Saudi Arabia’s government cabinet (Council of Ministers) approved rules for iqama and work permit issuance and renewal in January 2021. According to the rules, Iqama and work permits can be issued or renewed for a minimum period of three months. Previously, it was mandatory to renew iqama and work permit for a period of minimum 1 year and had to pay fee for one year.
Under the rules, iqama holders can renew iqama and work permit for periods shorter than 1 year, with a minimum of three months, and the fee — including the expat levy and dependent fee — is charged proportionally for the chosen period. For example: for a three months renewal of iqama and work permit, the fee will be charged for three months instead of one year and obviously the fee of three months will be less than 1 year.
The 2021 amendments excluded domestic workers and related professions. However, since August 2026, the Ministry of Interior (General Directorate of Passports), in cooperation with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Musaned platform, also allows domestic workers’ residency permits to be issued or renewed for periods starting from three months — 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 or 24 months — through Absher, with fees paid only for the selected period.
Sources: Saudi Gazette (January 27, 2021; July 19, 2026); Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (August 16, 2026).
