Saudi Arab Work Permit Fee For 2026 Updated
The fees that employers will have to pay for expatriate workers in 2026 are getting renewed attention, with updated work permit renewal rules published in Saudi Arabia via the Qiwa platform. All the foreign workers in the Kingdom are required to have a valid work permit attached to their Iqama, and it is important to renew before the expiry date to remain legally employed. Employers can now renew work permits up to six months before they expire, helping companies avoid last-minute problems and service disruptions.
The annual work permit fee is the biggest concern for many expats and employers. The current system links the amount to the company’s level of Saudization. Companies with more Saudi than foreign workers must pay a monthly levy of 700 riyals ($186) per foreign worker, or around 8,500 riyals a year. Companies that employ more expatriate workers than Saudi nationals have to pay SAR 800 a month for each expatriate worker. This amounts to about SAR 9,700 annually. The fee structure is designed to incentivize private sector companies to recruit and retain more Saudi nationals.
The work permit renewal is done online via Qiwa. Employers only need to log into their Qiwa account, select the work permit service, select the employees needing their permits to be renewed, choose the renewal period, check the fees, and complete the payment through the approved channels. Permits may be extended from three months to one year, based on eligibility and job category.
If you do not renew a work permit before it expires, the results can be severe. Companies could face fines, the government could ban them from government services, they could be prevented from issuing new visas, and they could be restricted from making employee transfer requests. In some cases, expired permits can even create legal and administrative challenges for both employers and workers. These risks mean that businesses are strongly recommended to monitor permit expiry dates and initiate the renewal process well in advance.
Some qualifying establishments and small businesses may qualify for fee exemptions under certain government programs. Approved industrial establishments by Saudi authorities that meet the conditions and have a limited workforce are eligible for exemptions or reductions of work permit fees.
As Saudi Arabia continues to implement labor market reforms under Vision 2030, adherence to Qiwa regulations has never been more critical. Knowing whether the fee is SAR 700 or SAR 800 can make a big difference to annual labor costs for both employers and expatriates. It is important to keep work permits up to date and to renew them on time to ensure continuous employment and legal residency in the Kingdom.
