How to Get a Saudi Resident ID (Iqama) via Absher — Jawazat Guide

The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has outlined the official steps for issuing a resident ID (iqama) using Saudi Arabia’s digital platforms. If you are an employer, sponsor or an expatriate in the Kingdom — especially those hiring domestic workers — this clear, step-by-step guide explains what to do via Absher or Muqeem, which are the Ministry-approved portals for residency services.

Why this matters for expats and employers

Issuing the iqama promptly is essential for legal residency, access to health care, banking and other services. Jawazat emphasises that the employer (sponsor) is responsible for completing the process after the worker’s entry into the Kingdom. Failure to issue the iqama on time can lead to fines and other complications.

Quick summary of Jawazat’s key points

• The employer must apply for and issue the resident ID through Absher or Muqeem.
• A medical examination is mandatory for all new expatriate workers, including domestic staff, and the results must be linked electronically to the system.
• Fees must be paid before issuance — for domestic workers the annual fee is commonly 600 SAR.
• The iqama must be issued within 90 days of the worker’s entry; a late penalty of 500 SAR applies if this deadline is missed.

Step-by-step: How employers should obtain the iqama via Absher or Muqeem

1. Confirm arrival registration: Make sure the worker’s entry and arrival are recorded by the relevant authorities and the passport entry is visible in your Absher or Muqeem account.
2. Arrange the medical exam: Book and complete the approved medical check-up at a licensed health facility. The clinic will electronically send or link the results to the Ministry systems. For guidance on authorised facilities and public health rules, consult the Ministry of Health.
3. Pay residency fees: Use Absher or Muqeem to pay the required iqama issuance fees. Payment is mandatory before the system processes the ID. (Typical annual fee for domestic workers is around 600 SAR.)
4. Submit the iqama application: Once fees are paid and medical results are linked, complete the resident ID request through Absher (individuals portal) or Muqeem (for expatriate services).
5. Issue and print the card: After processing, the employer can print a record of the resident ID. The physical iqama card will be made available as per the Jawazat’s procedures.

Medical exam: What to expect

The medical check-up typically includes screening for communicable diseases and may require blood tests, X-rays and other checks specified by the Ministry of Health. Results must be approved by an authorised centre so they are accepted by Jawazat when the iqama is issued. To avoid delays, schedule the medical test immediately after the worker’s arrival and make sure the clinic transmits results electronically.

Deadlines and penalties — stay compliant

Jawazat requires the iqama to be issued within 90 days of the worker’s entry into Saudi Arabia. Employers who miss this 90-day window will be subject to a fine of 500 SAR. Timely completion prevents fines and protects both sponsor and worker from complications, such as restricted access to services or enforcement actions.

Useful Absher and Muqeem features

Absher and Muqeem continue to expand their digital services to make residency and civil transactions faster and more transparent. Recent upgrades include options to update iqama photos online under certain conditions, manage family records, and request official documents. These e-services are part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital transformation to centralise civil and residency procedures.

Extra tips for employers and expat households

• Start the process as soon as the worker arrives — medical appointments and document linking can take time.
• Keep digital and physical copies of medical reports, payment receipts and application confirmations.
• If you face technical issues with Absher or Muqeem, contact the platform helpdesks or the Ministry of Interior’s support channels on moi.gov.sa.
• Check for updates: government rules and fees can change, so verify the current requirements before completing the application.

What employers should NOT do

Do not attempt to use third-party or unofficial portals for iqama issuance — Absher and Muqeem are the only officially recognised platforms for this service. Avoid delaying medical checks or payments and never leave the iqama issuance unfinalised beyond the 90-day limit.

Where to find official help and more information

For authoritative guidance and the latest updates, use these official portals:

• Absher (Ministry of Interior digital services)
• Muqeem (Expatriate residency services)
• Ministry of Interior (MOI) — General information and contact
• Ministry of Health (medical exam and approved facility information)

Final words for the expat community

Jawazat’s clarification is a reminder that the iqama issuance is a structured, digital process — and one that depends on timely action by the employer. For expatriates and their sponsors, following the steps above and using official platforms like Absher and Muqeem will ensure smooth registration, legal compliance and access to essential services in Saudi Arabia.

If you have further questions about the iqama process or recent digital service updates, check the official portals or contact Jawazat through the Ministry of Interior channels for the most current instructions.