There are several types of Iqama in Saudi Arabia, including:
- Work Iqama: issued to foreign workers who are employed in the country. It is valid for a period of two years and must be renewed annually.
- Family Iqama: issued to the spouse and children of a foreign worker who holds a Work Iqama. It is valid for a period of two years and must be renewed annually.
- Investor Iqama: issued to foreign investors who have invested a significant amount of money in the Saudi economy. It is valid for a period of three years and must be renewed every three years.
- Residence Iqama: issued to foreign residents who are not employed in the country but wish to reside there. It is valid for a period of one year and must be renewed annually.
- Dependent Iqama: issued to the dependent family members of a foreign resident who holds a Residence Iqama. It is valid for a period of one year and must be renewed annually.
All the iqama types mentioned above requires the sponsor (employer, investor or resident) to meet certain financial and legal requirements, such as a minimum salary or investment, and to provide proof of employment or residence. Additionally, applicants for all types of Iqama must pass a medical examination and obtain a police clearance certificate.
Also Read: Iqama holder’s rights and responsibilities.
What Is Work Iqama
A Work Iqama, also known as a “work permit” or “residence permit for work,” is a document issued by the Saudi government to foreign workers who are employed in the country. It serves as proof of legal residence and work authorization, and is required for various activities such as opening a bank account, obtaining a driver’s license, and renewing your passport.
The Work Iqama is usually valid for a period of two years, and must be renewed annually. The issuance of the Iqama is subject to the employer meeting certain financial and legal requirements, such as having a minimum salary or investment, and providing proof of employment.
Applicants for a Work Iqama must also pass a medical examination and obtain a police clearance certificate. The medical examination must be done in Saudi Arabia and it includes HIV, Hepatitis and Tuberculosis tests.
The Work Iqama is an important document that must be kept updated and valid at all times, failure to do so can lead to fines and penalties, and even deportation.
What Is Family Iqama
A Family Iqama, also known as a “residence permit for family,” is a document issued by the Saudi government to the spouse and children of a foreign worker who holds a Work Iqama. It serves as proof of legal residence for the family members in Saudi Arabia.
The Family Iqama is usually valid for a period of two years and must be renewed annually. The issuance of the Iqama is subject to the sponsor (the foreign worker holding the Work Iqama) meeting certain financial and legal requirements, such as having a minimum salary or investment, and providing proof of employment.
The Family Iqama holder can apply for a driver’s license, open a bank account and also can travel inside Saudi Arabia. The Family Iqama holder also allowed to work in Saudi Arabia, but it requires to obtain a separate work permit.
Like the Work Iqama, applicants for a Family Iqama must also pass a medical examination and obtain a police clearance certificate. The medical examination must be done in Saudi Arabia and it includes HIV, Hepatitis and Tuberculosis tests.
It’s important to keep the Family Iqama updated and valid at all times, failure to do so can lead to fines and penalties, and even deportation.
What Is Investor Iqama
An Investor Iqama is a type of residence permit issued by the Saudi government to foreign investors who have invested a significant amount of money in the Saudi economy. It serves as proof of legal residence for the investor in Saudi Arabia and enables them to live and conduct business activities in the country.
The Investor Iqama is typically valid for a period of three years and can be renewed every three years. The issuance of the Iqama is subject to the investor meeting certain financial and legal requirements, such as having a minimum investment amount, and providing proof of investment.
The Investor Iqama holder can apply for a driver’s license, open a bank account, sponsor dependents and also can travel inside Saudi Arabia. The Investor Iqama holder also allowed to work in Saudi Arabia, but it requires to obtain a separate work permit.
Like the other Iqama types, applicants for an Investor Iqama must also pass a medical examination and obtain a police clearance certificate. The medical examination must be done in Saudi Arabia and it includes HIV, Hepatitis and Tuberculosis tests.
It’s important to keep the Investor Iqama updated and valid at all times, failure to do so can lead to fines and penalties, and even deportation.
What Is Residence Iqama
A Residence Iqama is a type of residence permit issued by the Saudi government to foreign residents who are not employed in the country but wish to reside there. It serves as proof of legal residence for the holder in Saudi Arabia, enables them to live in the country and conduct some business activities.
The Residence Iqama is typically valid for a period of one year and must be renewed annually. The issuance of the Iqama is subject to the sponsor meeting certain financial and legal requirements, such as having a minimum salary or investment, and providing proof of residence.
The Residence Iqama holder can apply for a driver’s license, open a bank account, sponsor dependents and also can travel inside Saudi Arabia. The Residence Iqama holder also allowed to work in Saudi Arabia, but it requires to obtain a separate work permit.
Like the other Iqama types, applicants for a Residence Iqama must also pass a medical examination and obtain a police clearance certificate. The medical examination must be done in Saudi Arabia and it includes HIV, Hepatitis and Tuberculosis tests.
It’s important to keep the Residence Iqama updated and valid at all times, failure to do so can lead to fines and penalties, and even deportation.
What Is Dependent Iqama
A Dependent Iqama is a type of residence permit issued by the Saudi government to the dependent family members of a foreign resident who holds a Residence Iqama. It serves as proof of legal residence for the dependent family members in Saudi Arabia and enables them to live with the sponsor in the country.
The Dependent Iqama is typically valid for a period of one year and must be renewed annually. The issuance of the Iqama is subject to the sponsor (the foreign resident holding the Residence Iqama) meeting certain financial and legal requirements, such as having a minimum salary or investment, and providing proof of residence.
The Dependent Iqama holder can travel inside Saudi Arabia, but they are not allowed to work or conduct business activities in the country. They are also not allowed to sponsor any dependents.
Like the other Iqama types, applicants for a Dependent Iqama must also pass a medical examination and obtain a police clearance certificate. The medical examination must be done in Saudi Arabia and it includes HIV, Hepatitis and Tuberculosis tests.
It’s important to keep the Dependent Iqama updated and valid at all times, failure to do so can lead to fines and penalties, and even deportation.