Iqama — Saudi residence permit — is the most important document an expat living in Saudi Arabia should possess.
The Iqama serves as your official residency permit, granting you legal status to live and work in Saudi Arabia. It is essential for accessing government services, banking, healthcare, and even traveling within the Kingdom. The permit has a set validity period and must be renewed before expiry.
Expats can now renew Iqamas quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, and the process has become more streamlined with digital platforms like Absher and Muqeem. Carrying your Iqama at all times is not just a recommendation—it is a legal requirement.
If an official requests your Iqama, whether on the street or during routine checks, you must present it. Failing to do so can result in immediate penalties, and you may be denied access to essential services.
Penalties for not carrying your Iqama
Saudi authorities impose strict penalties for not carrying your Iqama, with escalating fines for repeated offenses:
| Offense | Penalty (SAR) | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| First | 1,000 | Immediate fine, no detention |
| Second | 2,000 | Higher fine, warning issued |
| Third | 3,000 | Fine and possible deportation |
- First offense: You will be fined SR 1,000 if caught without your Iqama. Detention is no longer standard practice for this minor violation; authorities now prioritize issuing fines and may allow you to call someone to bring your Iqama if necessary.
- Second offense: The fine increases to SR 2,000, and you may receive a formal warning.
- Third offense: The penalty rises to SR 3,000, and deportation proceedings may be initiated unless your sponsor (Kafeel) intervenes.
These penalties apply to both employees and dependents. The government has clarified that only major crimes or serious residency violations can result in detention; minor infractions like not carrying an Iqama are handled with fines.
Exceptions
There are limited exceptions when you may be excused for not carrying your Iqama:
- Iqama renewal in progress: If your Iqama is being renewed, you must carry a renewal letter from your sponsor, which is valid for up to two months. Failing to present this letter is treated the same as not carrying your Iqama.
- Lost or stolen Iqama: If your Iqama is lost or stolen, you must report it to the police within 24 hours and notify your sponsor immediately.
A police report is required to avoid penalties, and the report is valid for one month while you arrange for a replacement. If you fail to report the loss within 24 hours, you may be fined SR 1,000 for the first offense, SR 2,000 for the second, and SR 3,000 for the third.
Recent policy updates
- Digital services: Most Iqama-related services, including renewal and reporting a lost Iqama, can now be handled online via Absher and Muqeem platforms, reducing paperwork and speeding up the process.
- Quarterly renewal: Employers can now renew Iqamas every three, six, nine, or twelve months, offering more flexibility for both employers and employees.
- Family members abroad: Renewal is now possible even if some dependents are outside Saudi Arabia, as long as the head of household remains in the Kingdom.
Summary
Carrying your Iqama at all times is a legal obligation for all expatriates in Saudi Arabia. Not doing so can result in substantial fines and, after repeated offenses, possible deportation.
Only in specific cases—such as ongoing renewal with proper documentation or a recently reported loss—can you be excused.
The Saudi government has modernized its processes, but the requirement to have your Iqama on you at all times remains unchanged.