Iqama Renewal Fees in Saudi Arabia (2026)
Renewing your Iqama is one of the largest recurring costs of living in Saudi Arabia, and the way the fees are structured confuses almost everyone. There is no single 'Iqama fee' — the total is built from a labor levy, an issuance fee, dependent charges and mandatory insurance. This guide breaks down every component in plain English so you know exactly what you are paying for, who is responsible for each part, and how to find your precise total using the official calculator.
Iqama renewal in Saudi Arabia is not a single fee but a combination of charges. The two largest are the labor levy (the 'Maktab Amal' fee, paid per worker) and the Iqama issuance fee. On top of these, there may be a fee for each dependent (the family levy), plus mandatory medical insurance. Because the official amounts are set by the government and can change, the only way to get your exact total is the official MOI fee calculator. This page explains each component so you understand what you are paying for.
Iqama renewal fees: the actual numbers (2026)
Here are the current reference figures for the main components of an Iqama renewal. The labor levy and work permit fee are official Qiwa figures; the Iqama card fee is the widely-used current amount.
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.
A worked example with real numbers
Take a worker at a company where foreign staff exceed Saudis, renewing for 12 months, with no dependents. The labor levy would be SAR 800 × 12 = SAR 9,600, plus the work permit fee of SAR 100, plus the Iqama card fee of around SAR 650. That puts the core total near SAR 10,350 for the year, before medical insurance.
Now add a spouse and one child. Two dependents at SAR 400/month add SAR 400 × 2 × 12 = SAR 9,600 more. This is why a family renewal can cost roughly double a single worker's, and why the dependent fee is so often the deciding factor in the total.
The components of the Iqama renewal cost
When people ask 'how much does it cost to renew an Iqama', they are usually surprised to learn there is no single number. The total is built from several separate government charges, and which ones apply depends on your job, your sponsor and your family situation. Understanding the parts is the best way to avoid surprises and to check that you have been charged correctly.
Below we break down each charge, explain who normally pays it, and show how they combine into the figure that is paid to renew your residency for another period.
The main fees, explained one by one
1. The labor levy (Maktab Amal / expat levy)
This is usually the biggest single charge. It is a monthly government fee for employing a foreign worker, paid for the period you are renewing (commonly 12 months). The amount can vary depending on the company's ratio of Saudi to foreign employees. It is normally the employer's responsibility under the labor system.
2. The Iqama issuance / renewal fee
A fixed government fee charged for issuing or renewing the Iqama card itself for the chosen period. It is separate from the levy and is the charge most people picture when they think of 'the Iqama fee'.
3. The dependent fee (family levy)
If you sponsor family members, there is an additional monthly fee for each dependent. For larger families this can become the most significant part of the total, so it is worth calculating carefully before renewing.
4. Medical insurance
Valid health insurance is mandatory for you and your dependents, and it must be active for the Iqama to be renewed. While not strictly a 'government fee', it is an unavoidable cost tied to renewal and is usually arranged or paid through the employer.
How the fees combine: a worked example
Imagine a worker renewing for 12 months with two dependents. The total they (or their employer) pay would be the labor levy for 12 months, plus the fixed Iqama issuance fee for 12 months, plus the dependent fee multiplied by two dependents for 12 months, plus the cost of valid medical insurance for all three people.
This is why two colleagues at the same company can pay very different totals: one single worker pays only the levy and issuance fee, while a married colleague with children pays considerably more because of the dependent fees. Always calculate based on your own family situation rather than copying someone else's figure.
Who actually pays the Iqama fees?
Under the Saudi labor system, the labor levy and the Iqama issuance fee are generally the employer's responsibility, and it is illegal for an employer to pass certain costs to the worker. In practice, arrangements vary, and dependent fees in particular are often paid by the employee. The key is your employment contract: check what it says about who covers renewal costs.
If you believe you have been charged a fee that should be covered by your employer, you can raise it through the labor ministry's channels. Keep copies of any payment receipts (SADAD references) as evidence.
Before you renew: a quick checklist
- Confirm your current Iqama expiry date so you renew in time. See our guide on how to check it.
- Make sure your medical insurance is active and covers the full renewal period.
- Calculate the dependent fees for every family member under your sponsorship.
- Use the official MOI calculator for the exact total before any payment is made.
- Keep the SADAD payment receipt once the fees are paid.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay the Iqama fee in installments?
The government has at times allowed the labor levy and certain fees to be paid in quarterly installments rather than all at once. Availability depends on current rules and your employer's setup, so confirm through Absher Business or with your HR department.
Do Iqama fees change every year?
Yes, the government reviews and adjusts these fees periodically, which is why no fixed table stays accurate for long. Always confirm the current amounts on the official MOI calculator rather than relying on figures from old articles.
Why is my renewal more expensive than my colleague's?
The most common reason is dependents. Each family member under your sponsorship adds a recurring fee, so an employee with a spouse and children pays substantially more than a single worker at the same job.
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.