Pinoy Replay 
Iqama is a residence permit in Saudi Arabia. Foreigners can stay in the country for a certain period of time and work. The permit is renewable quarterly or annually, and there are fees associated with it. This blog will provide an overview of the issuance and renewal fees for workers and dependents in 2022.
Work Permit Fee For Domestic Workers
Saudi Arabia is charging work permit fees for domestic workers (including domestic drivers) from May 22, 2022. However, it will only apply to the fifth domestic worker with a Saudi employer and the third domestic worker for a Saudi employer. expatriate. This means that the first four domestic workers of Saudi employers and the first two workers of expatriate employers will be exempt from the work permit fee or tax.
Levy Exemptions for Small Businesses
Small businesses with fewer than nine employees, including a full-time Saudi employer, are exempt from paying expat fees for two employees (until March 2023 only). The fee waiver will increase to four workers if one of them is Saudi in addition to the full-time employer.
IQAMA FEES 2022
MOI Iqama Issuance and Renewal Fee
The annual fee for issuing or renewing the residence permit is 650 Saudi riyals and can be paid every three months.
Duration Fee
3 Months SAR 163
6 Months SAR 325
9 Months SAR 488
12 Months SAR 650
Work Permit Fee or Maktab Amal Fee or Expat Levy
The monthly fee for the work permit is 800 Saudi riyals and can be paid for a period of not less than three months.
Duration Fee
3 Months SAR 1,200
6 Months SAR 2,400
9 Months SAR 3,600
12 Months SAR 4,800
Expat Dependent Fee (Dependent Levy)
Expatriate residents in Saudi Arabia must pay an affiliate fee of SAR 400 per month for each dependent.
Duration Fee
3 Months SAR 1,200
6 Months SAR 2,400
9 Months SAR 3,600
12 Months SAR 4,800
How to Renew Iqama? (Iqama Renewal Process)
To renew your residence in Saudi Arabia, the following conditions must be met.
- Accommodation fee must be paid.
- Work permit fee must be paid
- There should be no traffic penalty on your residence number.
- You must have a valid health insurance policy.
- Dependent tax must be paid if you have dependents at your residence.
After paying all the above fees, your employer will be able to renew your residency online through either the Absher or Muqeem portals.
Iqama Expiration Penalty
Failure to renew the residence permit will result in a fine of SAR 500 the first time and a fine of SAR 1000 the second time. In addition, the holder of the residence will face a fine and deportation in case it expires for the third time.
Who is responsible for renewing iqama? employer or employee?
The employer is responsible for renewing the residence of their employees. Article 40 (1) of the Saudi Labor Law states that the responsibility of the employer is to pay the fees for renewal and issuance of the residence permit. Similarly, Article 144 of the Saudi Arabian Labor Law states that the employer’s responsibility is to provide health care and insurance.
