From Fees to Insurance: Iqama Renewal in Saudi Arabia Just Got Easier

Iqama Renewal in Saudi Arabia is a critical process for all expatriates living and working in the Kingdom. The residency permit, known as the Iqama, serves as the legal identity for foreign nationals and grants access to essential services such as healthcare, banking, and education. In recent years, the Saudi government has introduced new regulations to streamline the renewal process and offer greater flexibility for both individuals and families.

This guide covers everything from the new rules, dependent renewals, and renewal costs, to the mandatory medical insurance requirement helping expatriates navigate the system with confidence

Iqama Renewal New Rules

New rules for iqama renewal system in Saudi Arabia have recently been introduced, making the process notably easier:

1. Ability to Renew Iqama in Advance: Residents can now renew their Iqama up to six months before its expiration date, giving them ample time to plan ahead and avoid any lapse in residency status.
2. Renewal from Outside the Kingdom: It is now possible for expatriates to renew their Iqama while being outside Saudi Arabia. This is especially beneficial for those who need to travel or study abroad, ensuring continuity of their residency without the need for immediate return.

Saudi Iqama Renewal Dependents​

Renewing the Iqama for dependents in Saudi Arabia is a crucial step for expatriate families to maintain legal residency in the Kingdom. Dependents typically include a spouse, children, and sometimes parents or domestic workers under the sponsorship of the primary resident. The process must be completed before the Iqama expires to avoid fines or legal issues.

As of recent regulations, dependents’ Iqamas can now be renewed even while they are outside Saudi Arabia, provided that the primary sponsor remains inside the Kingdom. This flexibility is especially helpful for families whose children are studying abroad or traveling for extended periods.

Renewal can be done easily through the absher business iqama renewal fees​, and payment of the applicable fees is required. The renewal fee for each dependent usually ranges from SAR 500 to SAR 650 per year, depending on age and other factors. Additionally, once a dependent child turns 25 years old, they are no longer eligible to remain on their parent’s sponsorship and must transfer to their own sponsor or employer.

Staying updated with Iqama regulations ensures compliance with Saudi laws and helps families avoid unnecessary delays or penalties.

Learn More: Master the Iqama in Saudi Arabia Process Step by Step

Iqama Renewal Cost

Understanding iqama renewal fees in Saudi Arabia is essential for all expatriates and employers. The iqama renewal charges in Saudi Arabia​ vary depending on the duration of renewal and whether the process is completed through platforms like Absher Business or the standard Absher portal.

For flexibility, the Saudi government allows residents to renew their Iqama for shorter periods. The Iqama renewal fees for 3 months are approximately SAR 163, while Iqama renewal fees for 6 months and 9 months are SAR 325 and SAR 488 respectively. For those opting for a full-year renewal, the iqama renewal fees for 1 year​ stand at SAR 650.

When using Absher Business for corporate or sponsored workers, the system allows bulk Iqama renewals with similar fee structures, but employers may also be subject to additional charges such as the expatriate levy and insurance obligations.

These Saudi Iqama renewal fees must be paid before the Iqama expiry date to avoid penalties, which may include fines of SAR 500 for the first delay and SAR 1,000 for repeated delays.

Medical Insurance for Iqama Renewal​

Medical insurance is a mandatory requirement for Iqama renewal in Saudi Arabia. Without valid health insurance coverage, expatriates will not be able to renew their residency permits through platforms like Absher. The insurance policy must be issued by a provider approved by the Council of Health Insurance (CHI) and must remain active during the entire residency period.

The insurance plan must cover essential medical services, including outpatient and inpatient treatment, emergency care, maternity services, and prescribed medications. Employers are typically responsible for providing insurance for their employees, while dependents’ coverage must be arranged separately by the sponsor.

Before initiating the Iqama renewal process, the medical insurance details must be electronically linked to the individual’s Iqama number in the government systems. It’s recommended to verify the insurance status through the CHI website or Absher before renewal to avoid rejection or delays.

Check Out: Understanding the New Kafala System in Saudi Arabia

Conclusion

Staying informed about the latest Iqama renewal rules in Saudi Arabia is essential for all expatriates and their dependents.

To ensure full compliance and peace of mind, it is highly recommended to consult with qualified professionals. For reliable legal support and up-to-date residency guidance, Etqan Law Firm stands ready to assist expatriates and employers in navigating the Iqama renewal process with confidence and clarity.

The Etqan Al Mutamayza Law Firm is ready to provide the essential support you need. You can reach their team at the following mobile numbers: +96656113776, +966541110440, +966504315333.

Additionally, feel free to visit our branches located at:

• Jeddah: Al-Aziziyah District, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street (Tahlia)
• Riyadh: King Abdulaziz Street, across from the Kingdom Tower
• Dammam: Al-Ashri’a Street, Al-Badeea, Dammam 32415.

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