Changing the profession on your Saudi iqama (residency permit) in 2026 is a regulated procedure that allows residents to update their registered profession to match their actual job or new qualification. The process is fully online via the Qiwa platform and is submitted by the employer.
⚡ Quick Answers (At a Glance)
| Who needs it? | Any non-Saudi resident whose job or qualification has changed |
| Where is it done? | Qiwa platform — submitted by the employer, not the worker |
| How much does it cost? | 1,000 SAR government fee |
| How long does it take? | 7 to 10 working days |
⚠️ Profession change is submitted only by the employer — the worker cannot submit the application themselves through their personal account.
When Do You Need to Change Your Profession?
- You moved to a new job that differs from the profession registered on your iqama
- You obtained a new academic qualification that upgrades your job title
- The profession registered on your iqama is incorrect and needs correction
- You received a promotion and your official job title changed
ℹ️ Not updating your profession may lead to fines, work restrictions, and difficulties when renewing your iqama.
Requirements for Changing Your Profession
- Valid iqama at the time of application — cannot apply with an expired iqama
- Employer (sponsor) approval for the change
- The new profession must exist in the Saudi Classification and Occupational Description Guide
- The new profession must not be restricted to Saudi nationals only
- The employer must have a valid commercial register or activity license
- The resident must actually be employed in the new profession
Required Documents
- Copy of a valid iqama
- Copy of passport
- Official consent letter from the employer
- Academic certificate attested by the relevant authorities (for professions that require it)
- Experience certificate if required by the profession
- Payment receipt for the change fee
Special Requirements for Certain Professions
| Profession | Additional Requirement |
|---|---|
| Doctors and health practitioners | Classification and registration with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties |
| Accountants and auditors | Registration with the Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA) |
| Engineers | Certificate accreditation from the Saudi Council of Engineers |
Steps to Change Profession via Qiwa Platform
- The employer logs in to Qiwa platform with the establishment account
- Select Worker Services → Residency Services
- Choose Modify Worker Profession from the service list
- Enter the worker’s details and select the new profession from the approved list
- Upload the required documents
- Pay the change fee — 1,000 SAR
- A notification is sent to the Passports Department to update the iqama data
- The resident receives an updated iqama with the new profession
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Government fee for profession change | 1,000 SAR |
| Additional fees (if any) | Depends on the situation |
| Approximate total | 1,000 — 1,015 SAR |
ℹ️ According to the Labor Law, the employer bears the profession change fee — but the law does not prevent the worker from paying if both parties agree.
Professions That Cannot Be Changed
- Government jobs restricted to Saudi nationals
- Professions with specific prohibition instructions
- Domestic workers (private driver, maid) — cannot be converted to business sector professions via Qiwa
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my profession myself without the employer?
No — profession change is submitted exclusively by the employer through the establishment account on the Qiwa platform. The worker cannot submit the application from their personal account.
Can I change my profession during sponsorship transfer procedures?
It’s recommended to complete the sponsorship transfer first, then change the profession, as each is a separate procedure with independent fees.
How many times can I change my profession?
You can change it multiple times as long as there are valid legal reasons and employer approval each time.
What happens if my iqama is expired?
The application cannot be submitted — you must renew your iqama first so it becomes valid, then submit the profession change request.
Also read: Transfer Sponsorship Without Employer Consent 2026
Submit the application now via the official Qiwa platform.
Source: Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development — Qiwa Platform qiwa.sa | Always check official platforms for the latest requirements.
