Iqama Renewal Checklist in Saudi Arabia Requirements, Fees, and Common Blocks

If your iqama expiry date is getting close, having an iqama renewal checklist saves you from last minute surprises. Most renewal failures come down to a few predictable blockers like inactive insurance, an expired passport, unpaid violations, or employer side requirements that were not cleared yet.

This guide keeps it practical what to prepare, what you will likely pay for, and what usually blocks renewal so you can fix it quickly.

Before you start

who renews the iqama and where

In Saudi Arabia, iqama renewals are handled through Ministry of Interior linked systems.

For many residents, the easiest place to view or renew a dependent or domestic worker iqama is Absher Individuals under the service Renew Residence Permit.

For employee iqamas, renewal is typically handled by the employer using their systems. A common employer tool is Muqeem, which is built for establishments to complete Jawazat related transactions online.

If you are employed, treat renewal as an employer driven process even if you personally can see the status in Absher.

Iqama renewal checklist

• Confirm who is doing the renewal
  Employee iqama your employer usually renews it through employer channels such as Muqeem.

• Dependent or domestic worker renewal may be available through Absher Individuals.

• Check passport validity
  Absher’s user guide requirements for renewing resident identity include that the passport should be valid.

• Make sure health insurance shows as active
  You can check insurance status using the Council of Health Insurance Insurance Information Inquiry e service, using your document number.
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• If insurance is not active, renewal commonly fails until coverage is active and properly linked.

• Clear unpaid traffic violations
  Absher’s user guide lists unpaid traffic violations as a blocker for renewing resident identity.

• Confirm you are not flagged in a status that blocks renewal
  Absher’s user guide also lists that the sponsoree should not be registered as absent.

• Ensure the required payments are covered for the period you want
  Absher’s user guide lists payment for the desired renewal period as a requirement.
  For employees, employers should also remember that a valid work permit is needed to issue or renew an iqama, and work permits are renewed via Qiwa by employers.

Practical tip If you want a simple home base for your KSA admin checklists, save this page and browse other guides on KSA Buddy so you have your links and reminders in one place.

Fees what you pay for and where to confirm the exact amount

Iqama renewal cost is not just one number. What you pay depends on things like

• Renewal duration
• Your category as a worker or dependent
• Whether there are dependent related charges
• Employer related obligations and work permit related costs

Instead of trusting a random fee table, use this rule
Check the final payable amount inside the official portal flow right before payment, because that amount is generated based on your specific profile.

For the official starting point for the service details and where it sits in the ecosystem, use the Absher Renew Residence Permit service page and follow the service flow.

What blocks renewal and how to fix it fast

1. Insurance is inactive or not showing correctly
   What it looks like renewal fails even though you think you are insured.
   Fix check your status on the Council of Health Insurance inquiry page and confirm your policy shows active under your document number. If it is inactive, contact your employer or insurer to activate or correct the record, then try again.
2. Passport is expired
   What it looks like the system blocks renewal due to passport validity rules.
   Fix renew your passport, then recheck the renewal requirements. Absher lists passport validity as a requirement.
3. Unpaid traffic violations
   What it looks like renewal blocked until violations are cleared.
   Fix clear the unpaid violations, then retry. Absher lists unpaid traffic violations as a blocker.
4. Absent status flag
   What it looks like the system will not allow renewal if the resident is registered as absent.
   Fix this is usually an employer side issue. Ask HR to confirm your status and fix it in the proper channel. Absher lists not registered as absent as a requirement.
5. Employer side requirements not completed
   What it looks like you can see your iqama is near expiry, but renewal is not happening.
   Fix ask HR if the renewal is being done in Muqeem and whether any prerequisites are pending on the employer side. Muqeem is designed for establishments to complete resident transactions online.
6. Work permit not renewed for employees
   What it looks like employer says they cannot renew the iqama yet.
   Fix the employer may need to renew the work permit first. Qiwa states a valid work permit is needed to issue or renew an iqama.

Timing tips to avoid penalties and last minute stress

Do not wait until the final days. The Ministry of Interior publishes an iqama violations and penalties table that includes a penalty scenario related to not reporting for iqama renewal within a certain window before expiry.

In real life, the best move is simple
Start your checks early enough to fix insurance, passport, or employer issues without rushing.

Quick troubleshooting flow

1. Are you an employee
   If yes, ask HR if they are renewing via their channels such as Muqeem, and confirm work permit status via Qiwa on their side.
2. If you are renewing a dependent or domestic worker iqama
   Use Absher and confirm the listed requirements: payment for the desired period, no unpaid traffic violations, valid passport, not registered as absent.
3. If it still fails
   Check insurance status using Council of Health Insurance inquiry, then retry after it shows active.

FAQ