For expatriates living in Saudi Arabia, the Iqama (Residency Permit) is the most vital document for legal stay. According to the latest 2025 regulations, the renewal process has become more flexible and digital. In this article, we will provide a complete guide on the Iqama Renewal Process, the 1-year fee structure, and how to renew it online.
Iqama Renewal Fees for 1 Year (2026 Update)
The cost of renewing an Iqama depends on your profession and the size of your company. Here is the current breakdown for a 12-month period:
Below you can find out the fees required to renewal Iqama for 1 year for family members:
| Category | Fees for one year |
| Wife of a Saudi citizen | 500 SAR |
| Wife of a resident | 500 SAR |
| Son of a resident aged 18 years and above | 500 SAR |
| Daughter of a resident aged 18 years and above | 500 SAR |
| Foreign wives of disabled citizens | Free |
| Son of a resident aged less than 18 years | Free |
| Daughter of a resident aged less than 18 years | Free |
How much Iqama Renewal Fees for 1 year for Expatriate Employee
Below you can find out the fees required to renewal Iqama for 1 year for expatriate employee:
| Category | Fees for one year |
| Work permit renewal | 8500 Saudi Riyals |
| Residence renewal | 650 Saudi Riyals |
How much Iqama Renewal Fees for 1 year for Expatriate Employee
Below you can find out the fees required to renewal Iqama for 1 year for expatriate employee:
| Category | Fees for one year |
| Work permit renewal | 8500 Saudi Riyals |
| Residence renewal | 650 Saudi Riyals |
- Government (Jawazat) Fee: SAR 650 per year.
- Work Permit Fee (Maktab Amal): For private-sector employees, this is SAR 800 per month, totaling SAR 9,600 per year.
- Domestic Workers: Household workers (Drivers, Housemaids) are exempt from the Work Permit Fee and only pay the SAR 650 government fee.
- Health Insurance: A valid medical insurance policy is mandatory. Costs range from SAR 500 to SAR 1,500 depending on age and coverage.
Quarterly Iqama Renewal (New Flexibility)
The Saudi government now allows you to pay fees and renew your Iqama in installments. You no longer need to pay for a full year at once. You can renew for:
- 3 Months: SAR 163 (Gov) + SAR 2,400 (Work Permit)
- 6 Months: SAR 325 (Gov) + SAR 4,800 (Work Permit)
Step-by-Step Iqama Renewal Process 2026
Follow these steps to ensure a smooth renewal:
Step 1: Pay the Fees (SADAD Payment)
Login to your bank app (like Al Rajhi or SNB). Go to ‘SADAD’ > ‘Government Payments’ > ‘Alien Control’ > ‘Renew Iqama’. Enter your Iqama ID and select the duration (3, 6, 9, or 12 months).
Step 2: Ensure Health Insurance is Active
The system will not allow renewal unless you have valid medical insurance linked to your Iqama. Most employers handle this, but you can check your status on the CHI website.
Step 3: Biometric Verification
As of 2026, ensure your fingerprints and biometrics are updated in the system. This is usually done at the time of arrival but may require updates for dependents.
Step 4: Renewal via Absher or Muqeem
- For Individuals: Your sponsor (Kafeel) logs into their Absher account to finalize the renewal.
- For Companies: The HR department uses the Muqeem portal to process the renewal.
Important Conditions for Renewal
- Your Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
- The applicant must be physically present inside Saudi Arabia (though some exceptions exist for dependents).
- All Traffic Violations and fines must be paid before the renewal can proceed.
E-Passport Renewal Process Method 2026 – Click Here
To check your Iqama expiry date on an official Saudi government website
This is the most secure and detailed method.
- Visit the website: Go to
- Log in: Choose “Individuals” and log in with your username/Iqama number and password.
- OTP: Enter the verification code sent to your registered mobile number.
- Check Expiry: * Navigate to Electronic Services → Inquiries → Iqama Expiry Service.
Alternatively, go to your Dashboard and select “More Details” under your profile to see your digital Iqama and its expiry date.
Method 2: Via MHRSD / Ministry of Labor (No Login Required)
This is the easiest way if you don’t have an Absher account or if you are checking for a new worker using a border number.
- Visit the portal: Go to the MHRSD (formerly MOL) Inquiry Page.
- Language: Click on “English” (usually found at the top of the page).
- Enter Details: * Input your Iqama Number (or Border Number if you just arrived).
Enter your Date of Birth (select “Gregorian” for the English calendar).
- Captcha: Enter the 6-digit image code and click Next.
- Results: The next page will show your personal details, including the Iqama Expiry Date and your Nitaqat (Red/Green) status.
Pay Iqama Renewal Fees for 1 year via Al Rajhi App
You can follow the simple steps below to pay Iqama renewal fees for 1 year through Al Rajhi application:
- Download Al Rajhi application from the following links:
How to Pay Iqama Renewal Fees in Saudi Arabia via AlAhli Online
You can follow the simple steps below to pay Iqama renewal fees through AlAhli online:
- Go to AlAhli Online login page “from here“.
- Input username.
- Input password.
- Click on “Login“.
- Receive a text message containing the verification code.
- Input verification code
- Click on “Pay Bills“.
- Click on “Government Payments and Refunds” from the drop-down menu.
- Click on “Manage Foreigners” from the biller list.
- Click on “Renew Residence” from the service list.
- Click on “Not Registered“.
- Input Iqama number.
- Specify the residence period.
- Click on “Request Process Fees“.
- Click on “Continue“.
- Click on “Confirm“.
Conclusion
Staying updated with the Iqama Renewal Process is essential to avoid legal trouble. Remember, there is a 3-day grace period after expiry. Failing to renew after that results in a SAR 500 fine for the first time and SAR 1,000 for the second.
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