How to change profession on Iqama How to check and change – associated procedures and fees
how to change profession on iqama in Saudi Arabia. An iqama or residency permit is an essential document for expatriates. It not only serves as a legal proof of residency but also specifies the holder s profession.
Your Iqama profession (Mehna) is more than a label — it determines legal compliance, whether you can sponsor family, do certain jobs, and how the Ministry monitors Saudization (Nitaqat). Keeping the Iqama profession accurate avoids fines, inspection issues, and mismatch penalties. The Kingdom now routes most profession corrections/changes through employer portals (Qiwa / HRSD) and updates are reflected in Absher and the Ministry of Interior records.
How to change profession Check Your Iqama
To find out your designated profession on your Iqama you can simply check the card itself. The profession is usually mentioned in Arabic. Look for a section titled المهنة Al Mehna which translates to Profession.
Resident Permit
Contact Your Sponsor or HR
If you re unable to interpret the Arabic text on your Iqama you can reach out to your employer or HR department. They should be able to provide you with the necessary information regarding your designated profession.
Quick summary (what you’ll learn)
- Who can request to change profession
- Exact platforms and who must submit (employer / authorized rep)
- Typical fees and processing notes
- Step-by-step checklist you can follow right away
- FAQs and tips to avoid rejections
Changing Your Profession on Iqama
Who can change profession on an Iqama?
Only the sponsoring employer (or an authorized representative/GRO) can submit a profession-change request on behalf of the employee. The establishment must meet basic account & license requirements (active license, acceptable Qiwa/HRSD status such as green/platinum range), and the requested profession cannot be one restricted for Saudis only. In practice the employer submits the request through Qiwa / HRSD business services — not the worker directly.
Eligibility checklist (quick)
Before you ask your employer to apply, confirm:
- Your Iqama is valid and not expired.
- You have no HUROOB (absconding) or serious MOI flags.
- Employer’s establishment license is valid and in good standing (green/platinum preferred).
- The new profession is not restricted to Saudi nationals (localization rules).
- There are no unresolved legal issues (criminal cases, major traffic fines affecting status).
Step-by-step: How the process works (modern workflow to change profession)
- Employer prepares the request in Qiwa (or HRSD business portal).
The company’s HR or authorized GRO logs into the business Qiwa account and selects “Change profession / Correct Occupation” under Occupation Management. They choose the new profession from the Unified Saudi Occupational Classification (USOC) list. - Submit and wait for HRSD approval.
HRSD (Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development) reviews the request. For most standard changes the portal either auto-approves or routes to manual review if there’s a conflict (e.g., a Saudization restriction, mismatch with company activity). The HRSD service page confirms establishments submit the request and that approvals are managed centrally. - Update reflected on Absher / MOI records.
Once HRSD approves, the updated profession is shown in Absher and MOI databases — and eventually appears on your Iqama record (the digital record). The physical card may not be reissued immediately unless a new card is requested. Always check Absher / MOI to confirm the change profession status. - Pay any required fees (if applicable).
Many service guides and agent resources report a standard fee in practice (often cited around SAR 1,000), frequently paid by the employer. Fees and timelines can vary; always ask the employer to confirm the exact fee shown during the Qiwa/Absher process. (Recommend: confirm via your employer and HRSD/Qiwa screenshots.) - Final checks and documents.
HRSD’s online page lists the Change Profession service as not requiring documents from employers for standard changes, but employers commonly attach employment contracts, degree certificates or technical licenses when requesting reclassification to a higher skilled occupation. If manual verification is needed, HRSD will request supporting docs.
Educational Qualifications
One common way to change your profession is by upgrading your educational qualifications. Obtaining a degree or certification in a field related to your desired profession may open up opportunities for you to change profession.
The degree or certification which should be attested from higher education from native country and from foreign ministry of Kingdom Saudi Arabia or Saudi Embassy.
Job Offer
If you receive a job offer in a different field, you may be able to change profession on your Iqama.
The new employer typically sponsors the change and the process is facilitated through the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Procedures to Change Profession on Iqama
Submit Application
Once you meet the eligibility criteria you need to submit an application for a profession change. This can be done through the Absher portal or by visiting the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development which is now linked with Qiwa.
Document Submission
Prepare the necessary documents including a valid job offer educational certificates and any other documents required by the ministry.
Approval Process
The ministry will review your application and if approved they will update your Iqama with the new profession.
Change Profession Fees
Government Fees
Updated fee 2000 Saudi Riyals Changing your profession on your Iqama involves certain government fees. The exact amount may vary and it is advisable to check with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development for the latest fee schedule. The Fee should be pay though direct any bank of Saudi Arabia like SAUDI NATIONAL BANK- ALRAJHI BANK- ALNIMA BANK -RIYAD BANK- JAZERA BANK – SAUDI BRITISH BANK-SAUDI FRANSI BANK- BANK ALBILAD and many more banks and also can be pay through banks app.
Service Fees
In addition to government fees there may be service fees charged by the ministry or service centers facilitating the profession change process.
Before initiating any profession change process individuals should inquire about and clarify the details of both government fees and service fees to ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of the financial obligations involved.
This transparency helps prevent any surprises and allows individuals to plan their resources accordingly.
Common reasons requests are rejected (and how to avoid them)
- Employer account / license not active — ensure the company’s license is in good standing.
- Requested profession restricted to Saudis — check localization lists first.
- Mismatch between company activity and profession — employer should choose an occupation aligned to the establishment’s licensed activity.
- Incomplete supporting documents (for skilled professions) — provide diplomas, certificates, licensing if asked.
- Pending enforcement flags on the worker (huqooq / huroob) — resolve any legal status issues first.
Practical tips for employees
- Ask your employer to share the Qiwa request ID or screenshots so you can track progress.
- Check Absher / MOI after approval to confirm the change shows in government records.
- Keep digital and printed copies of employment contract diploma and any professional licenses if HRSD requests verification.
- If your employer resists remind them the change avoids fines and aligns with legal compliance it is in the interest of both parties.
Conclusion
Changing profession on your Iqama in the Kingdom Saudi Arabia in 2025 is a primarily employer driven digital process handled through either Qiwa or HRSD and reflected in Absher or MOI records. Preparation which includes valid Iqama employer account in good standing correct occupation code and clear communication with your HR or GRO will make the process fast and expels any hurdles. Always confirm the fees and check Absher webportal for the final update.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply for a profession change myself via Absher?
A: No — profession change requests are submitted by the sponsoring employer (or authorized representative) through Qiwa/HRSD business services. You can, however, check status on Absher once approved.
Q: How long does a profession change take?
A: Straightforward, system-approved changes often complete within a few days; manual reviews may take longer. Monitor Qiwa status and Absher.
Q: Will my physical Iqama card be reissued automatically?
A: The digital record (Absher/MOI) updates; physical card reissue depends on MOI procedures — ask your employer or Jawazat if a new card is required.
Q: Can a domestic worker or driver change profession to a technician?
A: In some cases yes, but it depends on eligibility, supporting qualifications, and HRSD approval. Employer must apply and provide necessary documents.
Q: Is there any profession I cannot change to?
A: You cannot change to professions restricted by Saudization/localization decisions or those reserved for Saudi nationals; check HRSD and Nitaqat rules.