Understanding Saudi Iqama Transfer Rules in 2025: Our Guide

Updated: 4 March 2025, 12:04 pm

Planning to switch jobs in Saudi Arabia? Staying updated on the latest Iqama transfer rules is essential to ensuring a smooth transition. Each country and company enforces specific regulations for employees, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. With career growth often requiring a change in employers, understanding these rules can help you avoid costly mistakes and delays.

In 2025, Saudi Arabia introduced new Iqama transfer regulations that every employee should be aware of. This article will break down the key aspects of these updates, including eligibility for transferable Iqama jobs, the process of navigating Iqama transfers, and new opportunities for professionals in the Kingdom. Knowing these guidelines will empower you to make informed career decisions and advance with confidence in Saudi Arabia

What Is Iqama?

Iqama is an official document that verifies your identity and employment authorization in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Typically, your sponsor or employer handles the process of obtaining this permit, which is essential for living and working in the country. For those seeking transferable iqama jobs in KSA, understanding the process for a Saudi Arabia iqama transfer is crucial, as it allows foreign workers to legally change jobs under the KSA iqama transfer regulations.

Different Types of Iqama

• Dependent Iqama:
  Issued to family members of expatriates living in Saudi Arabia.
• Professional Class Iqama:
  Granted to professionals with specialized degrees and qualifications.
• Business Iqama:
  Designed for business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs expanding operations in the Kingdom. Learn more about eligibility for this through: All About The Saudi Investor Visa: Our Comprehensive Guide
• Government Employee Iqama:
  Provided to foreign employees working in government institutions.
• Domestic Worker Iqama:
  Issued to expatriates employed in household or domestic roles.
• Labour Class Iqama:
  For manual laborers and other non-specialized migrant workers.
• Premium Residency Iqama (Special Privileged Iqama):
  Offers extensive privileges similar to the Saudi Golden Visa, including residency by real estate investment and job flexibility without sponsorship.

What Is An Iqama Transfer?

An iqama transfer, often required when switching employers, involves changing your sponsor. The process is influenced by the current employer’s rules and approval. It can be lengthy and requires payment of transfer fees, which may include extra charges from the employer. The transfer can take several weeks to months to complete, necessitating timely action.

However, not all iqamas are transferable, and approval from the existing sponsor is mandatory for the transfer to proceed. In response to these difficulties, new Saudi iqama transfer rules have been introduced to make the process smoother and more accessible for expatriates.

Types of Iqama Transfer

You can transfer your iqama multiple times during your stay in Saudi Arabia through the QIWA platform. There are two main types of transfer processes:

1. Transfer with Employer Approval:
   If you have been in Saudi Arabia for less than a year, your current employer’s consent is required to transfer your iqama.
2. Direct Transfer (No Employer Approval Needed):
   In certain cases, you can transfer your iqama without employer approval, including:
   • The employer’s work permit has expired.
   • The employer’s iqama has expired.
   • No work permit is issued within 90 days of your arrival in Saudi Arabia.

New KSA Iqama Transfer Rules For Foreign Workers in 2025

Saudi Arabia has introduced new Iqama transfer rules to improve labor mobility, protect worker rights, and support Vision 2030.

• Transfer Without Employer Consent: Workers can transfer their Iqama if their employer fails to pay wages for three months, does not issue a contract, or violates Saudization rules.
• Non-Renewal of Work Permits: The Ministry may refuse to renew work permits if employers breach regulations, allowing workers to transfer without consent.
• Expanded Worker Rights: Employees now have clearer grievance procedures, contract termination rights, and more flexibility in resignations and transfers.
• Digital Process Improvements: Platforms like Qiwa and Absher simplify Iqama transfers, contract management, and renewal fee payments.
• Employer Compliance: Employers must follow structured labor policies, including worker training and adherence to new regulations.
• Contract and Termination Rules: Non-Saudi contracts must have fixed terms, automatic renewal conditions, and clear probation and termination notice requirements.

Conditions To Transfer Services Without Employer Consent

While foreign employees in Saudi Arabia can transfer their Iqama without employer consent under the new rules, certain conditions must be met.

Employee Requirements:

• Must comply with KSA labor laws and have completed one year with the current employer.
• Should have a documented work contract.
• The new employer must submit the job offer on the Qiwa portal.
• The employee must provide formal notice to their current employer.

Transfer Eligibility Without Consent:

• No work contract within three months of arrival.
• Non-payment of salary for three consecutive months.
• Employer’s prolonged absence due to travel, death, or imprisonment.
• Iqama expiration.
• Employer involvement in concealment (tattasur) or human trafficking (with evidence).
• Employer fails to appear for two court sessions during a legal dispute.

New Employer Requirements:

• Must be eligible to obtain visas and comply with labor laws.
• Must adhere to the Wage Protection Program and support digital contracts and self-evaluation programs.

These conditions aim to protect foreign workers from exploitation and support fair job mobility in transferable Iqama jobs in Saudi Arabia.

Required Steps for Sponsorship Transfer Process

Step 1: Upload the Employment Contract on the Qiwa Platform

The new employer must upload the employment contract to the “Qiwa” platform to begin the Saudi sponsorship transfer process. The employee must meet the following criteria:

• Must be currently employed in Saudi Arabia.
• Must not be undergoing another sponsorship transfer.
• Must not hold a final exit visa.
• The status on the Qiwa platform must be: Awaiting Work Approval.

Step 2: Accept the Job Offer

The employee must accept the job offer through the Qiwa platform within 10 days to proceed.

• Register your details on the Qiwa platform (https://sso.qiwa.sa/sign-in).
• Log in, go to “Employee Transfer,” view the contract, and click “Accept” after reading it.
• If any issues arise, contact Qiwa platform support via support@qiwa.sa or call 920000105.

Step 3: Approval from Current Employer

If the employee has not completed one full year with the current employer, the request will be sent for approval. The employer has five options:

1. Approve the request immediately.
2. Approve with a 90-day notice period.
3. Approve with a shorter notice period.
4. Reject the request (with justification).
5. Take no action (the request will automatically be canceled after 14 days).

If the employer does not approve or reject the request within 14 days, Qiwa will automatically cancel the request.

Step 4: Completion of the Notice Period

For employees with valid residency and work permits who have completed one full year of employment, the notice period begins after contract acceptance. Qiwa will track the remaining notice period, and the current employer can choose one of the following options:

• Approve immediately.
• Approve with a default 90-day notice period.
• Approve with a shorter notice period.

Step 5: Approval to Complete the Transfer Process

Once the notice period is complete, the Qiwa platform will display the status “Approved: Awaiting Employee Transfer Completion.” At this stage, all required procedures will have been fulfilled, and the employer is required to visit the passport office to finalize the transfer process.

Step 6: Print the New Sponsorship

To complete the process:

• The sponsorship transfer fee must be paid within 12 days (according to Article 40, the employer is responsible for this fee).
  
• Verify the name of the new sponsor through the Absher platform.
  
• Visit the passport office to print the new residency permit.

If the new employer does not take action within 12 days, the process will be canceled, and the Qiwa platform will show the status as “Expired.”

How To Check Iqama Transfer Status?

Follow these quick steps to check the status of your Iqama transfer on the Ministry of Labour’s official website:

1. Visit the Ministry of Labour Website:

The website is in Arabic, so follow the instructions carefully.

2. Select the Iqama Transfer Option:

On the homepage, choose the fourth menu option, which translates to “Naqal Kafala” (Iqama transfer).

3. Enter Iqama Details:

On the next page, select the second option, enter your Iqama number, and complete the image code verification. Click the bottom-right option to proceed.

4. View Transfer Information:

You will see your sponsor’s name, application number, transfer date, and other details. Cross-check this information to verify your Iqama transfer status.

Saudi Iqama Transfer Fees

Employees applying for an Iqama transfer are subject to certain fees:

• Domestic workers: First-time transfer costs 600 SR; renewal costs 350 SR.
• Workers over 18: A combined Muqeem insurance and renewal fee of 500 SR applies.

In addition, the new employer must pay 2000 SR for the initial transfer. This fee increases by 2000 SR with each subsequent transfer.

Potential reasons for Iqama transfer rejection

• Expired Passport: Renew your passport in advance to prevent automatic rejection.
• Exit or Re-entry Stamp: A passport with a final exit or re-entry stamp may result in transfer denial.
• Criminal Record: Employees with a criminal history are not eligible for transfer.
• Traffic Violations: Repeated traffic violations can negatively impact transfer approval.
• Runaway Status: Employees marked as runaways are ineligible for the transfer process.

How To Apply For An Iqama Transfer Online

Process Involved In Iqama Transfer Online Through Qiwa

Employees who meet all requirements are eligible for a streamlined auto-transfer process:

1. New Employer Request: The new sponsor initiates the transfer request through the Qiwa platform.
2. Ministry Approval: The Ministry of Labour (MOL) typically approves the request within 24 hours without needing approval from the previous sponsor.
3. Status Check: Employees can track their transfer status on the MOL website.
4. Fee Payment: Once approved, the employee pays the Iqama transfer fee (2,000 to 6,000 SR). Employers are responsible for covering the full cost to prevent financial burden on employees.
5. Absher Verification: Employees can verify the transfer status through Absher. Once the new employer appears, they can proceed.
6. Jawazat Visit: Employees visit the Jawazat (Passport Office) to print their new Iqama.
7. Manual Processing: If issues arise, the new sponsor can visit the labor office to handle the transfer manually.

Court-Approved Transfer Process

For transfers requiring court approval:

1. Labor Office Visit: The new sponsor submits all documents, including a court ruling, to the labor office.
2. Document Review: A Maktab Amal officer verifies the documents and updates the MOL system.
3. Status Check: The employee tracks the transfer status online.
4. Fee Payment: The transfer fee payment process is similar to the auto-transfer.
5. Absher Verification & Jawazat Visit: The employee verifies the transfer through Absher and prints the new Iqama at the Jawazat center.

Required Documents for Iqama Transfer

To successfully transfer your Iqama in Saudi Arabia, you need to provide the following documents:

• Iqama (current residency permit)
• Passport copy
• Court ruling (if applicable)
• Transfer request letter from the new sponsor, attested by the Chamber of Commerce, with a detailed explanation of the transfer reasons

Iqama Transfers for Domestic Workers

In this context, domestic workers refer to native citizens working in various occupations within their home country. It’s important to note that the transfer of Iqama between individuals and establishments is prohibited in both directions.

However, after seven years of employment, domestic workers may be eligible for an Iqama transfer if certain conditions are met:

• The worker seeks a change in occupation.
• The Iqama has not been renewed for more than one year at a time.

Conclusion

Understanding the updated Saudi Iqama transfer rules is crucial for employees seeking job mobility in KSA. These reforms enhance job flexibility, protect workers’ rights, and streamline the transfer process. Staying informed about the eligibility criteria and requirements will ensure a smoother transition for expatriates. By following the outlined steps, workers can successfully navigate Iqama transfers and explore new opportunities in the Kingdom.

More Topics to Explore

• Types of Business Licenses in Saudi Arabia
• Company Registration in Saudi Arabia
• Company Formation in Saudi Arabia
• All about the Saudi Investor Visa: Our Comprehensive Guide 
• Establishing a branch office in Saudi Arabia
• Top Differences between Taxes and Zakat: Our comparative guide for companies in Saudi
• Visa Free Countries for Saudi Iqama Holders

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How long is the Iqama transfer request valid?

The transfer process is only valid if the expatriate employee’s permit has at least five days of validity remaining.

2. How can I transfer my Iqama from my company to my husband?

To transfer your Iqama to your husband’s sponsorship, you must obtain approval from your current employer, provide the necessary documents to the Ministry of Labor, and secure official approval for the transfer under your husband’s sponsorship

3. Are Iqama Transfer and Sponsorship Transfer the Same?

In Saudi Arabia, Iqama transfer and sponsorship transfer refer to the same process of shifting sponsorship from one employer to another. The transfer is facilitated through the Qiwa platform and involves obtaining a new job offer, securing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current employer, and submitting the necessary documents to the relevant authorities.

4. What happens if Iqama expires?

Residence permits must be renewed at least three days before expiration. First-time violators are fined an amount equal to the renewal fee. The fine doubles for a second violation, while a third violation results in deportation.

5. What is the difference between transferable and non-transferable Iqama?

A transferable Iqama allows job changes within Saudi Arabia by permitting sponsorship transfers to a new employer. In contrast, a non-transferable Iqama restricts this flexibility, limiting job change options.

6. What is the procedure for Iqama transfer?

To complete an Iqama transfer, you need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer and updated residency information. The process can be handled online through the Qiwa platform or in person at the Ministry of Labor office. Transfer fees begin at SAR 2,000 and increase with each additional transfer.