Getting your own Iqama as general manager
Company is formed. How do I get my own Iqama as the GM?
The situation
Your new company sponsors you: it requests a work visa on Qiwa, and after you enter the Kingdom the Iqama is issued through Muqeem. Visa services are only open if the company's Nitaqat band allows them.
The law
- Developed Nitaqat Programme (Ministerial Decision 182495; Procedural Guide 2026): Required Saudi percentage depends on entity size and activity; bands Platinum, Green levels and Red
What it means for you
A brand-new company starts with few staff, so check the band on Qiwa before applying. Public guides put the year-one cost per person at about SAR 10,000 to 15,000 including medical insurance, with Iqama renewal at about SAR 650 a year. If you want residency that is not tied to your company, compare premium residency (SA-IMM-02).
What to do
- Activate Qiwa and Muqeem for the company.
- Check the Nitaqat band allows visas.
- Apply for the work visa on Qiwa.
- Issue the Iqama on Muqeem after arrival and document your contract.
We can do this for youIqama and work permit for the company's general manager and first expat hires: SAR 2,500