Saudi Arabia Iqama: Complete Guide to Types, Renewal & Fees
Learn everything you need to know about the Saudi Iqama—its types, validity, and requirements.
What is Iqama in Saudi Arabia?
An Iqama is essential for living and working in Saudi Arabia. It is required for employment and enables access to key services such as banking, licensing, and mobile connections. For foreign companies in the process of setting up a business in Saudi Arabia, a general manager must obtain an Iqama to open a corporate bank account and meet compliance requirements.
Saudi Iqama Requirements for Foreign Employees
To obtain an Iqama in Saudi Arabia, both the expatriate and the sponsoring employer must fulfill certain conditions. While the exact requirements may differ based on the type of Iqama, the process generally includes:
Valid Employment Contract
A proof of a legitimate job offer or work arrangement.
Medical Certificate
A clean bill of health verified through approved medical tests.
Health Insurance
The mandatory coverage under the Kingdom’s regulations.
Work Permit
An active permit issued through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Navigating the Iqama Process for Foreign Employees in Saudi Arabia
Application Process
- Foreign workers with a valid job contract can apply for temporary residency alongside their work visa.
- The sponsoring employer handles most procedures, beginning with a Block Visa issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development.
Residency Duration
- Residency permits are typically valid for one year and can be extended up to two years if the employment contract allows.
Application Timeline
- Employees have 90 days after arrival in Saudi Arabia to apply for both their work permit and Iqama.
Re-entry & Exit
- For temporary travel, employees must obtain an exit and re-entry visa.
- To leave permanently, the residence permit must be surrendered to the passport authority with a final exit request form.
Replacement
- Lost or damaged Iqamas can be reissued as replacements, stamped accordingly, and remain valid for the original permit’s remaining duration.
Types of Saudi Iqama
Saudi offers diverse types of iqama according to the needs of applicants and the purpose of their stay.
Dependents
For spouses and children of Iqama holders.
Government Employees
Issued to foreign nationals employed by a Saudi government entity or diplomatic mission.
Special Privilege (Premium Residency)
Saudi Arabia's equivalent of a Green Card offers a permanent residency for investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals — no employer sponsor required.
Business
For foreign nationals setting up or managing a company in Saudi Arabia. Required for general managers of newly registered entities.
Domestic Worker
For household employees including drivers, housekeepers, and caregivers.
Labor Class
For manual workers in sectors like construction, maintenance, or manufacturing.
Professional Class
For expatriates holding a university degree working in a skilled or white-collar role. The most common category for corporate hires.
Iqama Renewal Fees
3 months
SAR 163
6 months
SAR 325
9 months
SAR 488
12 months
SAR 650
AstroLabs Advantage
| Offering | AstroLabs | Corporate Services Companies offering PRO & GRO | Law Firms | In-House |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40+ on-ground local team of experts |  |  | | |
| Government portal management and compliance support | | | | |
| Full management of your company licenses and certificates | | | | |
| Management of registered employees across the employee journey, from hiring to ongoing management | | | | |
| Full suite of support: PRO, GRO, HRs support and access to a pool of Saudi talent | | | | |
| National Address Registration with varied coworking and private office locations | | | | |
| Seamlessly manage GRO services online using a digital platform | | | | |
| Corporate bank account opening | | | | |
| Access to a community of 700+ high-growth businesses in Saudi Arabia | | | | |
| Extended media and exposure support through press releases, social media coverage and articles | | | | |
| Opportunity-matchmaking with potential partners in governmental entities and corporates | | | | |
| Access to global and regional events such as BIBAN, LEAP, Seamless, etc | | | | |