RENEWAL OF IQAMA

RENEWAL OF IQAMA

Once you get an iqama made it can stay valid for one year or two years (if your Nitiqat category in Platinum. You can check your companies standing in Nitiqat through: How to Easily Check Iqama Status Nitiqat. After that it becomes the responsibility of your sponsor or employer to have you issued a renewed card. Please note, if you are getting your iqama renewed, your Iqama will now be replaced by the new Muqeem card. The Muqeem card is valid for 5 years but the fee needs to be paid every year.

How to apply for Renewal of Iqama or Muqeem

If you are still holding an Iqama card on renewal you will be given the new Muqeem Card. All you have to do to get your Muqeem card renewed is to notify the HR of your company. Gone are the days when you had to submit your documents manually. Now one can easily apply for the renewal process online. Same is what the HR does too; they simply apply for your iqama online. To check your Muqeem or Iqama Expiry you can read our guide: Check Iqama Expiry in 5 Simple Steps MOI

Iqama Renewal Fees

• The general iqama renewal fee is SR 650 and if you need to get iqama renewed for all your dependents as well, the fee becomes SR 1150.While the iqama renewal fee for dependents above 18 years of age is SR500.

Advice when applying for the renewal of your iqama

• Try to apply for a renewed Iqama three months before the old one expires. If an application is submitted after the due date has expired, the employer or sponsor will have to pay the fine. The fine is equivalent to the Iqama renewal fee.

Residents who have to provide medical tests on Iqama Renewal

The residents of the following countries will have to provide medical test reports every time they get their iqama renewed.

• Ethiopia
• Kenya
• Nigeria
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Thailand

What to do when your old Iqama is taken from you

• Once the new iqama is issued the company will take your old iqama from you after handing you over its copy. For safety purposes it is advised to take a letter in writing from your company that your iqama is under renewal process. Alternatively, you can ask for the printout that is made when your company renews your Iqama. In case you have to deal with police during that time, you can easily show them this letter or printout.

Please note the Iqama or Residence Permit is being replaced with a "Muqeem" Card. This card unlike its predecessor does not need to be reprinted or sent to the Passport Office each year.

Muqeem cards will be valid for 5 years and only the fee needs to be paid each year online by your sponsor.