How long does the sponsorship transfer process take in Saudi Arabia?

After acceptance on Qiwa, the employer has up to 14 days to respond. The full process usually takes a few weeks including notice period and final approval.

What happens if my Iqama expires during transfer?

An expired Iqama can complicate the transfer process. It is recommended to keep it valid to avoid delays, penalties, or administrative issues.

Can I cancel sponsorship transfer after accepting on Qiwa?

Once accepted, the transfer becomes legally binding. Cancellation usually requires approval from the new employer who initiated the request.

Easy Guide: How to Transfer Sponsorship in Saudi Arabia (2026)

Q: Can I transfer my sponsorship if my current employer does not agree?

Yes, in many cases under Saudi labor reforms. You can transfer if your contract has ended, salary is unpaid for three months, or the employer’s registration is expired.

Are you an expat in Saudi Arabia thinking about changing jobs? The process of moving from one employer to another, known as sponsorship transfer (or Naql Kafala), has become much easier thanks to new rules. In 2026, the main way to do this is through the Qiwa platform, a special online system from the Saudi government.

How to Transfer Sponsorship in Saudi Arabia

This guide will break down everything you need to know in simple terms, helping you understand how to transfer sponsorship in Saudi 2026 smoothly and without stress.

What is Qiwa and Why is it Important for You?

Think of Qiwa as your central online hub for all work-related matters in Saudi Arabia. It was created to make things fair and clear for both employees and employers. For sponsorship transfers, Qiwa is the official and only way to start and finish the process .

Key Things You Need Before Transferring in 2026

Before you even think about transferring, make sure you and your new employer meet these important conditions:

Time with Current Employer: Usually, you need to have worked for your current employer for at least 12 months .
Valid Iqama: Your Iqama (resident permit) must be valid, and you shouldn’t have any”Huroob” (absent from work) status.
New Company’s Status: Your new company must be in good standing with the Nitaqat program (which encourages hiring Saudi nationals) and have enough visa slots .
Your Approval is Key: You must agree to the transfer through your personal Qiwa account. Without your digital signature, the transfer can’t happen .

Your Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Sponsorship Transfer in 2026

This process involves a few steps, with actions from your new employer, you, and sometimes your current employer. Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Your New Employer Starts the Process

Your future boss makes the first move:

They log into their Qiwa Business account.
They find the “Employee Transfer” or “Labor Mobility” section .
They enter your details, like your Iqama number and birth date.
They create a digital job offer (contract) that clearly states your salary, benefits, and job terms.
They send this transfer request and contract through the Qiwa system.

Step 2: You Review and Accept the Offer

Now it’s your turn to act:

Log into your personal Qiwa Individual account.
You’ll see a new transfer request and the job contract waiting for your review.
Read the contract carefully! Make sure everything is as discussed.
If you’re happy, accept the request. Remember, your acceptance is a must for the transfer to go forward .

Step 3: What Your Current Employer Does (and Doesn’t Do)

After you accept the offer, your current employer gets a notification.

Notice Period: There’s usually a notice period, which is the time you need to work after giving notice. This is often 30 to 90 days, depending on your contract.
Approval? Not Always Needed! Thanks to the new labor laws, if your contract has ended, or if you meet certain conditions (like your employer not paying your salary for three months), you can transfer without your current employer’s direct approval once your notice period is over . They have about 14 days to respond to the request .

Step 4: Finalizing Your Transfer

Once all the Qiwa steps are done and your notice period is served, the last administrative actions happen:

Your new employer will pay the government fees for the sponsorship transfer using the SADAD payment system.
They will then finalize the transfer through their Absher Business or Muqeem portal. This officially updates your Iqama to show your new company as your sponsor.

How Much Does Sponsorship Transfer Cost in Saudi Arabia?

The new employer usually covers these costs. The fees depend on how many times you’ve transferred before: How to Fix Muqeem Login Error 404

Quick Look: Sponsorship Transfer Fees (2026)

Transfer Number	Fee (Saudi Riyals – SAR)
First Transfer	2,000
Second Transfer	4,000
Third Transfer & Beyond	6,000

Please note: These are the official government fees. Your new company might have other internal processing costs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Sponsorship Transfer

Don’t let these common pitfalls delay your transfer:

Ignoring Qiwa Notifications: Always check your Qiwa account regularly for updates and requests. Missing a notification can cause delays .
Not Reading the New Contract: Don’t just click “accept.” Read every detail of your new digital contract on Qiwa to avoid future misunderstandings.
Expired Iqama: While some exceptions exist, it’s best to have a valid Iqama. An expired Iqama can complicate things and might lead to fines for your current employer .
Not Understanding Your Rights: Know when you can transfer without your current employer’s consent. This is a big change in Saudi labor law that empowers employees .
“Final Exit” Confusion: Make sure your current company doesn’t process a “Final Exit” visa for you if you intend to transfer. This will prevent you from moving to a new employer .

Important Exemptions: When You Don’t Need Employer Approval

The Saudi Labor Reform Initiative (LRI) has made it easier for expats to change jobs. You can transfer without your current employer’s permission if:

Your current employment contract has ended .
Your employer has not paid your salary for three months in a row .
Your employer’s commercial registration has expired .
Your employer is in the “Red” Nitaqat zone (meaning they are not meeting Saudization targets) .

Expert Tips for a Smooth Transfer

Keep Records: Save copies of all your contracts, Qiwa notifications, and any communication related to your transfer.
Communicate Clearly: Talk to both your current and new employers about your transfer plans, especially regarding your notice period.
Check Qiwa Status: Regularly monitor the status of your transfer request on the Qiwa platform.
Seek Advice: If you’re unsure about any step, consider getting advice from HR professionals or legal experts in Saudi labor law.

FAQs: How to Transfer Sponsorship in Saudi Arabia

Q1: Can I transfer my sponsorship if my current employer doesn’t agree?

A1: Yes, in many cases, thanks to the Labor Reform Initiative. If your contract has ended, or if your employer has not paid your salary for three months, or if their commercial registration is expired, you can transfer without their direct approval .

Q2: How long does the whole transfer process usually take?

A2: The timeline can vary. After you accept the request on Qiwa, your current employer has up to 14 days to respond . Then, a notice period (e.g., 60 days) usually applies. The actual system update is quick once these steps are completed and fees are paid.

Q3: What if my Iqama expires during the transfer process?

A3: It’s always best to have a valid Iqama. An expired Iqama can complicate the transfer and might lead to fines for your current employer. While there are specific exceptions (like if your employer is in the Red Nitaqat zone), it’s generally smoother with a valid Iqama.

Q4: Can I change my mind after accepting a transfer request on Qiwa?

A4: Once you accept the contract and transfer request on Qiwa, it’s legally binding. Canceling it usually requires the agreement of the new employer who initiated the request.

Q5: Is the Qiwa platform available in English?

A5: Yes, the Qiwa platform is available in both Arabic and English, making it accessible for expatriates.

Conclusion: How to Transfer Sponsorship in Saudi Arabia

Understanding how to transfer sponsorship in Saudi 2026 is a powerful tool for your career growth. The Qiwa platform and the updated labor laws are designed to give employees more flexibility and protection.

By following this guide, staying informed, and using the digital tools available, you can confidently navigate the Naql Kafala process and take the next step in your professional journey in Saudi Arabia.