A practical hub for understanding your Iqama (residence permit) in Saudi Arabia — how to check its status, what renewal costs, how Huroob and Nitaqat work, and how dependents are added.
The most common Iqama tasks, in one place
What your Iqama is, and how to check it
Your Iqama (مقيم) is your official Saudi residence card, issued after entry on a work or dependent visa and linked to your sponsor (kafeel). It shows your name, nationality, occupation, Iqama number and expiry date, and it must stay valid for you to legally live and work in the Kingdom.
What renewal costs and how to pay
Iqama-related charges generally fall into two categories: the annual Iqama issuance/renewal fee, and the monthly work-permit (dependent) levy that applies per non-Saudi employee and per accompanying dependent, under Article 40 of Saudi labor regulations. The exact amount depends on company size and whether Saudi employees outnumber expats.
Absence status and company classification
Huroob (هروب) means an employer has reported a worker as "absent" or having left the job without authorization. Being marked Huroob can block Iqama renewal, exit/re-entry, transfers and future visas — it should be resolved as quickly as possible, usually by contacting the sponsor or Ministry of Human Resources (HRSD) to correct the record.
Nitaqat is the government's Saudization classification for companies, shown as a color band (commonly referred to informally as an employee's Iqama color): green/platinum companies meet Saudization targets and get smoother government services, while red/yellow companies face restrictions on visas, renewals and transfers. Your company's Nitaqat color can affect how easily your own Iqama services are processed.
Family Iqamas and sponsor information
Log in to Absher with your Iqama number, or check the Muqeem portal. Your employer's Qiwa/Muqeem account can also confirm the expiry date.
An expired Iqama can affect your legal residence status, ability to travel, and access to services. There is usually a short grace period, but renewing before expiry avoids fines and complications.
Huroob means you've been reported absent from your sponsor. To resolve it, contact your employer to correct the report, or raise a labor dispute through HRSD/Qiwa if the report was made unfairly.
Yes — use our free Iqama Fees Calculator for an estimate, then confirm the exact payable amount via Absher, Muqeem, Qiwa or your employer.
Your dependent generally needs a valid family visa to enter, after which their Iqama is issued through your Absher/Muqeem account as the sponsor.
Disclaimer: Rules, fees and government procedures in Saudi Arabia can change. This guide is for general information only — always confirm important actions and current fees on the official Absher, Muqeem, Qiwa or HRSD portals, or with your employer/sponsor.
