Work permit renewal in Saudi Arabia
Renewing a work permit in Saudi Arabia typically involves an online application submitted by the employer through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) platform. The process includes ensuring compliance with Saudi labor laws, paying the necessary fees, and confirming the validity of the foreign employee's residence permit (Iqama).
It is generally advisable for employers to initiate the work permit renewal process several months before the current permit's expiration. This allows ample time to address any requirements, gather necessary documents, account for potential processing delays, and ensure the employee's legal status remains uninterrupted.
Start 90 days ahead
This lead time accounts for preparing documents, submitting the application, potential processing times by MHRSD, and ensuring the Iqama can also be renewed without issues. Employers typically start renewal procedures months in advance.
The process
- 1Employer accesses the Qiwa platform (or similar MHRSD-approved service) using their credentials.
- 2Employer selects the option to renew an existing work permit for the foreign employee.
- 3Employer ensures all employee data and company information are up-to-date and compliant with MHRSD regulations.
- 4Employer verifies the validity of the employee's existing residence permit (Iqama), as its validity is usually a prerequisite for work permit renewal.
- 5Employer pays the applicable work permit renewal fee through the platform.
- 6Employer submits the renewal application for review by MHRSD.
- 7Employer monitors the application status through the platform and addresses any requests for additional information or corrections.
What to bring
- Valid passport copy of the foreign employee.
- Valid residence permit (Iqama) copy of the foreign employee.
- Commercial Registration (CR) of the employer/company.
- Completed work permit renewal application form (typically digital via the platform).
- Proof of payment for the work permit renewal fee.
Who handles it
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) / وزارة الموارد البشرية والتنمية الاجتماعية
The cost for renewing a work permit in Saudi Arabia is generally composed of the work permit fee (typically SAR 800 per year) and potentially a dependent's fee (levy) or 'financial compensation' (مقابل مالي) which varies based on the number of expatriate workers and Saudization levels of the company. These fees should be confirmed with the MHRSD or via the Qiwa platform.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensuring the employee's residence permit (Iqama) is valid or renewed concurrently, as work permit renewal often depends on it.
- Verifying that the employer's company complies with Saudi labor laws, including Saudization quotas, as non-compliance can affect renewal eligibility.
- Timely payment of all associated fees, including the work permit fee and any applicable expatriate levies.
- Confirming that the application is submitted through the correct and most current MHRSD-approved digital platform (e.g., Qiwa).
Sources
- hrsd.gov.sa
- Qiwa Platform qiwa.sa
Other documents in Saudi Arabia
Work permit renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
Don't rely on remembering
Add this document to Duratum and we'll tell you when to start, and remind you before it matters.