Overview
Issuing an iqama is the first statutory step after an expatriate arrives in the Kingdom, and it comes with a deadline: the residence permit must be issued within 90 days of the entry date. Missing it exposes the employer to a fine and leaves the employee without the legal status needed to open a bank account, bring in family, or even obtain a driving licence.
The procedure itself is not complex, but it is strictly sequential: the medical examination at an approved centre first, then issuance of the health insurance policy, then payment of iqama and dependant fees, and finally card issuance through Absher Business or Muqeem. Any step taken out of order is rejected by the system.
Rapture handles that full sequence on behalf of the establishment or sponsor: we book the medical appointment, issue the insurance, settle the fees, and follow issuance through to delivery — keeping you informed of the file status at every stage.
Government fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Iqama, 12 months (establishment worker) | SAR 650 |
| Iqama, domestic worker (1 year) | SAR 600 |
| Absher transaction fee | SAR 51.75 |
| Work permit levy per worker (monthly) | SAR 700–800 |
| Dependant fee per dependant (monthly) | SAR 400 |
| Deadline after entering the Kingdom | 90 days |
| Issuance after medical and insurance | 3–7 working days |
Current at October 2026 and subject to change by the authorities. The medical examination and health insurance are billed separately. Official source
Who is this service for?
- Employers whose newly recruited staff have just arrived in the Kingdom
- Sponsors issuing residence permits for accompanying family members
- Companies wanting to delegate management of their employees' iqama file
- Domestic workers requiring a residence permit after arrival
Required documents
- Passport valid for at least six months
- The work visa or entry visa used on arrival
- Personal photograph on a white background in the approved size
- Medical examination result from an approved centre inside the Kingdom
- Valid health insurance policy in the employee's name
- Commercial registration and unified establishment number (for companies)
How the process works
-
Confirm eligibility and the statutory window
We check the entry date and the days remaining in the 90-day window, and verify the establishment file carries no suspension that would block issuance.
-
Medical examination and health insurance
We book the medical appointment at an approved centre, track the result upload, then issue the health insurance policy required for approval.
-
Settle statutory fees
We calculate the iqama fee, dependant fees and labor office charges due, settle them through official channels and provide you with the payment receipts.
-
Card issuance and handover
We file through Absher Business or Muqeem and follow issuance until the iqama card is delivered and its data is active across government systems.
Expected turnaround
Three to seven working days once the medical examination and insurance are complete, provided the establishment file carries no suspensions.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get an iqama in Saudi Arabia?
Three to seven working days from the moment the medical examination result is uploaded and the health insurance policy is issued. The medical test itself usually adds two to three days before that, so plan for roughly one to two weeks end to end. The clock only runs while the establishment file is clear — a suspension halts issuance regardless of how complete the paperwork is.
How much does a new iqama cost?
The residence permit fee is SAR 650 for twelve months (SAR 600 for domestic workers), with shorter terms priced proportionally, plus about SAR 51.75 per Absher transaction. The employer also pays the monthly work permit levy — SAR 700 or SAR 800 per worker depending on the Saudi-to-expatriate ratio in the establishment — and SAR 400 a month for each dependant. The medical examination and health insurance are billed separately. Figures current at October 2026; we confirm the exact total against your file before paying.
How long do I have to issue an iqama after arrival?
Ninety days from the expatriate's entry date. After that a fine applies to the employer and certain establishment services are suspended until the position is regularised. We recommend starting within the first two weeks of arrival.
Can an iqama be issued without a medical test?
No. A medical examination at an approved centre inside the Kingdom is a mandatory prerequisite for first-time issuance, and covers specific tests that vary by profession and nationality.
What is the difference between issuing and renewing an iqama?
Issuance happens for the first time after entry and requires a medical examination. Renewal applies to an existing card before expiry, usually needs no medical test, but does require fee payment and health insurance renewal.
Do I need to attend in person?
In most cases no, because we are delegated on the government platforms. The one exception is the medical examination, which the employee must attend personally.
What if the establishment file is suspended?
The system will not accept a new iqama while the file is suspended. We first review the cause — usually a Nitaqat or Wage Protection breach, or unpaid fees — and help you resolve it before starting.