# 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.

## 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

- [Muqeem](https://neuralhr.ai/en/hr-glossary/muqeem): Muqeem is the Saudi digital platform used by employers to manage expatriate residency services, including iqama issuance and renewal, exit and re-entry visas.
- [Qiwa](https://neuralhr.ai/en/hr-glossary/qiwa): Qiwa is the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources digital platform used to authenticate employment contracts, manage work permits and track establishment compliance.

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Canonical page: https://neuralhr.ai/en/hr-glossary/iqama
Last verified: 2026-08-01

Published by NeuralHR.AI — AI-native HR and payroll platform for the UAE, Saudi Arabia and India.