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Published on 5 Mar 2026 by Zon B.
Hiring a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia involves several legal steps, and one of the most important is obtaining the Iqama (residency permit). The Iqama allows a foreign domestic worker to legally live and work in Saudi Arabia under their sponsor.
In this guide, we explain the Iqama process for domestic workers, the timeline, and the expected costs, so employers understand what to expect from arrival to residency approval.
What is an Iqama?
An Iqama is the official residence permit issued to expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia. It serves as the worker’s legal identification and confirms their authorisation to live and work in the country under a sponsor (employer).
Domestic workers who require an Iqama include:
- Housemaids
- Drivers
- Nannies
- Housekeepers
- Gardeners
The employer (sponsor) is responsible for completing the Iqama process after the worker arrives in Saudi Arabia.
Iqama process for domestic workers
The process begins once the domestic helper enters Saudi Arabia with a valid visa. Below are the main steps involved.
1. Helper arrival in Saudi Arabia
After the domestic worker arrives in Saudi Arabia, the employer must start the residency process as soon as possible.
Timeframe
- The Iqama must be issued within 90 days of arrival
- Failure to issue it within this period may lead to fines
2. Medical examination
The domestic worker must complete a mandatory medical examination at an approved medical center.
Typical tests include:
- Blood tests
- Chest X-ray
- Infectious disease screening
Timeline
- Results usually take 1–3 days
The medical test ensures the worker is medically fit to work in Saudi Arabia.
3. Biometric registration
Next, the worker must register their fingerprints and biometric data. This step links the worker’s identity with government records.
Biometric registration may occur:
- At government service centers
- At designated biometric offices
- Sometimes during the medical exam process
Timeline
- Usually completed the same day
4. Health insurance registration
Before the Iqama can be issued, the domestic helper must be enrolled in mandatory health insurance. Health insurance provides access to healthcare services during the employment period.
Timeline
- Insurance activation usually occurs immediately after payment
5. Iqama issuance
Once all requirements are completed, the employer can issue the Iqama through the government platform. Most employers complete this step through the Absher system.
The issued Iqama includes:
- Worker’s name
- Iqama number
- Sponsor information
- Job title
- Expiry date
Timeline
- Usually issued within 1–2 days
Total timeline for the Iqama process
A typical timeline looks like this:
- Day 1: Helper arrives in Saudi Arabia
- Day 1–3: Medical examination and results
- Same day: Biometric registration
- Same day: Health insurance activation
- Day 3–7: Iqama issuance
Estimated total processing time
- Usually 3–7 days
- In some cases up to 1–2 weeks if delays occur
Cost of Iqama for domestic helpers
Employers are responsible for covering all related fees.
Typical costs include:
- Iqama issuance fee: Around SAR 600 per year
- Medical examination: Approximately SAR 100 – SAR 300
- Health insurance: Usually SAR 400 – SAR 900
- Biometric registration: Often included or minimal cost
Estimated total cost
- Around SAR 1,100 – SAR 1,800
Actual costs may vary depending on the medical center and insurance provider.
Important rules employers should know
- Issue the Iqama within 90 days - Employers must issue the Iqama before the 90-day visa validity expires to avoid penalties.
- Iqama renewal - Iqamas for domestic workers are usually valid for one year.
- Employers must renew them before the expiration date to avoid fines.
Common reasons for Iqama delays
Some common factors that may delay the process include:
- Failed medical tests
- Incorrect visa information
- Missing health insurance
- Delays in government systems
- Incomplete documentation
Preparing documents early can help avoid these issues.
The Iqama process for domestic workers is an important step after the helper arrives in Saudi Arabia. Understanding the timeline and fees helps employers ensure their domestic workers receive legal residency quickly and remain compliant with Saudi regulations.
You might be interested in:
Are Medical Tests Required for Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia?
What to Include in a Domestic Worker Contract in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Domestic Worker Visa Process Explained
Saudi Arabia Requires E-Salary Payments for Domestic Workers Starting 2026
Hiring a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia involves several legal steps, and one of the most important is obtaining the Iqama (residency permit). The Iqama allows a foreign domestic worker to legally live and work in Saudi Arabia under their sponsor.
In this guide, we explain the Iqama process for domestic workers, the timeline, and the expected costs, so employers understand what to expect from arrival to residency approval.
What is an Iqama?
An Iqama is the official residence permit issued to expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia. It serves as the worker’s legal identification and confirms their authorisation to live and work in the country under a sponsor (employer).
Domestic workers who require an Iqama include:
- Housemaids
- Drivers
- Nannies
- Housekeepers
- Gardeners
The employer (sponsor) is responsible for completing the Iqama process after the worker arrives in Saudi Arabia.
Iqama process for domestic workers
The process begins once the domestic helper enters Saudi Arabia with a valid visa. Below are the main steps involved.
1. Helper arrival in Saudi Arabia
After the domestic worker arrives in Saudi Arabia, the employer must start the residency process as soon as possible.
Timeframe
- The Iqama must be issued within 90 days of arrival
- Failure to issue it within this period may lead to fines
2. Medical examination
The domestic worker must complete a mandatory medical examination at an approved medical center.
Typical tests include:
- Blood tests
- Chest X-ray
- Infectious disease screening
Timeline
- Results usually take 1–3 days
The medical test ensures the worker is medically fit to work in Saudi Arabia.
3. Biometric registration
Next, the worker must register their fingerprints and biometric data. This step links the worker’s identity with government records.
Biometric registration may occur:
- At government service centers
- At designated biometric offices
- Sometimes during the medical exam process
Timeline
- Usually completed the same day
4. Health insurance registration
Before the Iqama can be issued, the domestic helper must be enrolled in mandatory health insurance. Health insurance provides access to healthcare services during the employment period.
Timeline
- Insurance activation usually occurs immediately after payment
5. Iqama issuance
Once all requirements are completed, the employer can issue the Iqama through the government platform. Most employers complete this step through the Absher system.
The issued Iqama includes:
- Worker’s name
- Iqama number
- Sponsor information
- Job title
- Expiry date
Timeline
- Usually issued within 1–2 days
Total timeline for the Iqama process
A typical timeline looks like this:
- Day 1: Helper arrives in Saudi Arabia
- Day 1–3: Medical examination and results
- Same day: Biometric registration
- Same day: Health insurance activation
- Day 3–7: Iqama issuance
Estimated total processing time
- Usually 3–7 days
- In some cases up to 1–2 weeks if delays occur
Cost of Iqama for domestic helpers
Employers are responsible for covering all related fees.
Typical costs include:
- Iqama issuance fee: Around SAR 600 per year
- Medical examination: Approximately SAR 100 – SAR 300
- Health insurance: Usually SAR 400 – SAR 900
- Biometric registration: Often included or minimal cost
Estimated total cost
- Around SAR 1,100 – SAR 1,800
Actual costs may vary depending on the medical center and insurance provider.
Important rules employers should know
- Issue the Iqama within 90 days - Employers must issue the Iqama before the 90-day visa validity expires to avoid penalties.
- Iqama renewal - Iqamas for domestic workers are usually valid for one year.
- Employers must renew them before the expiration date to avoid fines.
Common reasons for Iqama delays
Some common factors that may delay the process include:
- Failed medical tests
- Incorrect visa information
- Missing health insurance
- Delays in government systems
- Incomplete documentation
Preparing documents early can help avoid these issues.
The Iqama process for domestic workers is an important step after the helper arrives in Saudi Arabia. Understanding the timeline and fees helps employers ensure their domestic workers receive legal residency quickly and remain compliant with Saudi regulations.
You might be interested in:
Are Medical Tests Required for Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia?
What to Include in a Domestic Worker Contract in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Domestic Worker Visa Process Explained
Saudi Arabia Requires E-Salary Payments for Domestic Workers Starting 2026