Last updated: September 2026 – renewal periods, fees and card rules checked against official and news sources.
Every expat in Saudi Arabia needs a valid Iqama (residence permit), and keeping it current is a legal requirement, not a formality. Failure to renew your Iqama will lead to fines, suspension of services, blocked bank accounts, and deportation. Whether you’re the worker, a family sponsor or the employer handling renewals, knowing the process (and the deadlines) keeps you on the right side of the rules.
This is a step-by-step guide that covers three effective ways to renew your Iqama:
- Through the Absher Business portal
- Through the Muqeem portal
- At the Jawazat Office
Method 1: Renew Iqama via Absher Business
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Log in to the Absher Business Portal
The employer would be required to log in to the Absher Business portal through his or her sponsor or HR account.
- Username or ID number.
- Password.
- OTP (One-Time Password) via the registered mobile No.
2. Go to “Services” → Select “Employee Services”
After logging in, they are supposed to move to Services and select the Employee Services..
3. Click “Iqama Services” → “Renew Iqama”
Select Iqama Services by choosing it from the options available, and click Renew Iqama.
4. Select the Employee
A list of employees will be shown. The employer picks your name off the list.
5. Confirm the Duration
Employers don’t have to renew for a full year. They can choose 3, 6, 9 or 12 months and pay the fees in proportion.
6. Pay the Renewal Fee via SADAD
The cost is based on your occupational profession, whether you have dependents, and the insurance coverage. Fund transfer occurs through the use of SADAD via SADAD online banking or ATMs.
7. Print the Renewed Iqama or Collect from Jawazat
After payment and renewal, the information regarding the Iqama is updated in the system.
- You normally won’t get a new card. The plastic ID is valid for five years, and your digital Iqama in Absher shows the new expiry date.
Read Also: 3 Easy Ways to Check Your Oman ID Card (2026 Guide)
Method 2: Renew Iqama via Muqeem Portal
Large-sized companies and organizations that deal with bulk renewals prefer the Muqeem Portal. It is quicker and has the ability of simultaneously.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Visit the Muqeem Portal
Visit the Muqeem Portal from your browser.
2. Select “Iqama Renewal”
On the menu, select Iqama Renewal.
3. Choose the Employee
Enter the Iqama number of the employee and verify his information.
4. Select the Renewal Period
Pick a period of 3, 6, 9 or 12 months, depending on what the company allows.
5. Pay the Fee
Money is paid through SADAD or bank transfer to the Ministry of Interior.
6. Print Confirmation or Request Delivery
After renewing the same print confirmation. There are those firms that demand the Iqama card to be sent to their home/ office.
Method 3: Renew Iqama via Jawazat Office (Manual Method)
In case your employer is unable to access online portals (because of any technical problems, limitations, or difficulties in entering the system), the renewal at the Jawazat office could remain manual.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Collect Required Documents
Be sure to pack:
- A photocopy of your passport (pages with photos and visas).
- Old Iqama.
- Photographs (passport-size, a pair usually).
- Medical insurance.
- Receiving fees through SADAD.
2. Visit the Nearest Jawazat Office
Go in working hours and take one of the queue tokens.
3. Submit the Documents
Deposit your records with the counter staff..
4. Wait for Processing
In case all things are fine, the renewal is enabled on the same day.
5. Receive Your New Iqama Card
Once it’s approved, your digital Iqama updates. If a new card is needed, it’s posted to your National Address.
Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
In my experience, delays are likely to occur as a result of:
- Government fines (not paid, e.g., traffic fines)..
- Lapsed medical insurance.
- Dependent pending fees.
- Trying to renew the Iqama before the opening of the system window (normally 90 days before expiry).
Card vs. residency – don’t mix them up. The plastic Iqama card now stays valid for five years, but your residency still has to be renewed online by your employer. A card showing 2030 doesn’t mean you’re covered until 2030. Always check the real expiry in Absher or Muqeem, and keep the digital Iqama on your phone – police and banks accept it.
Before you start, it helps to know where you stand. You can check your Iqama expiry date online, see what the Iqama renewal fee for one year adds up to, and run an Iqama fine check so an unpaid penalty doesn’t block the renewal. If your company’s Nitaqat rating is in question, our guide to checking Iqama colour status explains what each colour means for you.
FAQ
How much does it cost to renew an Iqama in Saudi Arabia?
Approximately SAR 650 a year, on top of a work permit, medical insurance, and dependent fees in case they have dependents.
Can I renew my Iqama if I am outside KSA?
Yes, if your employer processes it online through Absher Business or Muqeem.
Can I renew my Saudi ID online?
It depends, yes, when your employer clears it online on Absher Business or Muqeem.
How many days are required for Iqama renewal?
Online renewal is usually instant once the fees and medical insurance are in order. Don’t leave it late, though: there’s only a short grace period of about three days after expiry before fines start.
What is the penalty for late renewal of the Iqama?
A fine of SAR 500 on the first instance, SAR 1,000 on the second, and potential deportation through subsequent delays.
Read Also: Check Zain Bill on Iqama in 2026: 3 Easy Methods
Final Words
Renewing your Iqama in Saudi Arabia does not need to be stressful-it can be if you are prepared and follow the right procedures. The takeaway is that finding your way there, whether you use Absher Business, the Muqeem Portal, or the Jawazat Office, the important thing is to have all your documents in place, to settle any unpaid outstanding fees, and renew medical insurance in due time.
This will still provide you time to correct whatever problem and prevent a late penalty or time-out of services.
