WHAT IS IQAMA AND HOW TO OBTAIN IT?
Iqama serves as the primary identification card for expatriates working in Saudi Arabia. Upon entering the kingdom on a 90-day working visa, your sponsor takes the responsibility of obtaining Iqama (Muqeem card) for you. This residence permit becomes applicable once your 90-day working visa expires.
Typically, Iqama is valid for one year in the Hijri date format. It includes essential details such as the Iqama number, employee name, sponsor name, place of issue, and the expiry date issued by the Ministry of Interior. While Iqama has recently been replaced by the Muqeem card, which indicates a validity of five years, the actual validity remains one year. However, you are required to renew it online annually, maintaining the same card for five years.
Iqama/Muqeem stands as the sole valid identity card for expatriates in Saudi Arabia. Without it, certain essential activities are restricted, such as obtaining a SIM card, opening a bank account, and traveling by train. Even roaming outside in Saudi Arabia is prohibited without a valid Iqama. Violations incur fines, starting from 1000 Saudi riyals for the first offense, 2000 Saudi riyals for the second, and 3000 Saudi riyals with possible deportation for the third.
Benefits of Holding an Iqama/Muqeem Identity Card:
Temporary Residence Permit: Enables you to work in Saudi Arabia.
Family Sponsorship: Allows sponsorship of family members on visit or permanent visas for certain professions.
Umrah Visits: Grants the flexibility to perform Umrah at any time.
Travel Privileges: Permits travel to various cities in Saudi Arabia through buses or trains.
HOW TO OBTAIN IQAMA:
It is the responsibility of your sponsor to procure Iqama for you, whether you are on a working visa or a free visa. The required documents for applying for Iqama include:
1- Up to four passport-size photographs.
2- Passport with two blank pages and a minimum validity of 6 months.
3- Completed visa application form.
4- Employment letter.
5- Visa reference letter.
6- Authorization or power of attorney.
7- Photocopy of the signed contract.
8- Attested copy of your education certificates.