Iqama Services

Iqama Renewal in Saudi Arabia (2026)

The Iqama is a foreign worker's primary legal identity in Saudi Arabia. It is required to access banking, healthcare, schooling, government services and exit/re-entry permits. Renewal is the single most operationally sensitive recurring task in workforce administration.

What is iqama renewal in Saudi Arabia? Iqama renewal is the annual extension of a foreign worker's residency permit in Saudi Arabia. It must be completed before expiry to avoid SAR 500 first-month penalties (and progressive fines after).

Iqama Renewal — operational guide

Iqama renewal is the annual extension of a foreign worker's residency permit in Saudi Arabia. It must be completed before expiry to avoid SAR 500 first-month penalties (and progressive fines after).

The Iqama is a foreign worker's primary legal identity in Saudi Arabia. It is required to access banking, healthcare, schooling, government services and exit/re-entry permits. Renewal is the single most operationally sensitive recurring task in workforce administration.

Tamra runs iqama renewal as a managed service for foreign employers — including the GOSI, Saudization, Absher and Muqeem touch-points that block most non-specialist providers.

Key facts

ServiceIqama Renewal
CostSAR 650 – SAR 9,700 per year, depending on dependents, levy and Saudization band of the employer. The employer pays MOL fees; the levy is per dependent.
Timeline1–3 working days once GOSI, MOL and Muqeem balances are settled.
Primary portalMuqeem / Absher / Qiwa
Sponsoring authorityMOI + MHRSD

Process — step by step

1–3 working days once GOSI, MOL and Muqeem balances are settled.

  1. Pre-renewal compliance check. Verify GOSI is paid, no MOL violations are outstanding, employer is in a Nitaqat-eligible band, and the employee's passport has 6+ months validity.
  2. MOL fee payment. Employer pays the annual MOL work permit fee via SADAD (typically SAR 9,600 + SAR 100 admin).
  3. Levy payment. Pay the dependent levy (currently SAR 400 per dependent per month) via Absher.
  4. Muqeem submission. Submit the renewal request via Muqeem. System auto-validates against MOL, GOSI and Absher in real time.
  5. Iqama card update. Updated Iqama card is issued digitally on Tawakkalna; physical card collection (if required) takes 5–10 days.

Documents required

  • Valid Iqama (current)
  • Passport with minimum 6 months validity
  • Updated employee health insurance (mandatory before MOL accepts renewal)
  • Employer's Saudization compliance certificate (auto-fetched by Muqeem)

Common mistakes

  • Letting the Iqama expire — SAR 500 penalty in the first month, progressive fines after, blocked exit
  • Not updating health insurance before the renewal — Muqeem will reject
  • Renewing while in Red or Low-Green Nitaqat band — system blocks the request
  • GOSI arrears — even SAR 1 outstanding will block renewal

Frequently asked questions

When should Iqama renewal be initiated?

Tamra recommends 60 days before expiry to absorb any compliance hiccups. Renewal can technically be done up to expiry day with no penalty.

What is the penalty for expired Iqama?

SAR 500 in the first month, SAR 1,000 in the second month, and SAR 1,000 + deportation risk after that. The employee cannot leave the country with an expired Iqama.

Does Tamra handle Iqama renewal end-to-end?

Yes. As an EOR, Tamra manages renewals, levy and MOL payments, dependent Iqamas, and resolves any GOSI/Saudization blocks before they affect renewal.

Does Tamra handle this end-to-end?

Yes. Tamra manages this as part of the standard Iqama administration package — including all government portal interactions, fee payments and compliance reporting.

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