Iqama Residency Permit in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, expatriates rely on the Iqama for day-to-day life. It’s a residency permit issued by the Ministry of Interior and it acts as the main form of ID for non-Saudis living and working in the Kingdom.

The Iqama is issued after entering the country on a work visa and completing medical checks, fingerprints, and other biometric steps.

Why the Iqama Residency Permit is Important

The Iqama is a requirement for individuals to live, work, and access essential services in Saudi Arabia.

If it expires or isn’t issued on time, the consequences are serious and can include fines, restrictions, and, in some cases, removal from the country. For employers, maintaining valid Iqamas for employees is critical to remain compliant with Saudi labor and residency regulations.

Key Features of the Iqama Residency Permit

At its core, the Iqama shows that:

• The holder is legally residing in Saudi Arabia
• The individual is authorized to work
• The residency is tied to a specific employer or sponsor
• The permit has a fixed validity period and must be renewed
• A digital version is available through Absher

What an Iqama Residency Permit Allows

After the Iqama is active, this permit gives you:

• Legal employment and payroll access
• Opening bank accounts
• Renting property and registering a National Address
• Getting a SIM card, utilities, and insurance
• Domestic travel and re-entry to Saudi Arabia, when exit permissions are approved
• Using government platforms such as Absher and Muqeem

Who Needs an Iqama Residency Permit

If someone is staying in Saudi Arabia longer than a short-term visa allows, they need an Iqama. That includes:

• Expatriate employees
• Foreign business owners living in the Kingdom
• Family members under dependent Iqamas
• Professionals sponsored by Saudi companies or licensed entities

Why businesses can’t ignore it

For employers, Iqamas are a core HR and compliance responsibility, and are required to legally work, get paid, or access government or financial systems. Managing Iqamas properly is part of running a legal business in Saudi Arabia.