What is Iqama?
An iqama is the Saudi residency permit that allows an expatriate worker to live and work in the Kingdom, sponsored by their employer and subject to periodic renewal. The iqama links an expatriate employee to a sponsoring establishment. Lapse or non-renewal affects the employee's legal status and the employer's compliance position, and can block other government transactions.
Iqama explained
The iqama links an expatriate employee to a sponsoring establishment. Lapse or non-renewal affects the employee's legal status and the employer's compliance position, and can block other government transactions.
Renewal is managed through Muqeem and depends on the establishment being in good standing, including on Saudization and wage protection.
Related terms
← Back to the full GCC HR & payroll glossary
Let the system handle Iqama
NeuralHR.AI enforces UAE and Saudi HR rules inside the product — WPS, gratuity, Emiratisation, GOSI, Qiwa and Mudad — so your team is not tracking them by hand.