with the introduction of new regulations, there has been a buzz surrounding the renewal fees for residence permits in Saudi Arabia. This discussion has gained momentum, especially after the announcement of increased fees for the re-entry visa for expatriates living outside the kingdom. The new regulations also include a doubling of exit and re-entry fees for a two-month duration, along with a 100 Saudi Riyal increase for residents staying within the kingdom for an additional month. If a resident remains outside the kingdom during this time, the monthly fee will be doubled. Additionally, exemptions from residence fees have been introduced for specific categories. Join us as we delve into the details of residence permit renewal fees in Saudi Arabia for one and two years, as well as the associated conditions.

Renewal Fees for One-Year Residence in Saudi Arabia

For individuals residing in the kingdom, renewing their one-year residence permits has become a hot topic with the recent price hikes. It is essential for residents to pay their renewal fees on time to avoid penalties and potential deportation. Let’s take a look at the renewal fees for one-year residence permits in Saudi Arabia post the price increase. The cost of renewal varies depending on the profession, as follows:

• Employees working in a company or institution: 600 Saudi Riyals for one year.
• Renewing the residence permit for the wife of a Saudi citizen for one year: 500 Saudi Riyals.
• Residence permit for a wife of a resident in the kingdom for one year: 500 Saudi Riyals.
• Renewal for dependents under 20 years old: 500 Saudi Riyals for one year.
• Private driver’s residence renewal fee: 600 Saudi Riyals.
• Domestic worker’s residence renewal for one year: 600 Saudi Riyals.
• Residence renewal fee for agricultural workers: 650 Saudi Riyals.
• Renewal for dependents of the resident in the kingdom: 2000 Saudi Riyals.
• Certain professions such as medical, engineering, and pharmacy may have higher renewal fees, ranging from 1000 to 1400 Saudi Riyals.

Renewal Fees for Two-Year Residence in Saudi Arabia

Many individuals wonder if they can renew their residence permits for more than one year. Indeed, it is possible, but the fees differ for two-year renewals. The fees for two-year renewal are as follows:

• Renewal for the wife of a resident for two years: 1000 Saudi Riyals.
• Renewal for the wife of a Saudi citizen for two years: 1000 Saudi Riyals.
• Renewal fee for domestic workers for two years: 1200 Saudi Riyals.
• Private driver’s residence renewal fee for two years: 1200 Saudi Riyals.
• Dependents under 20 years old: 1000 Saudi Riyals for two years.
• Employees working in a company or institution for two years: 1300 Saudi Riyals.
• Renewal fee for agricultural workers for two years: 1200 Saudi Riyals.

Conditions for Renewing Saudi Residence Permits

To secure the renewal of a residence permit in Saudi Arabia, there are specific conditions that must be met. These conditions ensure the approval of your application and the acquisition of a Saudi residence permit. Here are the prerequisites for renewal:

1. The applicant must be residing in Saudi Arabia and must pay the required renewal fees.
2. Outstanding traffic fines must be settled.
3. The applicant should not be registered as absent from their job.
4. A valid passport is a necessity.
5. If the individual has a family with children, they must possess valid medical insurance.
6. The person should not have male children over 21 years old registered as dependents.
7. The grace period for renewing the residence permit without incurring a fine is three days after the expiration date. Beyond this, a penalty will be levied for failure to renew.

In conclusion, the recent adjustments in residence permit renewal fees in Saudi Arabia have sparked interest and concern among residents. Understanding the fees, especially for different professions and renewal periods, is essential to ensure a smooth renewal process and compliance with the rules. Meeting the necessary conditions is equally crucial to secure the renewal of your Saudi residence permit without any issues.

How to Check the Validity of Your Residency Electronically on Absher

If you’re a resident or an expatriate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it’s crucial to stay updated on the validity of your residency permit, commonly known as ‘iqama.’ Renewing your iqama is a legal requirement, and staying informed about its status is vital to ensure you don’t face penalties. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of checking the validity of your residency electronically on Absher, a platform that provides valuable services for residents and expatriates.

1. Access Absher Platform

To begin, access the Absher platform by following these simple steps:

1. Go to the Absher website here
2. Enter your username and password.
3. Fill in the verification code and click ‘Login.’
4. From the main menu, select ‘Public Services.’
5. You will see various services; choose ‘Residency Services.’
6. Click on ‘Residency Validity.’

2. View Residency Validity

After following the above steps, you will be able to see the validity of your residency permit, including its expiration date. This information is crucial for planning your iqama renewal in a timely manner to avoid fines and potential legal issues.

Exemptions from Residency Permit Fees

In recent amendments, certain categories of expatriates are exempt from residency permit fees. These categories include:

• Foreign students on scholarships in Saudi universities.
• Residents with Palestinian nationality.
• Individuals with a final exit visa after the end of their work contract.
• Workers in small companies with fewer than 5 employees.
• Children of expatriates born in Saudi Arabia who obtained Saudi nationality.

It is essential for residents to renew their residency permits to obtain final exit visas. The renewal fees vary depending on the type of residency and profession, as mentioned earlier. Late renewal fees are also applicable if you miss the deadline.

Late Renewal Fees

In case you delay renewing your iqama, the late renewal fees are as follows:

• First-time delay: 500 Saudi Riyals.
• Second-time delay: 1000 Saudi Riyals.
• Third-time delay: 1000 Saudi Riyals, and deportation from Saudi Arabia.

Residency permit renewal fees in Saudi Arabia can be paid through ATM machines or via the Al-Rajhi Bank application. Absher also provides a convenient online platform for renewing your residency permit. Below are the steps for renewing your expired residency through the Absher portal:

How to Renew an Expired Residency Permit in Saudi Arabia via Absher

1. Access the Absher Electronic Platform here.
2. Select ‘Individuals.’
3. Log in to your account.
4. From the main menu, choose ‘Services.’
5. Under ‘Residency Services,’ select ‘Renew Residency.’
6. Enter the required data for the renewal.
7. Select the type of renewed residency and the office for permit collection.
8. Click ‘Renew.’

Permanent Residency Fees in Saudi Arabia

Many individuals are interested in the cost of permanent residency in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aiming to avoid the hassle of renewing their permits. The Saudi Passports Department has announced the following fees:

• Renewable residency permit fee: 800,000 Saudi Riyals.
• Renewed permanent residency permit fee: 100,000 Saudi Riyals.

Apart from these fees, permanent residents enjoy numerous privileges and services, and they only need to pay the renewal fee once while submitting the required documents.

In conclusion, staying informed about the validity of your residency permit is crucial for all residents and expatriates in Saudi Arabia. By following the steps provided in this article, you can easily check your iqama’s status on Absher and take necessary actions to renew it before the expiration date. It’s important to comply with the renewal regulations to avoid late renewal fees and other legal consequences.