Converting Saudi Temporary Work Visa to Iqama: Process, Timeline & Costs for 2026

What is the duration and costs to convert from Temporary work visa to Iqama ?

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Converting Saudi Temporary Work Visa to Iqama: Process, Timeline & Costs for 2026

Yes, you can convert a Saudi temporary work visa to a full Iqama residence permit, but the process isn't automatic. Understanding the conversion pathway saves your organization time and ensures compliance with Saudi labor regulations.

This guide provides HR teams with the exact steps, requirements, and timelines for transitioning temporary workers to permanent residence status in Saudi Arabia.

Understanding the Conversion Pathway

A Saudi temporary work visa allows employment for up to 90 days. Converting this to an Iqama transforms the visa holder's status to permanent residence with full employment rights under a Saudi sponsor.

Key difference: Temporary work visas are project-based and time-limited. Iqamas provide ongoing residency tied to continuous employment, renewable annually.

The conversion process is essentially a change of status application rather than a simple upgrade. You're not extending the temporary visa—you're applying for a new residence category while the worker remains in-country.

Eligibility Requirements for Conversion

Before initiating conversion, verify your employee meets these criteria:

Employee Requirements: - Currently holds valid temporary work visa - Has not overstayed permitted duration - Passes required medical examinations - Holds educational qualifications matching job role - No criminal record in Saudi Arabia

Employer Requirements: - Active commercial registration in Saudi Arabia - Available quota under Nitaqat (Saudization) program - Approved job position in QIWA system - Compliant with Ministry of Human Resources regulations - Ability to demonstrate genuine employment need

Most conversions fail due to Nitaqat quota limitations. Verify your green zone status and available visa allocations before starting the process.

Step-by-Step Temporary work Visa to Iqama Conversion Process

Step 1: Obtain Pre-Approval in QIWA Platform

Access the Ministry of Human Resources QIWA portal and submit conversion request. This generates a reference number needed for subsequent steps.

Required documents: - Employment contract (Arabic version) - Educational certificates with MOFA attestation - Company commercial registration - Employee passport copy

Processing time: 2-4 business days for initial approval.

Step 2: Complete Medical Examination

Employee must undergo medical screening at approved health centers. Tests include chest X-ray, blood tests for communicable diseases, and general health assessment.

Cost: SAR 200-400 per person Timeline: Results available within 24-48 hours

Medical clearance is valid for 3 months. Schedule strategically to align with other process steps.

Step 3: Submit Iqama Application Through Absher

After QIWA approval and medical clearance, submit formal Iqama application via Absher individual or business platform.

Application components: - Approved QIWA reference number - Medical examination results - Biometric data (fingerprints) - Residence permit fee payment

Processing time: 5-7 business days under normal conditions.

Step 4: Fingerprint Registration

Employee visits designated typing office or MOI service center for biometric registration. This step cannot be completed remotely.

Required documents: passport, QIWA approval, medical clearance certificate.

Timeline: Same-day service at most locations.

Step 5: Collect Iqama Residence Permit

Upon approval, the Iqama becomes available for collection. Most companies receive digital notification and can print from Absher.

Physical Iqama cards are typically delivered within 5 business days of approval.
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Timeline & Cost Breakdown

Additional costs to consider: - Medical insurance (mandatory): SAR 600-1,500 annually - Work permit fees: SAR 2,000 for first-time workers - Document attestation: SAR 300-800 if not previously completed

Total conversion cost typically ranges from SAR 3,750-5,350 per employee, depending on profession category and insurance tier.

Common Conversion Challenges

Nitaqat Quota Exhaustion

The most frequent roadblock. If your company has reached its expatriate worker limit, conversion becomes impossible without: - Canceling existing Iqamas - Upgrading Nitaqat tier through increased Saudization - Transferring quota from affiliated companies

Solution: Conduct quarterly quota audits and plan conversions within available allocations.

Medical Examination Failures

Approximately 3-5% of applicants fail medical screening, most commonly for tuberculosis or hepatitis.

Solution: Conduct pre-screening health checks before initiating conversion to avoid wasted processing time.

Document Authentication Issues

Educational certificates must have proper attestation chain: home country ministry → Saudi embassy → MOFA.

Solution: Verify document authentication during temporary visa stage to prevent conversion delays.

Alternatives to Conversion

If conversion proves impractical, consider these pathways:

Exit and Re-Entry

Employee exits Saudi Arabia and applies for new Iqama from outside. This approach bypasses some quota restrictions but involves: - Higher costs (exit/entry permits, new visa fees) - Work interruption of 10-15 days - Risk of visa rejection from abroad

Premium Residency Program

For senior executives or highly skilled workers, Saudi's Premium Residency offers long-term status independent of employer sponsorship. Minimum investment: SAR 800,000 or specialized professional credentials.

Visa Transfer to Another Employer

If current employer cannot sponsor permanent status, transfer to company with available quota. Requires consent from both employers and MOHRSD approval.

Compliance Considerations

Maintain Employment Continuity

Gaps between temporary visa expiration and Iqama issuance create illegal presence status. Submit conversion application minimum 15 days before temporary visa expires.

Update GOSI Registration

Upon Iqama issuance, register employee with General Organization for Social Insurance within 14 days. Penalties for late registration: SAR 10,000 per violation.

Track Expiration Dates

Iqamas require annual renewal. Implement automated tracking systems to prevent lapses that trigger fines (SAR 500-10,000 depending on overstay duration).

When to Choose Iqama Conversion vs. New Application?

Choose Conversion When: - Employee currently in Saudi Arabia on temporary visa - Immediate work continuity required - Quota available under existing sponsor - Employee passed medical screening during temporary visa process

Choose New Application When: - Employee abroad and can wait for processing - Company needs to optimize Nitaqat scoring - Converting would exhaust critical quota allocations - Temporary visa approaching expiration with insufficient conversion time

Streamlining Multi-Employee Conversions

For companies converting multiple temporary workers simultaneously:

Batch Processing Advantages: - Single QIWA submission for multiple employees - Coordinated medical examination scheduling - Reduced administrative overhead - Consistent timeline management

Best practices: - Group conversions by profession category - Stagger medical examinations across 2-3 days - Assign dedicated HR coordinator for tracking - Use project management software for deadline monitoring

Organizations converting 10+ employees should consider engaging immigration specialists to manage concurrent applications and prevent processing bottlenecks.

Disclaimer

Immigration laws and policies change frequently and may vary by country or nationality. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend doing your own due diligence or consulting official sources. You’re also welcome to contact us directly for the latest guidance. Jobbatical is not responsible for decisions made based on the information provided.

Immigration rules change often—please verify with official sources or contact us for the latest info.