaded electronically to the Ministry of Health system.
1-2 days · center
- 3
Employer registers contract on Qiwa
The Saudi labour contract must be created and signed digitally on Qiwa before the Iqama is printed.
1-3 days · online
- 4
Iqama issuance via Jawazat
Employer or GRO visits Jawazat (Directorate General of Passports) or processes online through Muqeem to print the Iqama card.
3-7 days · either
- 5
Receive Iqama card
Pick up the physical card from the employer or Jawazat. Your Iqama number activates immediately on Absher for personal use.
Same day after issuance · center
Processing time: First-time issuance: 7-14 days from arrival. Sponsor transfer: 1-5 working days on Qiwa.
Renewal
Iqama is renewed annually or biennially by the employer via Muqeem. Renewal requires paid levy, valid insurance, and clear fines.
Fines & penalties
- Failure to issue Iqama within 90 days of arrival: 500 SAR fine on employer
- Working for an employer other than your sponsor: deportation and ban
- Lost Iqama: 1,000 SAR first replacement; 3,000 SAR subsequent
Common pitfalls
- Missing the 90-day medical window means re-doing the test
- Starting work before contract is on Qiwa - exposes you to labour disputes
- Assuming first sponsor transfer needs employer consent (it does not, since 2021)
- Not updating your Absher mobile number after arrival - you cannot register otherwise
FAQs
Yes, since the 2021 Labour Reform. After your first year, or sooner if your employer hasn't paid wages for 3 months or hasn't issued your Iqama, you can request a transfer on Qiwa without consent.
Typically 7-14 days from arrival, assuming the medical test and Qiwa contract are completed promptly.
Iqama is your residency permit; Muqeem is the Ministry of Interior portal employers use to manage Iqama services.
There is no hard cap, but each subsequent transfer carries a higher fee (2,000 SAR first, 4,000 SAR second, 6,000 SAR third). Confirm the current tier on Qiwa.
No. Family Iqamas are dependent on the primary sponsor's Iqama remaining valid. If your Iqama lapses, theirs do too.
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