Saudi Iqama Renewal & Expat Levy Calculator 2026
Estimate annual Iqama renewal fees, the monthly expat worker levy and the dependent levy for expatriates in Saudi Arabia.
| Iqama renewal fee | — |
|---|---|
| Dependent (over-18) renewal fees | — |
| Worker levy (monthly × 12 × years) | — |
| Family/dependent levy (monthly × 12 × years) | — |
| Total for the period | — |
In short
Saudi Iqama renewal costs about SAR 650 per year for a standard worker (SAR 600 for domestic workers). Employers pay an expat levy of SAR 800 per month per foreign worker (SAR 700 where Saudis are at least half the workforce), and a dependent levy of SAR 400 per month per family member.
Who this is for: Expatriates and employers in Saudi Arabia budgeting Iqama renewal, work-permit levy and dependent levy for the year.
Three separate charges that make up an expat's annual cost
The cost of employing or sponsoring an expatriate in Saudi Arabia is made up of several distinct fees, not one number:
- Iqama renewal fee: paid annually (or for a 2-year period) to renew the residence permit itself — a different rate applies to domestic workers.
- Dependent renewal fee: a dependent aged over 18 typically needs their own Iqama renewal, at a separate rate.
- Worker (expat) levy: a monthly fee the employer pays for each non-Saudi employee, reduced for companies meeting a Saudization threshold (≥50% Saudi workforce).
- Dependent (family) levy: a separate monthly fee per family member residing with the sponsor in Saudi Arabia — this applies regardless of the dependent's age.
Two exemptions worth knowing about: companies holding a valid Industrial Licence had the expatriate workforce levy permanently cancelled from December 2025, and very small businesses (nine or fewer employees) may qualify for exemptions on specified foreign workers.
See also: Saudi End of Service Calculator (EOSB).
Assumptions
- Renewal fee is SAR 650/year (standard) or SAR 600/year (domestic worker); dependents over 18 are SAR 500/year each.
- Worker levy is SAR 800/month, or SAR 700/month where Saudis are at least 50% of the workforce.
- Dependent levy is SAR 400/month per family member you enter.
- Industrial-licence and small-business exemptions are not applied.
Worked example
Iqama renewal: SAR 650
Worker levy: SAR 800 × 12 = SAR 9,600
Family levy: 2 × SAR 400 × 12 = SAR 9,600
Total for the year ≈ SAR 19,850
Frequently asked questions
Does the worker levy apply to me if I'm the employee, not the employer?
No — the worker levy is paid by the employer/sponsor for each non-Saudi employee, not by the worker directly. It's included here so employees can understand the full cost their sponsor carries.
What counts as a 'dependent' for the family levy?
Typically a spouse and children residing with the sponsor under their Iqama sponsorship — check your Absher account for exactly who is registered as your dependent.
Are there any exemptions?
Yes — Industrial Licence holders had the worker levy permanently cancelled from December 2025, and businesses with nine or fewer employees may qualify for exemptions on specified foreign workers. This calculator does not model either exemption.
Who pays the dependent levy?
The sponsor pays it when renewing dependents' Iqamas, for the full renewal period in advance.
Is the worker levy the same for all sectors?
No — industrial-licence holders were exempted from December 2025 and some sectors and small businesses have exemptions or reductions; check Qiwa for your entity.
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