Saudi iqama requirements 2026: fees, types & 5 steps

Key takeaways

Complete medical exams and biometrics within 90 days of entry to avoid SAR 500 monthly overstay fines.
Choose between 1-year, 2-year, or the new 5-year physical Iqama based on salary and contract terms.
Pay standard fees including SAR 650 for issuance and SAR 300-500 for medical screenings via Absher or SADAD.
Manage family dependents, renewals, and official government records directly through the Absher platform.

Saudi iqama requirements 2026 include three card types (1‑year, 2‑year and 5‑year), a SAR 650 issuance fee, medical exam (SAR 300‑500), biometrics (SAR 100) and Absher activation within 90 days of entry. Dependents receive family Iqamas at SAR 500 each, holders enjoy visa‑free access to 28 countries and can register up to two SIM cards under CITC rules.

Saudi iqama requirements 2026: Overview

The Iqama is the mandatory residency permit for expatriates who work, live or bring family members into Saudi Arabia. Issued by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) under the Ministry of Interior (MOI), the Iqama is tied to an individual’s employment contract. In 2026 the MOI introduced a physical 5‑year Iqama aimed at retaining skilled talent, while maintaining the existing 1‑year and 2‑year options for short‑term or standard contracts.

All Iqama holders must complete three pre‑issuance steps: a government‑approved medical examination, biometric registration (fingerprints and photo) at a Jawazat office, and activation of an Absher account. Failure to secure the Iqama within 90 days of entry results in a monthly overstay fine of SAR 500.

Types of Saudi Iqama available in 2026

1‑year temporary Iqama – issued for contracts shorter than 12 months, often used for project‑based work or probation periods.
2‑year standard Iqama – the most common option for regular employment contracts, renewable annually.
5‑year physical Iqama – launched in Q1 2026 for skilled workers whose monthly basic salary plus allowances equals or exceeds SAR 15,000. The card is a durable plastic card with a chip, valid for five years without annual renewal fees.

Both the physical card and the electronic version stored in Absher are equally valid for travel, government services and employment verification.

How to obtain a Saudi Iqama: step‑by‑step process

Enter Saudi Arabia on a valid work visa – your employer’s PRO will arrange the visa and you will receive an entry stamp at the port of entry.
Complete a government‑approved medical exam – visit a clinic authorized by the Saudi Ministry of Health. The test includes blood work, chest X‑ray and HIV screening. Cost: SAR 300‑500; result valid for three months.
Visit a Jawazat office for biometric registration – submit your passport, medical report and visa copy. Fingerprints and a facial photo are taken. Fee: SAR 100.
Activate an Absher account – download the Absher app or visit absher.sa, register with your mobile number, and link the account to your Iqama application using the reference number provided by Jawazat.
Submit the Iqama application – either through Absher (select "Issue Iqama") or via your employer’s PRO. Pay the issuance fee of SAR 650.
Collect the physical Iqama card – after processing (usually 3‑5 working days), you will receive an SMS notification to pick up the card at the Jawazat office or have it delivered to your employer.

Keep the original medical report and biometric slip; they may be requested during renewal or when sponsoring dependents.

Costs and fees for Iqama issuance and renewal

Fee type	Amount (SAR)	Notes
Iqama issuance fee (all types)	650	One‑time payment upon first issue
Renewal – 1‑year Iqama	650 per year	Paid annually before expiry
Renewal – 2‑year Iqama	650 per year	Same annual rate; total SAR 1,300 for two years
5‑year Iqama (physical)	3,000 one‑time	Equivalent to ~SAR 600 per year; no annual renewal needed
Medical exam	300‑500	Valid 3 months; must be repeated for renewal if expired
Biometric registration	100	One‑time per issuance
Family Iqama issuance (per dependent)	500	Spouse or child
Family Iqama annual renewal (per dependent)	500	Maximum four dependents per sponsor

All fees are payable via the Absher app, SADAD, or through your employer’s PRO. Keep receipts for future reference.

Who qualifies for the new 5‑year Iqama and what are its benefits?

The 5‑year Iqama targets skilled expatriates who meet the following criteria:

Minimum monthly salary: SAR 15,000 (basic salary plus allowances).
Skilled occupation: The job must be classified as skilled by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). Typical sectors include engineering, IT, healthcare, finance and senior management.
Employer quota approval: The sponsor must obtain a quota from the Ministry of Interior confirming that the company is eligible to sponsor 5‑year Iqamas.

Benefits of holding a 5‑year Iqama:

Lower effective annual cost (SAR 3,000 over five years ≈ SAR 600/year vs. SAR 650 yearly renewal).
Reduced administrative burden – no annual renewal visits to Jawazat.
Longer travel validity – the physical card can be used for GCC travel and international trips without needing a renewal stamp each year.
Enhanced credibility with banks and government entities, facilitating loan applications and property rentals.

According to MOI statistics released in September 2026, over 1.2 million expatriates received the 5‑year Iqama in the first nine months of 2026, reflecting strong demand from both employers and workers.

Detailed breakdown of Saudi iqama requirements and administrative compliance

Navigating the legal and administrative ecosystem in Saudi Arabia requires strict adherence to Ministry of Interior timelines. When you arrive on your work visa, your employer assumes legal responsibility for initiating your residency status. However, keeping track of your own documentation prevents unexpected delays. The primary portal for managing your status is the Absher platform, which coordinates with Jawazat to update your professional classification, address, and dependent sponsorships.

Employers often manage the initial filing through corporate portals like Qiwa and Muqeem. Make sure to double-check that your profession listed on your employment contract matches the category submitted to the MHRSD. Discrepancies between your actual job duties and official classification can cause rejections during the Iqama issuance phase or complicate future transfers under Saudi labor law. Keeping your health insurance active through a cooperative health insurance council approved provider is a legal prerequisite for maintaining valid residency.

Common challenges and troubleshooting during the Iqama process

Delays in processing often stem from incomplete medical reports or unverified biometric records. If your medical test flags an infectious disease, the Ministry of Health mandates immediate quarantine or deportation protocols, halting the Iqama issuance entirely. Ensure you complete your medical screening at an approved facility listed on the official Saudi Ministry of Health portal.

Another frequent hurdle is biometric appointment scheduling at Jawazat centers. Booking early through Absher prevents overstay penalties, given the strict 90-day window from your date of arrival. If your employer delays the submission beyond this timeframe, ensure you document all communications, as fines resulting from corporate negligence can sometimes be contested through labor courts.

Frequently Asked Questions about Saudi iqama requirements

What happens if my Iqama is not issued within 90 days of entering Saudi Arabia?

A late fine of SAR 500 per month is applied if the Iqama is not processed within 90 days of your entry date. Responsibility typically falls on the employer's PRO, but workers should monitor the status via Absher.

Can I travel outside Saudi Arabia while my first Iqama is being processed?

No, you cannot exit the Kingdom using a final exit or exit-re-entry visa until your physical or digital Iqama is fully issued and linked to your Absher account.

How do I check my Iqama validity online?

You can check your Iqama status and expiration date instantly by logging into your Absher account under the 'My Services' tab or via the official Ministry of Interior portal.

Are dependents required to undergo medical examinations for family Iqamas?

Yes, dependents aged 12 and above must complete a medical examination at an authorized health center before family Iqama issuance or renewal.

Frequently asked questions