How much does a residence permit cost in Saudi Arabia?

The official Saudi Arabia portal does not publish a single figure for this — it depends on the permit duration and the applicant. The table marks the fee as unverified and links the portal rather than quoting a number from a visa agency.

Do these fees include medical tests, insurance and typing?

No. Government fee schedules usually cover the permit, the ID card and the service charge only. Medical fitness tests, health insurance and typing centre charges are separate and vary by emirate, city and provider.

Who pays — the employer or the worker?

Under Saudi Arabia labour law the employer normally bears the cost of the work permit and residence sponsorship for a sponsored worker. Some employers deduct ID or service fees; the law and the employment contract decide, and the official portal named on each row is the authority.

0 verified fees · checked 2026-11-14

Visa, residence and ID fees in Saudi Arabia

What the government charges, taken from the official portal — not from a visa agency. Fees that depend on duration or applicant are explained rather than averaged.

Saudi Arabia — official fees
Item	Fee	Basis	Source
Iqama (residence permit) issue and renewal - fee not published on Absher residence	Not published	Not stated. Absher's service guides list 'payment of resident identity issuance fees' as a condition but do not publish the amount or the duration it covers.	Official ↗
Exit/re-entry visa - fee not published on Absher entry-visa	Not published	Not stated on the Absher service page, which only requires 'payment of visa fees' before the visa is issued.	Official ↗

Excludes medical tests, insurance and typing. Each row links the portal it was read from.

How the process runs

The steps as the official portal describes them.

Employer logs in to Absher Business (or the individual to Absher Individuals for dependants/domestic workers)
Selects 'Issue residence' / 'Renew residence', picks the worker and the renewal period
Pays the iqama fee plus any late fine and traffic violations, with a valid medical test, medical insurance and work permit
Iqama is issued/renewed electronically; the card is delivered via Saudi Post (WASEL), 3-5 working days

Frequently asked questions

How much does a residence permit cost in Saudi Arabia?: The official Saudi Arabia portal does not publish a single figure for this — it depends on the permit duration and the applicant. The table marks the fee as unverified and links the portal rather than quoting a number from a visa agency.
Do these fees include medical tests, insurance and typing?: No. Government fee schedules usually cover the permit, the ID card and the service charge only. Medical fitness tests, health insurance and typing centre charges are separate and vary by emirate, city and provider.
Who pays — the employer or the worker?: Under Saudi Arabia labour law the employer normally bears the cost of the work permit and residence sponsorship for a sponsored worker. Some employers deduct ID or service fees; the law and the employment contract decide, and the official portal named on each row is the authority.

SourceOfficial government portalsUpdated14 Nov 2026Read from the linked portal on the date shown. Fees change by decree — confirm before paying.

How the process runs

Frequently asked questions

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