Would you like to renew your Iqama in 2026, and the question is to know the precise fees? To escape a fine payment and to ensure that the procedure is simplified, any expatriate in Saudi Arabia needs to know the price of the renewal of the Iqama. You might be renewing on behalf of yourself, your relatives, or the domestic workers, and it is because you will know the charges ahead, and this will help you to budget and complete the task.
In this complete guide, I will break down Iqama renewal charges into 1 year with short term renewal term in this entire guide, work permit, dependent charges, and domestic worker charges.
What is an Iqama?
The expatriate who resides and works in Saudi Arabia is provided with the residence permit, which is known as an iqama. It is a legal document that indicates that you have worked in the country and is also a condition for all foreign workers, without regard of the profession or nature of sponsorship. The iqama is a document that carries fundamental details such as your name, nationality, the name of your employer, and the date of expiry.
A valid Iqama is necessary because it allows the expatriates to work professionally, open bank accounts, receive government services, and sponsor relatives.
Standard Iqama Renewal Fee (Residence Permit)
The average iqama renewal fee for one year for most expatriate employees is SAR 650. When you want to renew on a short-term basis, the breakdown will be as follows:
| Renewal Period | Fee (SAR) |
|---|---|
| 3 months | 163 |
| 6 months | 325 |
| 9 months | 488 |
| 12 months | 650 |
This is a compulsory charge for all expatriates and is needed to get legal residency in Saudi Arabia.
Work Permit Fee (Maktab Amal)
The work permit fee does not go hand in hand with the iqama renewal, but is usually the prerogative of the employer. Your employment needs your authorization.
| Renewal Period | Fee (SAR) |
|---|---|
| 3 months | 2,400 |
| 6 months | 4,800 |
| 9 months | 7,200 |
| 12 months | 9,600 |
- Monthly Work Permit Fee: SAR 800
- Annual Work Permit Fee: SAR 9,600
Dependent Fee (Family Members)
In the event that you are sponsoring some of your family members, like your spouse or children, you pay extra charges per dependent.
| Renewal Period | Fee per Dependent (SAR) |
|---|---|
| 3 months | 1,200 |
| 6 months | 2,400 |
| 9 months | 3,600 |
| 12 months | 4,800 |
- Monthly Fee per Dependent: SAR 400
- Annual Fee per Dependent: SAR 4,800
Domestic Worker Iqama Renewal Fee
In the case of domestic workers who include housemaids, drivers, or caregivers, the annual renewal fee of the iqama is:
- SAR 600 per year
The employer normally does the renewals of domestic workers. Make sure all fees are paid before the expiry to maintain legal status.
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How to Renew Your Iqama for 1 Year
To renew your iqama, it is easier to follow the following steps:
Step 1 – Log in to the Absher Portal
Go to the Absher website and log in with your account.
Step 2 – Check Expiry Date
Confirm your expiring date on your iqama to know whether you require a short-term renewal or a full-year renewal.
Step 3 – Select Renewal Type and Pay Fees
Select renewal period (3, 6, 9 and 12 months) and pay iqama renewal fees and dependent fees where necessary.
Step 4 – Confirm Payment and Print Updated Iqama
The updated iqama is ready, and you can print or save it with your records upon successful payment.
Penalties for Late Iqama Renewal
It is punishable by fines to renew your iqama after the date expires:
- SAR 500 for the first month
- SAR 1,000 for the second month
- SAR 1,500 for three months and beyond
You will not have to pay the fines because you will plan to renew 2-3 weeks before the expiry date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What will be the cost of renewing an Iqama with a 1-year duration in the year 2026?
SAR 650 in case of standard 1-year renewal fee.
Could I pay the Iqama renewal fee in installments?
It has short-term options of 3 or 6 months and 9 months. Full-year payment is normally encouraged.
What will be the case when I miss the Iqama renewal date?
Late arrivals may result in punishment, legal problems, and travel bans or work.
Are dependent fees mandatory?
Yes, any additional fee (SAR 400 per month per dependent) is charged to family members sponsored.
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Final Words
It is easy, and it is not a stressful experience to renew your Iqama so that you can have 1 year left in 2026, provided you are aware of the fee required by you, you do not miss the deadline, and you take the right steps.
This is a brief overview of Iqama renewal fees in 2026:
- Standard Iqama: SAR 650 per year
- Work Permit (Maktab Amal): SAR 9 600 per year, which is normally paid by the employer.
- Dependent Fee: SAR 4,800 per year per dependent
- Domestic Worker Iqama: SAR 600 per year
Being aware and getting your Iqama renewed right in time is one of the surest ways of making sure that your Iqama, your work, and the residency of your family members are not going to be a hassle in Saudi Arabia.
