Obtaining an Iqama in Saudi Arabia. Service offer

The Iqama must be obtained within 90 days of entry into Saudi Arabia. An application for Iqama is submitted by the employer in the name of his employee. The employer must cover all costs associated with the Iqama.

The Iqama can be issued for different periods from 3 to 12 months.

• the employee must be at least 21 years old;
• the employee must hold a valid passport;
• the employee must have a clean criminal record;
• the employee must be financially stable;
• the employee must be healthy, as evidenced by a health certificate from a licensed physician.

1. Valid passport;
2. Two personal photos;
3. Letter from the employer/visa sponsor certified by the Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
4. Signed employment contract;
5. Certificates of academic and professional qualification;
6. Clean criminal record certificate;
7. Medical report by a licensed physician.

The government fees charged for the Iqama depend on the number of Saudi staff in the employing company.

1. If more than 50% of the employing company’s staff are Saudis, the total cost is SAR 7 200 (~USD 2 000).
2. If more than 50% of the employing company’s staff are foreigners, the cost is higher – SAR 8 400 (~USD 2 250).

As part of the Premium Residency program, the Iqama requires an individual to meet certain financial conditions:

• Limited Duration Premium Residency is available for a minimum investment of SAR 100 000 (~USD 27 000).
• Unlimited Duration Premium Residency is available for a minimum investment of SAR 800 000 (~USD 213 000).

In order to get an Iqama, the employee is also required to purchase a work permit – Maktab Amal. A Maktab Amal is required not only when first obtaining the Iqama, but also when renewing it. The payment status of the Maktab Amal government fee can be checked on the Wazarat Amal (MOLKSA) website. The employee’s Maktab Amal is paid for by the employer through an account with the Ministry of Labour of the KSA.

The Iqama must be renewed 3 days before its expiration date. First-time delay in renewal results in a fine for the employer equal to the renewal cost. The fine is doubled in the case of a second delay. If there is a third and further delay, the employee will be deported from the KSA.

1. Commercial Registration copy or number;
2. Copy of Iqama and a copy of passport;
3. Confirmation of having an electronic health insurance;
4. Completed Iqama Renewal Form approved by the General Department of Passports, Immigration and Nationality*;
5. Confirmation of payment of the work permit (Maktab Amal) fee.

*The General Department of Passports, Immigration and Nationality is a department of the Ministry of Interior that serves citizens and foreigners in the KSA.

If a company is engaged in a licensed activity and there are residency requirements for its employees, the Iqama can be issued to the General Manager. If the Iqama that needs to be obtained or renewed is intended for the General Manager of the company, additional documents must be prepared:

• Employment record book;
• Commercial Registration containing the name of the General Manager*.

*Commercial Registration is a kind of company identification card issued by the Saudi Ministry of Commerce and containing basic information about the company.

Saudi Arabia has penalties for late renewal or non-renewal of Iqama:

• SAR 500 (~USD 135) for a first violation;
• SAR 1 000 (~USD 270) for a second one.

The fee is paid by the employer every month based on the employee’s monthly salary and housing allowance capped at SAR 45 000 (~USD 12 000). These contributions are charged at a rate of 2% for non-Saudi employees and are payable by the employer. For Saudi employees, the rate is 21.5% split between the employee (9.75% = 9% social insurance + 0.75% unemployment insurance) and the employer (11.75% = 9% social insurance + 2% occupational hazard + 0.75% unemployment insurance).

The employer’s insurance contribution for 1 year is SAR 600 (~USD 200).

The minimum salary is SAR 4 000 (~USD 1 000).

Thus, the employer pays:

• fees associated with the hire of non-Saudi employees;
• fees for an Iqama and a work permit (Maktab Amal);
• fees for Iqama renewal and late payment penalties;
• fees associated with a change of job, exit and entry visas, and return tickets to the employee’s home country.

All costs associated with the purchase of Iqama and other associated costs (work permit fee, contributions, etc.) can be paid through the ABSHER system. ABSHER is the electronic platform of the Saudi Ministry of Interior. It aims to provide services of the Ministry of Interior digitally.

*GOSI stands for The General Organization for Social Insurance in Saudi Arabia.

*The cost of services is effective as of the July 2024.