The Saudi Dependent Fee Explained: SAR 400 a Month and How to Budget for It
Who pays the Saudi dependent (family) fee, how it is charged at Iqama renewal, what it costs for a family of four, and ways to manage it.
Updated 27 October 2026
Expatriates in Saudi Arabia pay a monthly fee for each family member sponsored on their Iqama. Introduced in 2017 at SAR 100 and raised in steps, it has been SAR 400 per dependent per month since July 2020 – SAR 4,800 a year for each person.
Who counts as a dependent
Your spouse, children and other relatives who hold residence through your Iqama. Domestic workers are not counted for this fee. The fee is paid by the sponsor (you), not your employer, unless your contract says otherwise.
When it is paid
The fee is collected in advance when the Iqama is issued or renewed, for the period being renewed. Because Iqamas can now be renewed for 3, 6, 9 or 12 months, you can spread the cost through the year rather than paying it all at once.
What it costs a typical family
| Family | Dependents | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Couple | 1 | SAR 4,800 |
| Couple + 1 child | 2 | SAR 9,600 |
| Couple + 2 children | 3 | SAR 14,400 |
| Couple + 3 children | 4 | SAR 19,200 |
Add exit/re-entry visas for travel (SAR 200 per person for a single visa up to two months) and medical insurance for each dependent to get the full picture. The Saudi family & Iqama cost calculator adds it all up.
Ways to manage the cost
- Negotiate a family allowance or fee reimbursement when you accept a job offer.
- Renew for shorter periods to match your cash flow.
- If a family member leaves on final exit, their fee stops once the exit is processed – cancel promptly.
Government fees can change at short notice. Always check the amount on Absher before paying.