Iqama Fees in Saudi Arabia (2026 Breakdown)
Iqama fees in Saudi Arabia are not a single charge but a set of separate government costs, and the confusion around them is one of the most common worries for expatriates. This page gives a clear, plain-English breakdown of every Iqama-related fee for 2026 — what each one is, who normally pays it, and how they add up — so you can understand your total and spot anything that looks wrong.
The main Iqama-related fees in Saudi Arabia are: the labor levy (Maktab Amal), the Iqama issuance fee, the work permit fee, the dependent fee for each family member, and mandatory medical insurance. Some are the employer's responsibility, others often fall to the employee. Because the government adjusts these amounts periodically, the official MOI calculator is the only place to get exact 2026 figures for your specific case.
Iqama fees in Saudi Arabia: full table (2026)
Every Iqama-related government fee in one place. Items marked official come from Qiwa, MOI or Jawazat; items marked commonly applied are the widely-reported current amounts where no public official table was found.
These figures were last checked in May 2026 and are shown as a reference. Government fees can change, and your exact total depends on your situation, so always confirm the precise amount on the official MOI/Absher calculator before paying.
Why there is no single 'Iqama fee'
When people search for the Iqama fee, they expect one number. In reality, your residency cost is assembled from several distinct charges, each with its own purpose and its own rules about who pays. Treating them as one lump sum is exactly how people end up confused or overcharged.
Below we separate every fee so you can see what each charge is for. This also helps you check a bill: if your employer or an agent gives you a total, you can work backwards and confirm it makes sense.
Every Iqama-related fee, explained
Labor levy (Maktab Amal)
A recurring government fee for employing a foreign worker, charged for the period covered. Usually the largest single cost and normally the employer's responsibility. See our dedicated guide on the Maktab Amal levy for detail.
Iqama issuance / renewal fee
A fixed government charge for issuing or renewing the Iqama card itself for the chosen duration. This is the fee most people picture as 'the Iqama fee'.
Work permit fee
A charge linked to the official work permit that accompanies the Iqama for employed residents. It is closely tied to the renewal cycle.
Dependent fee (family levy)
A monthly fee for each family member you sponsor. For families this can become the biggest part of the total, so calculate it per dependent.
Medical insurance
Mandatory and must be active for the Iqama to be issued or renewed. Not a government fee as such, but an unavoidable cost of holding residency.
Who pays which fee?
Under the labor system, the labor levy, the Iqama issuance fee and the work permit fee are generally the employer's responsibility, and passing certain costs to the worker is not permitted. Dependent fees, however, are commonly paid by the employee, and medical insurance arrangements vary.
The decisive document is your employment contract. If you are being asked to pay something you believe the employer should cover, keep the receipts and you can raise it through the labor ministry.
How to find your exact 2026 total
- List every fee that applies to you, including one dependent fee per family member.
- Confirm the renewal period you are paying for (commonly 12 months).
- Check that medical insurance covers the same period.
- Use the official MOI fee calculator for the precise current amounts.
- Keep the SADAD receipt as proof of what was paid.
Frequently asked questions
Are 2026 Iqama fees higher than before?
The government reviews these fees periodically. Rather than rely on figures from older articles, always confirm the current amount on the official MOI calculator, which reflects the latest rates.
Which fee is usually the biggest?
For most workers it is the labor levy, and for families the combined dependent fees can rival or exceed it. Single workers without dependents pay considerably less.
Can Iqama fees be paid in installments?
At times the government has allowed quarterly installments for the levy. Whether this applies to you depends on current rules and your employer's setup; confirm through Absher Business.
How much does it cost to renew an Iqama in Saudi Arabia?
The total depends on the levy (Maktab Amal), the Iqama issuance fee and any dependent fees. Because amounts change yearly, use the official MOI calculator for your exact figure.
Who pays the Iqama renewal fees?
In most cases the employer or sponsor is responsible for the levy and renewal, but the arrangement can vary by contract. Always confirm with your employer.
What happens if I renew my Iqama late?
Late renewal usually results in a fine, and repeated delays can cause further penalties. It is best to renew before the expiry date shown on your Iqama.