The full component table
| Component | Amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iqama renewal — 12 months | SAR 650 | Employer in practice for sponsored workers |
| Iqama renewal — 9 / 6 / 3 months | SAR 488 / 325 / 163 | As above, pro-rata |
| Absher processing fee (per issuance/renewal) | SAR 51.75 | — |
| Work permit levy (Maktab Amal) | SAR 700–800 / month | Employer — by law. Deducting it from the worker's salary is prohibited |
| Dependent fee | SAR 400 / dependent / month | The worker, for family members he sponsors |
| Health insurance | Varies by policy | Employer for the worker; worker usually pays for dependents |
The levy: the detail that protects your salary
The work-permit levy is SAR 800/month where a company's expatriate staff outnumber its Saudi staff, and SAR 700/month where they do not. It is an employer cost. If an employer or agent tells you this levy will be cut from your salary, that is not the legal position — raise it politely with HR, and keep your contract and payslips.
Dependent fee — budget carefully
At SAR 400 per dependent per month, a spouse and two children add SAR 1,200/month (SAR 14,400/year) before rent and school costs. Many workers underestimate this; budget it before deciding to bring family. A September 2025 cabinet decision gave HRSD power to revise the levy; no new amount had been announced at our last check in October 2026, so confirm the current figure in Absher.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays the work-permit levy — me or my employer?
Your employer. The Maktab Amal levy (SAR 700–800/month depending on the company's Saudi-to-expat ratio) is an employer cost by law; deducting it from the worker's salary is prohibited.
How much is Iqama renewal for one year?
The Iqama fee itself is SAR 650 for 12 months, plus the SAR 51.75 Absher processing fee. Health insurance and the work-permit levy are separate — and the levy is the employer's responsibility.
What is the dependent fee in Saudi Arabia?
SAR 400 per dependent per month. A cabinet decision in September 2025 gave the ministry power to revise it; no new amount had been announced at our last check — confirm the current figure in Absher before budgeting.
Can I renew my Iqama for 3 or 6 months?
Yes — fees are pro-rata: SAR 163 for 3 months, SAR 325 for 6 months, SAR 488 for 9 months, plus processing.