Renewing your Iqama in 2025 is mostly digital, but a few important rules changed this year. Below is a practical, step-by-step guide (with fees, checks and FAQs) to help Indian expats complete renewals smoothly as of October 2025.
Renewals are performed online through Absher / Absher Business for individuals and employers, or via Muqeem / HRSD business portals for companies. Absher+1
Mandatory biometric updates (fingerprints + facial scan) are enforced for many renewals; you may be required to visit a Jawazat center or an authorized kiosk after approval. Middle East Briefing+1
Passport validity: passport should be valid (many platforms require at least 6 months). Absher
Traffic fines: all recorded traffic fines must be cleared before renewal. Absher
Health insurance: CCHI/insurance records must be active and linked for the full renewal period. Middle East Briefing
GOSI / company records: the employee must be properly registered in the company’s HR records (Muqeem/GOSI), otherwise renewal will be blocked. HRSD Ministry+1
Employer initiates online (Muqeem / Absher Business): company HR logs into Muqeem or Absher Business → search employee by Iqama → choose renewal service. For individuals sponsoring family, use Absher (Family Members → Resident ID Services → Renew). HRSD Ministry+1
Select renewal period & confirm details: employers can select 3, 6, 9 or 12-month renewal periods (flexible options introduced recently). Verify passport number, job classification and insurance status. Duvolks+1
Pay fees (SADAD / bank / Absher payment): fees are paid electronically (SADAD through banks or via the Absher/Muqeem payment links). Keep transaction receipts. Absher+1
Biometric appointment (if required): after payment/approval, the employee may need to visit a Jawazat office or Absher kiosk for fingerprint/face scan. This step is increasingly mandatory. Middle East Briefing+1
Iqama printing & delivery: once processed, the physical Iqama is printed and either collected or delivered via Absher delivery request (small courier fee may apply). The digital Iqama will also appear in Absher. Absher+1
Dependent levy: SAR 400 / month per dependent (SAR 4,800/year). Middle East Briefing+1
Iqama issuance/renewal administrative fee: commonly around SAR 650 (varies by category/platform). Duvolks+1
Work-permit (Maktab Amal / employer levy): commonly in the SAR 700–800 / month range per foreign worker (employer cost). Middle East Briefing
Other: mandatory health insurance premiums (variable), small courier/delivery charges for physical card.
Always ask HR/your sponsor for an itemized payment receipt (SADAD reference).
Ask HR to start renewal 7–10 days before expiry to allow for any biometric appointment or documentation issues. Absher+1
Keep passport copy, previous Iqama, and insurance policy info ready. If passport was renewed, update passport data in Absher immediately.
Clear traffic fines early (you can check and pay via Absher / MOI traffic services).
Q: Can I renew my Iqama while I’m outside Saudi?
A: Some renewal steps can be initiated online, but mandatory biometric steps usually require presence in Saudi or at designated centers, confirm with your employer/Absher.
Q: What happens if my Iqama expires?
A: MOI enforces penalties for non-renewal (rules expect renewal before expiry; fines and escalating penalties can apply). Check MOI for exact penalties tied to your case. Ministry of Interior
Q: Who pays the dependent levy and renewal fee?
A: Dependent levy is charged to the sponsoring expatriate (or employer if they agreed). Employers commonly pay the main employee’s Iqama renewal fee, but arrangements vary by contract, get written confirmation.
Also read: Smart ways to transfer money from Saudi Arabia to India in 2025 – AL KSA
