What you pay when you renew on time
The bill has three parts: the government renewal fee (which depends on the country, residency type, and duration), mandatory health insurance, and in some cases medical tests. Fees change with regulations, so always confirm the current amount on the official channel — Absher for Saudi Arabia, Sahel for Kuwait — before you pay anyone.
What you pay when you're late
This is the number that hurts. Kuwait charges 2 KD for every day past expiry during the first month, then 4 KD per day, up to a 1,200 KD cap. Saudi Arabia charges SR 500 for the first offense and SR 1,000 for a repeat, with a real risk of deportation. A two-week slip in Kuwait costs 28 KD — more than many renewals.
The cheapest line item: not forgetting
Add the expiry date to your free account once and we email you before the deadline you choose, plus safety reminders 7 days and 1 day before expiry — in Arabic and English, for every iqama in your household including domestic workers.