Residence permit renewal in Saudi Arabia
Renewing a residence permit (Iqama) in Saudi Arabia primarily involves ensuring the expatriate's eligibility, settling any outstanding fees or traffic violations, and completing the renewal through the Absher online platform or Muqeem portal. The process is typically initiated by the employer or sponsor.
It is generally advisable for employers or sponsors to begin the Iqama renewal process several months before its expiration. This allows ample time to address any potential issues, such as outstanding fees, traffic violations, or medical examination requirements, and to account for any processing delays.
Start 90 days ahead
This lead time allows employers or sponsors to prepare for the renewal, including settling any outstanding fines, ensuring a valid work permit, and completing medical checks, before the permit's expiration. Absher typically allows renewals from 90 days before expiry.
The process
- 1Ensure the expatriate's passport is valid.
- 2Confirm the expatriate's medical examination is valid and updated, if required.
- 3Verify that there are no traffic violations or outstanding government fees associated with the expatriate.
- 4Ensure the work permit is valid (for employees).
- 5The employer or sponsor logs into their Absher or Muqeem account.
- 6Navigate to the 'Services' section and select 'Iqama Services' or 'Renew Iqama'.
- 7Follow the prompts to select the expatriate, confirm the renewal period, and pay the required fees.
- 8Upon successful payment and processing, the digital Iqama will be updated or a new card can be delivered via Saudi Post if requested.
What to bring
- Valid passport of the expatriate
- Valid work permit (for employees, obtained by the employer/sponsor)
- Valid medical examination certificate (if required and not already updated in the system)
Who handles it
General Directorate of Passports (المديرية العامة للجوازات), often facilitated through the Absher platform (أبشر) or Muqeem portal (مقيم).
https://www.absher.sa/wps/portal/individuals/static/SA.Absher.Individuals/AbsherIndividualLogin/
The renewal fee for an Iqama varies depending on the profession, duration, and other factors, such as the monthly financial مقابل مالي (dependent fee) and labor market fees. The exact fee will be calculated and displayed on the Absher or Muqeem platform during the renewal process. It is advisable to check the current rates directly on the platform or with the General Directorate of Passports.
What commonly goes wrong
- Unpaid traffic violations or government fees can prevent the renewal process.
- An expired or invalid passport will halt the renewal; ensure it is updated prior to starting.
- For workers, a valid work permit is essential; its renewal often precedes the Iqama renewal.
- A valid medical examination is required for some professions or if specified by the system.
Sources
- Absher Individuals absher.sa
- General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) gdp.gov.sa
- Muqeem Portal muqeem.sa
Other documents in Saudi Arabia
Residence permit renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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