Sponsorship (Iqama) Transfer in Saudi Arabia 2026: Fees, Conditions and Steps
Quick answer: Transferring an expat worker's services (sponsorship transfer) costs 2,000 SAR the first time, 4,000 SAR the second time and 6,000 SAR the third time. The new employer pays these fees, and the transfer itself is done on Qiwa, where the service is free.
Calculate the sponsorship transfer fee →
Sponsorship transfer fees
| Transfer | Fee (SAR) | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| First transfer | 2,000 | New employer |
| Second transfer | 4,000 | New employer |
| Third transfer | 6,000 | New employer |
| Qiwa transfer service | 0 | No fee |
The official schedule lists the first three transfers. Hasebio does not guess a fee for a fourth or later transfer: check it with the new employer or Qiwa.
Who pays the transfer fee?
Under Article 40 of the Saudi Labor Law, the employer who receives the worker pays the service transfer fee. The worker should not be asked to pay it. If the iqama or work permit is due for renewal at the same time, agree in writing with the new employer who pays those amounts.
Can I transfer without my employer's approval?
Yes, in many cases. Since 14 March 2021, the HRSD job mobility rules let an expat worker move to a new employer when the contract ends, without the current employer's approval. During the contract, a move is possible if the worker respects the notice period in the contract (often 90 days) and the other conditions set by the ministry.
- Your contract has ended.
- Your employer has not paid your salary for three months in a row (in the wage protection records).
- Your contract was not documented on Qiwa within the required time after you arrived.
- Other cases set by HRSD, such as a breach of the contract by the employer.
The conditions are updated from time to time. Check your own case in Qiwa before you resign or sign a new offer.
How to transfer your sponsorship on Qiwa
- The new employer sends a transfer request with a job offer on Qiwa.
- You accept the request in your Qiwa individual account.
- If approval from the current employer is needed, they approve it, or the notice period runs.
- The new employer pays the transfer fee, and the services move to the new establishment.
- Your new employment contract is documented on Qiwa.
Private drivers and domestic workers
Private drivers and domestic workers are under a different system. Their transfer is done through Musaned and Absher with their own rules and fees, so the table above does not apply to them.
Open the sponsorship transfer calculator →
Also useful: iqama renewal fees and end of service after resignation.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the iqama transfer fee in Saudi Arabia?
2,000 SAR for the first transfer, 4,000 SAR for the second and 6,000 SAR for the third. The new employer pays.
Who pays the sponsorship transfer fee, the worker or the employer?
The new employer. Article 40 of the Labor Law puts service transfer fees on the employer.
Can I transfer my sponsorship without my employer's approval?
Yes when your contract has ended, and in other cases such as three months of unpaid salary. During the contract you must respect the notice period. Check your case on Qiwa.
Is the transfer done on Qiwa?
Yes, the employee transfer service is on Qiwa and the service itself is free; the government transfer fee is paid separately.
How do I transfer a private driver or a domestic worker?
Through Musaned and Absher, which have their own rules and fees.
Official sources
- HRSD: Improving the contractual relationship initiative (job mobility, March 2021)
- HRSD: Expat worker service transfer
- HRSD: Labor Law Article 40 (fees paid by the employer)
This guide explains the general rules. It is not legal advice.