Which fees does a foreign worker in Saudi Arabia pay?
When an iqama is renewed, several fees are paid together. Some are your own responsibility and some, by law, belong to your employer:
| Fee | Amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Dependents fee | 400 SAR a month for each family member | You |
| Exit and re-entry visa for your family | Single: 200 SAR for 2 months + 100 SAR per extra month. Multiple: 500 SAR for 3 months + 200 SAR per extra month | You |
| Your iqama issuance or renewal | 650 SAR a year (can be renewed for 3, 6, 9 or 12 months) | Employer |
| Work permit (expat levy) | 800 SAR a month, or 700 SAR in companies with at least as many Saudis as foreigners | Employer |
| Your own exit and re-entry visa | Same as above | Employer |
| Fines for late iqama renewal | 500 SAR the first time, 1,000 SAR the second time | Employer |
Article 40 of the Saudi Labor Law says the employer pays the fees of the worker’s iqama and work permit, their renewal and any fines for delay, as well as the worker’s exit and re-entry visa. If your employer deducts these from your salary, you can complain to the Ministry of Human Resources.
Worked examples
A wife and two children, renewed for 12 months
Dependents fee: 3 × 400 × 12 = 14,400 SAR, which is 1,200 SAR a month.
The same family travelling home for 3 months on a single visa
Each visa: 200 SAR for 2 months + 100 SAR for the third month = 300 SAR. For the three family members: 900 SAR. Your own visa is paid by your employer.
Frequently asked questions
Who counts as a dependent?
Family members on your sponsorship who live with you in Saudi Arabia, such as your wife and children. Each one costs 400 SAR a month, paid when the iqama is renewed.
Can I renew for less than a year?
Yes. The iqama, work permit and dependents fee can be renewed for 3, 6, 9 or 12 months, so the cost can be spread out.
My employer deducts the iqama fee from my salary. Is that allowed?
No. Under Article 40 of the Labor Law the employer pays the worker’s iqama and work permit fees and their renewal. The dependents fee and your family’s visas are your responsibility.
Do premium residency holders pay the dependents fee?
No. Holders of Saudi premium residency are exempt from the dependents fee.
Where do I pay?
Through your bank under government payments (SADAD), then the renewal is completed in Absher, or by your employer in Muqeem.
From the blog: Bringing your family to the Gulf: salary rules and yearly costs
Last reviewed: October 2026. Fees can change by government decision; check the current amounts in Absher or with the General Directorate of Passports before paying. This calculator is an estimate and is not legal advice.
This page was translated from Arabic. If something is unclear or wrong, please tell us.