Employment Visa & Iqama in Saudi Arabia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Foreign workers in Saudi Arabia need an employment visa and a residence permit (Iqama) — the Iqama is your single most important document in the Kingdom, required for everything from opening a bank account to renting an apartment:
- Work visa: Your employer applies for an employment visa through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). You cannot enter Saudi Arabia on a tourist or Umrah visa and switch to a work visa from inside the country.
- Iqama issuance: After arrival, your employer must obtain your Iqama within 90 days. The Iqama is your legal identity document — it replaces your passport for most day-to-day purposes in the Kingdom.
- Iqama renewal: The Iqama must be renewed before it expires. Renewal is processed through Absher or the Muqeem platform (the employer-facing immigration system).
- Employer obligations: Your employer must pay the Iqama fees and government levies. The Labour Law prohibits passing these costs to the worker.
- Always carry it: You must carry your Iqama at all times — failure to present it to authorities results in fines, and in some cases, detention pending identity verification.
When does it apply?
- You are a foreign national coming to Saudi Arabia for employment.
- Your Iqama is about to expire and needs renewal.
- Your employer has not processed your Iqama within the 90-day deadline.
What to Do If Your Employer Has Not Processed Your Iqama Within 90 Days in Saudi Arabia
- Verify your visa type before entering Saudi Arabia — confirm it is an employment visa, not a visit or Umrah visa.
- Follow up with your employer to ensure your Iqama is issued within 90 days of arrival.
- Check your Iqama status regularly through the Absher app — it shows expiry dates, dependent status, and any violations linked to your record.
- If your employer refuses to process your Iqama or pay the fees, file a complaint with MHRSD (call 19911) or use the MHRSD online complaint portal.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not work without a valid Iqama — you risk fines starting at SAR 10,000, detention, and deportation.
- Do not pay your own Iqama fees — the law places this obligation on the employer. If they deduct it from your salary, file a wage complaint.
- Do not let your Iqama expire — penalties increase the longer it is overdue, and an expired Iqama blocks access to most government services through Absher.
Common Questions
When does it apply — employment visa & iqama?
You are a foreign national coming to Saudi Arabia for employment.Your Iqama is about to expire and needs renewal.Your employer has not processed your Iqama within the 90-day deadline.
What should I do if my employer has not issued my Iqama more than 90 days after I arrived in Saudi Arabia?
Verify your visa type before entering Saudi Arabia — confirm it is an employment visa, not a visit or Umrah visa.Follow up with your employer to ensure your Iqama is issued within 90 days of arrival.Check your Iqama status regularly through the Absher app — it shows expiry dates, dependent status, and any violations linked to your record.If your employer refuses to process your Iqama or pay the fees, file a complaint with MHRSD (call 19911) or use the MHRSD online complaint portal.
What should you NOT do — employment visa & iqama?
Do not work without a valid Iqama — you risk fines starting at SAR 10,000, detention, and deportation.Do not pay your own Iqama fees — the law places this obligation on the employer. If they deduct it from your salary, file a wage complaint.Do not let your Iqama expire — penalties increase the longer it is overdue, and an expired Iqama blocks access to most government services through Absher.