Iqama KSA 2025: A Complete Guide to Saudi Arabia’s Residence Permit (Iqama id) for Expats

For every foreigner residing in Saudi Arabia, the Iqama is a basic and legal document, which not only shows his identity but also legitimizes his stay in the kingdom. Whether you are coming for the first time for work or have been living there for years, preparing for the Iqama,

Keeping up to date with its expiration date, accuracy of information, and government regulations is essential for your peace of mind and legal protection. Without an Iqama, neither employment is possible, nor access to banking, healthcare, or other government services.

What is an Iqama?

The Iqama is the primary document of legal identity and residence for foreigners residing in Saudi Arabia. This permit is essential for accessing work, banking, healthcare, and other government facilities. This card, issued by the Ministry of Interior, legalizes residence and employment in the kingdom. Having an Iqama is a mandatory requirement for every foreigner according to Saudi laws.

Why is Iqama Important?

Iqama is the primary legal document for foreign nationals to access housing, employment, and other essential services in Saudi Arabia. It is not just an identity card, but also guarantees legal status to reside and work in the country. Without Iqama, foreigners may face fines, deportation, or other legal sanctions for exceeding the 90-day visa period.

Key aspects of the importance of Iqama:

• Certificate of Legal Residence

Iqama is a valid document issued by the Saudi Ministry of Interior that proves the residency status of a foreigner.

• Legal Work Permit

It acts as a work permit, through which foreigners can work regularly under their sponsor.

• Access to essential services
• Opening a bank account
• Obtaining a driving license
• Enrolling children in public or private schools
• Access to health facilities (public or private hospitals)
• Rental accommodation or purchasing property

• Family visa facility

Iqama holders can sponsor visas for their families (wife, children, in some cases parents) to come to Saudi Arabia.

• Legal Protection

Not having a valid residence permit may result in fines, detention, or deportation.

• National Identity Document

This is the primary proof of identity for foreigners in Saudi Arabia and is used in both public and private transactions.

• Freedom of Movement within the Country

Residents with a residence permit can travel or relocate to any area within Saudi Arabia.

Link to digital system

• Connectivity to digital systems

The Iqama is linked to the Saudi digital platform “Nafath” or “Absher”, which facilitates access to government services.

Who Needs an Iqama?

Iqama in Saudi Arabia is a mandatory residency document that every foreigner needs if he or she intends to stay or work in the country for more than 90 days. This permit is required for people from various sectors, including experienced and inexperienced workers, doctors, engineers, IT specialists, domestic helpers, and business people investing.

Key Benefits of Iqama ID in Saudi Arabia

• Residence and work legal rights

• Financial and banking services

• Government and legal facilities

• SIM cards and internet connectivity

• Housing facilities and utility services

• Health facilities and insurance cover

• Travel visa facilities

• Business opportunities and investment prospects

How to Apply for an Iqama ID in Saudi Arabia

Obtaining an Iqama, or residence permit, is a very important step for foreigners who intend to live and work in Saudi Arabia. This entire process is carried out by your sponsor or employer and involves several steps. The detailed steps of this process are explained below:

Step 1: Secure a Sponsor (Employer)

The first step to obtaining residency is to obtain a valid job offer from an employer in Saudi Arabia. This employer becomes your sponsor and is responsible for overseeing and processing all steps from your work permit to your residence permit.

Step 2: Employer Applies for a Block Visa

To hire a foreign worker in Saudi Arabia, your employer must first obtain an approved block visa from the Ministry of Labor and Social Development (MLSD). This step is crucial in the Saudi work visa process, as without the approval of the block visa, the employer cannot hire a foreigner or be issued a work visa. This approval allows the company to hire a specific number of foreign employees.

Step 3: Obtain a Visa Authorization Number & Power of Attorney

Once the block visa is approved, the employer next applies for visa authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). During this process, a Power of Attorney is also issued, which authorizes the sponsor (employer) to fully submit the Saudi work visa application for the foreign worker. This step plays a key role in officially starting the residency process.

Step 4: Work Visa Processing & Medical Examination

After completing the step, the employer (sponsor) submits the work visa application along with all the necessary documents to the relevant Saudi authorities. After this, the applicant is required to undergo a medical examination (medical test for Saudi work visa) at an approved clinic or medical center.

This health check-up determines whether the individual is medically fit to work in Saudi Arabia. Once the medical report is ready, you can check its status online through the official website of the Ministry of Health (MOH). This step is a mandatory part of obtaining health clearance for residency.

Step 5: Arrival in Saudi Arabia & Work Permit Application

Once your Saudi work visa is approved, you can enter the kingdom and start working. However, within 90 days of arrival, your employer must submit a work permit and Iqama application for you to the Ministry of Labor.

If you need to temporarily leave Saudi Arabia during this period or before obtaining a residence permit, you must obtain an exit and re-entry visa (Exit/Re-Entry Permit), otherwise re-entry will not be possible. This step is considered essential for international movement before obtaining a residence permit.

Step 6: Issuance of Iqama ID

Upon completion of the approval process, you will be issued your Iqama ID, which contains your personal information, residence status, and employer details.

This card is considered your official residence permit, which confirms your legal status in Saudi Arabia. It is mandatory to renew it regularly (Iqama renewal) in order to maintain your residence and work permit.

Family Sponsorship After Receiving Iqama

Once your residency is issued, you can sponsor your family members to join you in Saudi Arabia. Although you will be their official sponsor, your employer can also assist with the application process to make the process easier and faster.

Obtaining a residence permit is a mandatory and important step for expatriates working in Saudi Arabia. Make sure that all documentation preparation, medical examination, and approval are completed in a timely manner to avoid any delays. Additionally, always keep abreast of the latest changes in the laws and regulations of the Ministry of Labor and other relevant agencies to ensure that your compliance is not disrupted.

How to Check Your Iqama Number & Status?

You know that you can use multiple methods, including the Absher website, SMS service, and dedicated mobile apps.

How to check via Absher website:

• Log in:

Go to Absher official website and use your login credentials (e.g. ID card or passport number).

• Go to the “My Services” section:

After logging in, select “My Services” from the menu.

• Select “Iqama Status”:

From here, click on the “Iqama Status” option.

• Check Status:

 Enter your Iqama number and view its current status

• How to check Iqama status via SMS:

To check your status, send an SMS in the following format:

12SponsorIDIqamaNumber

• Send it to the following numbers according to the network:

STC: 888994

Mobily: 624444

Zain: 709444

• How to use the dedicated mobile app:

Download the app:

Install an app like Iqama Check & Violation on your mobile.

Use the app:

Check your Iqama number and status via the app, follow the instructions.

Iqama Validity & Renewal Process

You can use the Absher app or Absher website to verify your Iqama number and check its expiration date. For this, you will need to verify your identity with a One-Time Password (OTP).

Step by step method

• Log in to Absher:

Use your identification information such as Iqama number, username, and password and verify your identity through the OTP sent to the registered mobile number.

• Go to the Iqama Services section:

After logging in, select “Iqama Services” from the main menu.

• Select Query Iqama Expiry Service:

From here you can select the “Query Iqama Expiry Service” option to find out the expiry date of your Iqama.

• View details:

You will be shown your residence permit expiration date and other relevant information, allowing you to review your residence permit status.

Iqama Fees & Penalties

Iqama Renewal in Saudi Arabia is a mandatory process for every foreign worker. The annual fee for Iqama renewal can usually range from 650 riyals to 800 riyals (SAR), depending on the nature of the work and the category of the company.

Penalties for late renewal:

• A fine of up to SAR 500 is imposed for the first delay.

• If there is a second delay, the fine can be SAR 1,000 or more.

Repeated delays or continuous non-renewal of the residence permit may also result in deportation.

Employers also have responsibilities: If an employer (Sponsor/Employer) employs illegal or undocumented workers. They may also face heavy fines, legal action, and possible business restrictions.

✅ Renewing your Iqama on time is not only a legal requirement. But also the only way to avoid financial and professional problems.

Iqama Transfer & Exit Procedures

If you want to change jobs in Saudi Arabia, you must complete the “Iqama Transfer” or “Sponsorship Transfer” process, through which your legal sponsorship is transferred from one employer to another.

How does the transfer process work?

• First, a new employer offers you a job.
• This new employer then submits a transfer application on the Qiwa platform or the relevant government portal.
• The current employer must approve the transfer.
• Fees may also apply, which are usually the responsibility of the new employer.

After approval:

Once the transfer is approved, the new sponsor (employer) assumes all legal responsibilities for your residency and residency status.

To leave the country:

• If you intend to leave Saudi Arabia, you must have:
• A valid residence permit with at least 30 days remaining
• And a final exit visa must be issued.

This procedure ensures a safe, legal and transparent transfer, provided all conditions are met. If you wish, I can also prepare a complete guide on this.

Important Iqama Guidelines

A Saudi Arabian residency permit is a legal document that allows foreign nationals to live and work in the country. If you want your residency to be legal, secure, and worry-free, it is important to thoroughly understand the laws, timelines, and responsibilities associated with residency.

1. Duration of the residence permit and timely renewal

• The residence permit is usually issued for one year and must be renewed annually.
• To avoid delays in renewal, it is important to renew the residence permit at least 3 days before its expiration date.
• Although the employer (Sponsor) initiates the renewal process, you must also monitor the process and ensure its timely completion.

Conclusion  

The Iqama is the primary proof of your legal identity and residency in Saudi Arabia, which is required to access banking, healthcare, mobile services, and other government facilities. As a foreigner, if you stay informed about the Iqama renewal, fines, and issuance process, your

Daily life will be smoother and free from legal hassles. Checking for updates on time and following the rules completely can save you from many unnecessary problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I switch jobs with the same Iqama?

Yes, you can change jobs in Saudi Arabia provided that the current sponsor gives permission and the new employer meets all the conditions. In such a case, there is no need to obtain a new residence permit, the current residence permit is transferred.

What happens if my Iqama expires?

If your residency expires and you do not renew it on time, you may be subject to a fine, which increases with each delay. You may face legal action or even deportation if you continue to neglect your duties.

Is Iqama different from a Saudi visa?

Yes, Iqama and Saudi visas are two different documents, and their purposes are also different.

A Saudi visa only allows entry into the kingdom, that too for a specific period and purpose.

Whereas Iqama is a long-term residence permit, which gives you full freedom to live and work legally in Saudi Arabia.

Can dependents work on a dependent Iqama?

That’s right, dependent residents in Saudi Arabia are not legally allowed to work.

If they want to work, they have to obtain a work permit by changing their residency category, which is only possible for approved employers.

What does iqama mean?

In Islamic tradition, “iqama” refers to the second call to prayer that is given immediately before the start of congregational prayer. This call signals the worshippers to prepare for prayer and stand in rows.

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