Saudi Iqama Fees 2026: Renewal Cost, Work Permit Levy and Dependent Fee Explained
For the two million-plus Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia, the iqama (residence permit) is the document everything else hangs on — bank account, SIM, exit re-entry, family visas. Renewal costs are a constant source of confusion and, too often, of illegal salary deductions. Here are the real 2026 numbers.
The three parts of the cost
An iqama renewal is really three fees. The iqama fee itself is SAR 650 per year for company workers (SAR 600 for domestic workers such as drivers and housekeepers). On top sits the work permit levy (maktab amal) — about SAR 8,400 per year for firms with balanced Saudization (Tier 1) and SAR 9,600 for others. If your family lives with you, add the dependent fee of SAR 400 per month per dependent — SAR 4,800 a year for each spouse, child or parent on your sponsorship.
Who is legally supposed to pay
Under Article 40 of the Saudi Labour Law, the employer — not the worker — must pay the iqama fee, the work permit levy and related government charges. Deducting these from your salary violates the law, and complaints can be filed through the Ministry of Human Resources channels. The dependent fee, however, is in practice borne by the worker.
Renew in blocks, not just a full year
Since renewal became flexible, iqamas can be renewed in 3, 6, 9 or 12-month blocks, with fees scaled to the period. That helps workers on short contracts or awaiting final-exit decisions. Renewal is done by the employer through the Muqeem/Absher platforms; you can check your iqama expiry and funding status yourself in the Absher app.
Budgeting example
A worker at a Tier 2 company with a wife and one child costs roughly SAR 650 + SAR 9,600 in employer-paid fees, plus SAR 9,600 per year in dependent levies for the family — worth knowing before you accept a family-status offer. Negotiate clearly who covers dependent fees; some employers do as part of the package.
Related reading
Heading to KSA for the first time? Follow the full chain in our guides: Saudi work visa process, the GAMCA/Wafid medical and BEOE protector registration. Bringing family later? See the Saudi family visit visa. Overseas Pakistanis can reach us anytime — see services for overseas Pakistanis.
Hijrat advises Pakistani workers and families in KSA on iqama, dependent fees, family visit visas and document attestation — honestly and in plain language. Start your application or message us on WhatsApp.
Disclaimer: Saudi government fees, Saudization tiers and levy amounts change by royal decree and ministry decision; figures above reflect published 2026 rates and may change without notice. All decisions rest with the Saudi authorities. Confirm current fees in Absher/Muqeem or with your employer’s HR before budgeting.