Family paperwork in Saudi Arabia: what does it cost to add a baby or renew an 18-year-old's iqama?

Jawazat's fee table lists no fee to add a dependant born in Saudi Arabia, SAR 2,000 to add a dependant or baby born outside the Kingdom, and SAR 500 to issue or renew the iqama of a resident's dependant aged 18 or over.

Jawazat fees

• Adding a dependant born in Saudi Arabia: free.
• Adding a dependant or newborn born outside the Kingdom: SAR 2,000.
• Issuing or renewing the iqama of a resident's dependant who has reached 18: SAR 500.

Bank accounts for children

• SAMA's rules allow accounts for children under 15, operated by the sponsoring expatriate parent.
• Chequebooks are withheld until the child turns 18.

Planning ahead

1. Budget for the monthly dependant fee: it's charged for each dependant when the main iqama is renewed and isn't in Jawazat's fee table, so check the amount Absher shows.
2. Keep your child's birth certificate and passport details ready for official registration.
3. Note when each child turns 18, so the dependant's iqama fee doesn't surprise you at renewal.
4. Check your employment benefits: Article 40 of the Labor Law lists only the worker's own iqama and work permit fees as employer costs.

Official sources

• General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat): Fees (Arabic)
• SAMA Rulebook: Expatriates and Visitors in Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Labor Law, Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers (Arabic, current text)

On Saudi Expats: the family visa document checklist and our guide to bringing your family.

Checked September 2026. Jawazat's fee table is dated 12 Safar 1445 and is still the published version; other family fees may apply, so check the amount shown before paying.

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