Saudi residency fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Paid by |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent levy | SAR 400 per dependent per month | Employee (sponsor) |
| Iqama — worker | SAR 650 per year | Employer |
| Iqama — dependent | SAR 500 per year | Employee |
| Work permit (expat levy) | SAR 800/month (700 if Saudis ≥ expats) | Employer |
| Exit re-entry — single | SAR 200 for 2 months + 100 per extra month | Employer (worker) / employee (dependents) |
| Exit re-entry — multiple | SAR 500 for 3 months + 200 per extra month | as above |
| Health insurance | Market rate, mandatory | Employer (worker); usually employer for dependents |
| Final exit | Free | — |
Worked example
Family of four (3 dependents), 12-month renewal, single exit re-entry for 2 months, insurance SAR 1,200 each paid by employer: dependent levy 3 × 400 × 12 = 14,400 + dependents' iqama 1,500 + dependents' exit re-entry 600 = SAR 16,500 from the employee. Employer: iqama 650 + work permit 9,600 + insurance 4 × 1,200 = 4,800 + exit 200 = SAR 15,250.
All fees are paid through SADAD. Dependent fees must be settled in full for the renewal period before the iqama can be renewed; splitting into shorter periods reduces the lump sum but not the total.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Saudi dependent fee in 2026?
SAR 400 per dependent per month (SAR 4,800 per year each), unchanged since July 2020. It is paid in advance for the full iqama renewal period through Absher/SADAD and is the sponsor's (employee's) cost, not the employer's.
How much does iqama renewal cost?
The iqama card fee is SAR 650 per year for a worker and SAR 500 per year for each dependent. On top of that the employer pays the work permit (expat levy) of SAR 9,600 per year (SAR 800/month), or SAR 8,400 per year (SAR 700/month) if the company employs at least as many Saudis as expats.
Who pays the iqama and work permit fees?
By law the employer pays the worker's iqama, work permit and exit/re-entry fees. The dependent levy and dependents' iqama fees are paid by the sponsor — the employee. Employers that deduct iqama costs from salary are in breach of the Labour Law.
Can I renew my iqama for 3 or 6 months instead of a year?
Yes — renewal is available in 3, 6, 9 or 12-month periods and all fees (dependent levy, work permit, iqama) are charged pro-rata for the chosen period.
How much is an exit re-entry visa?
Single exit re-entry: SAR 200 for two months plus SAR 100 for each additional month. Multiple exit re-entry: SAR 500 for three months plus SAR 200 for each additional month. Valid only while the iqama is valid.
Are there any exemptions from the dependent fee?
Children born in the Kingdom are charged like any other dependent. Exemptions are limited: Saudi women's foreign husbands and children, dependents of certain GCC nationals, and some Premium Residency holders.
What is the Premium Residency (Green Card) and does it avoid these fees?
Premium Residency holders (SAR 800,000 one-off or SAR 100,000 per year under the original scheme; newer categories for investors, professionals and property owners) are exempt from the expat levy and dependent fees and do not need a sponsor.
Is medical insurance mandatory for iqama renewal?
Yes. Valid CCHI-approved health insurance for the worker and all dependents must be in place before the iqama can be renewed. Basic policies start around SAR 500–1,500 per person per year depending on age and class.