How can I apply for iqama (Residential Permit) in Saudi Arabia?

Iqama is the resident permit for an expatriate working in Saudi Arabia. The employer, commonly known as the sponsor, is responsible for making and renewing the Iqama of the foreign employee.

Residence permit is very important in Saudi Arabia for expatriate and it carries always with him.

Procedure to obtaining the iqama

1. Complete the application form with information exactly as written in the passport. Sign the form and get it stamped with the employer's seal.
2. Present the valid passport.
3. Submit 2 recent colored photos (4x6cm) of white background.
4. Attach a clear copy of ID card belonging to the employer for "individuals".
5. Payment receipt
6. Get a medical examination (requirement varies according to nationality).

Iqama renewal fees: For one year 250 Saudi Riyals and for two years is 500 Saudi Riyals.

Residence Permit (Iqama)

1. Employers must obtain residence permits for their employees to enable them move freely in the city where they work.
2. When an employee travels outside the Kingdom on a entry visa, the employer must keep the employee’s residence permit until his return to Saudi Arabia. To obtain a final exit visa, the residence permit is submitted to the passports authority with a final exit visa request form.
3. If the passport or residence permit is lost, the incident must be reported to the passports authority within 24 hours. If there is no passport authority in the neighborhood, the incident must be reported to the nearest police station. Violators of the rule are punished according to established law.
4. Residence permits must be renewed 3 days before expiration date. First-time violators pay a fine equals  to the renewal charge. The fine is doubled in case of a second violation. If a resident violates the rule 3 times, deportation will be his punishment.
5. Householder’s residence permit includes permit for his wife and legal minors (sons and daughters.) The householder’s son and / or daughter above the age of 18 years must be a passport holder and obtain a separate visa after paying the applicable fee.
6. A resident alien must present the residence permit to passports officers at their request; otherwise, he will be punished according to the established law.
7. The resident must keep the residence permit safely and never hand it to others. Pawning it is strictly prohibited.
8. The resident householder’s dependents are not allowed to work without the permission of the concerned authorities. Violators of the rule are liable to be punished according to the established law.
9. Companies, establishments and individuals must obtain residence and work permits for their employees. It is illegal to employ an alien who does not possess a residence or work permit. Employing individuals who are sponsored by others is a violation of the system.
10. Photographs of dependents must be added to the resident householder’s passport.
11. Lost or damaged residence permits are replaced with new ones, stamped as “Replacement,” validity of which is as same as of the original permit i.e. untill the expiry date.

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