Iqama Number Check Online 2026

What Is an Iqama Number?

An Iqama number (also written as Iqama ID or Resident ID number) is a unique 10-digit identification number issued by Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) to every foreign national living and working in the Kingdom. It appears on the front of your physical Iqama card — below your photo or at the bottom center — printed in both Arabic and English numerals.

Your Iqama number is your legal identity in Saudi Arabia. You need it for:

  • Opening a Saudi bank account (Al Rajhi, SNB, Riyad Bank, etc.)
  • Registering a SIM card (Stc, Mobily, Zain)
  • Accessing healthcare, hospitals, and insurance
  • Applying for a driver’s license (Moroor)
  • Renting property or signing a Najm car insurance policy
  • Accessing Absher, Qiwa, Tawakkalna, and all Saudi e-government portals
  • Booking domestic flights and inter-city travel
  • Renewing your Iqama before expiry to avoid fines
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Resident numbers start with 2. Saudi citizen national IDs start with 1. If your 10-digit number begins with 2, it is a valid Iqama (Resident ID) number. New 5-year Iqama cards introduced in Q1 2026 use the same numbering format.

Why You Must Check Your Iqama Regularly

Checking your Iqama validity regularly is not optional — it is a legal requirement for all expatriates in Saudi Arabia. Saudi law mandates that your Iqama must be renewed at least 3 days before the expiry date. Missing that deadline triggers automatic fines through the MOI system.

Here is what happens when your Iqama expires or becomes invalid:

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Expired Iqama = Immediate Penalties

Fines start at SAR 500 for the first offense and double with repeat violations. Banks can freeze accounts, mobile lines can be suspended, and deportation is possible on a third offense.

Beyond fines, an expired or invalid Iqama blocks you from exit re-entry visas, travel clearances, transferring sponsorship, renewing your driving license, updating your passport details, or registering dependents. Regular Iqama status checks prevent all of this — and every official portal offers the service completely free.

Method 1: Check Iqama Number via Absher

Best for: Individual residents who already have an Absher account. This is the fastest and most comprehensive method, showing your Iqama expiry, sponsor details, profession, and linked services in one place.

1

Absher Portal — absher.sa

⚡ Fastest

Via Absher Website

  1. Open your browser and go to absher.sa — choose “Individuals.”
  2. Enter your Iqama number (username), password, and complete the captcha.
  3. Enter the OTP sent to your registered Saudi mobile number.
  4. From the dashboard, click “My Services.”
  5. Select “Inquiries” → then click “Passports.”
  6. Choose “Query Iqama Expiry Service.”
  7. Your Iqama number, expiry date (Hijri + Gregorian), profession, and sponsor name are displayed instantly.

Via Absher Mobile App (Android / iOS)

  1. Download the Absher app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
  2. Log in with your credentials and verify your mobile OTP.
  3. Tap your profile name at the top of the home screen.
  4. Select “My Resident ID” to see your Iqama details immediately.
  5. The app shows issue date, expiry date, current version, and status.
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Pro Tip: Enable Absher notifications to receive automatic alerts when your Iqama is 90, 60, and 30 days from expiry. Go to Settings → Notifications → Iqama Alerts.

Method 2: Check Iqama Validity via HRSD — No Absher Needed

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), formerly known as the Ministry of Labor (MOL), provides a public Iqama inquiry service. This is the best option if you do not have Absher — no account, no login, no registration required.

2

HRSD Portal — hrsd.gov.sa

✅ No Account Needed
  1. Go to hrsd.gov.sa and switch the language to English (top-right corner).
  2. Click on “Individual Services” from the main menu.
  3. Select “Query Iqama Expiry Date” from the service list.
  4. Enter your 10-digit Iqama number in the first field.
  5. Select your date of birth — choose either Hijri or Gregorian calendar.
  6. Complete the captcha image code shown on screen.
  7. Click “Next” — you may receive an OTP on your mobile for verification.
  8. Your Iqama expiry date, validity status, and work permit details are displayed.
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Note: The HRSD system updates every 24–48 hours. If your Iqama was recently renewed, allow up to 2 days for the new expiry date to reflect in the portal.

Method 3: Check Employee Iqama via Muqeem (For Employers & HR)

The Muqeem portal is the official Saudi government platform developed by Elm Company in partnership with the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat). While primarily designed for companies and HR departments, it also provides a public Visa Validity inquiry service that individuals can use.

3

Muqeem Portal — muqeem.sa

🏢 Employers + Individuals

For Individuals — Visa Validity Check

  1. Go to vv.muqeem.sa (the public Visa Validity portal).
  2. Enter your Iqama number or visa number in the search field.
  3. Complete the captcha verification.
  4. Click Search — your visa issue date, expiry date, and status appear.

For Employers — Full Employee Iqama Check

  1. Log in to muqeem.sa with your company Absher credentials.
  2. From the dashboard, navigate to “Employee Management.”
  3. Search for the employee by Iqama number, name, or passport number.
  4. View full Iqama validity, expiry date, profession, residency status, and exit/re-entry permits.
  5. You can also initiate renewal, issue exit visas, or update passport data directly.
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HR Best Practice: Run a monthly Muqeem audit for all employees. Cross-check with Qiwa for work permit status and GOSI for insurance compliance — a valid Iqama date alone does not guarantee renewal readiness.

Method 4: Check Iqama via Tawakkalna App

Tawakkalna is Saudi Arabia’s national super-app, widely used since the COVID era and now fully integrated with residency and identity services. Your Iqama expiry date is displayed on the app’s home screen once linked — and Tawakkalna serves as your digital Iqama, legally accepted at checkpoints and many government offices.

4

Tawakkalna App

📱 Digital Iqama
  1. Download Tawakkalna from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
  2. Log in using your Absher credentials or Nafath digital identity.
  3. Your Iqama expiry date is displayed on the home screen dashboard.
  4. Tap your profile to see full Iqama details, linked services, and residency status.
  5. Your digital Iqama QR code can be scanned at checkpoints, hospitals, and government offices.
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Tawakkalna is now legally accepted as your official ID across Saudi Arabia. Keep it updated and verified for smooth daily access to services.

Method 5: Find Iqama Number by Border Number (New Arrivals)

If you have just arrived in Saudi Arabia and your Iqama has not yet been issued, you are identified by your Border Number (Raqm Al Hudood) — a 10-digit number stamped or written on your passport by immigration. Here is how to find your Iqama number using it.

5

HRSD / Qiwa — Border Number to Iqama

🆕 New Arrivals

Via HRSD Portal

  1. Go to hrsd.gov.sa and select “Individual Services.”
  2. Choose “Labor Services Inquiry.”
  3. Enter your 10-digit Border Number (starts with 3 or 4, found on your passport entry stamp).
  4. Enter your date of birth (Hijri or Gregorian).
  5. Complete the captcha and click Next.
  6. If your Iqama has been issued, your 10-digit Iqama number and details appear.

Via Qiwa.sa (If Your Contract Is Registered)

  1. Go to qiwa.sa and register using your passport or border number.
  2. Once logged in, your Iqama number appears in your profile dashboard as soon as it has been generated by the Ministry of Interior.
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Processing Time: It usually takes 3–14 working days after your medical examination (Efada test) for your Iqama number to appear in the system. If the result is blank, wait and try again. Contact your HR/PRO if nothing appears after 2 weeks.

All Iqama Check Methods Compared

Not sure which portal to use? Here is a side-by-side comparison of all official methods for checking your Iqama number and status online.

MethodPortalAccount Needed?IndividualEmployerShows Fines?Free?
Absherabsher.sa✅ Yes (Absher)✓✗✓✓
HRSDhrsd.gov.sa❌ No login needed✓✗✗✓
Muqeemmuqeem.sa / vv.muqeem.saPublic: No / Full: Yes✓ (visa only)✓✗✓
TawakkalnaApp✅ Yes (Absher/Nafath)✓✗✗✓
Qiwaqiwa.sa✅ Yes (Absher)✓✓✗✓
MOI Portalmoi.gov.sa✅ Yes (Absher)✓✗✓✓

Iqama Fines & Penalties in Saudi Arabia 2026

Failing to renew your Iqama on time is one of the most common — and most avoidable — mistakes expatriates make in Saudi Arabia. Saudi law requires renewal at least 3 days before expiry. The penalty system is strict and escalates quickly.

ViolationFine AmountAdditional Consequence
Late renewal — 1st offenseSAR 500Fine must be paid before renewal is processed
Late renewal — 2nd offenseSAR 1,000Double fine; employer may also face penalties
Late renewal — 3rd offenseSAR 1,000 + DeportationPossible ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia
Lost Iqama cardVariableMust report within 24 hrs; replacement marked “Replacement”
Unpaid traffic finesVaries by violationBlocks Iqama renewal until cleared via Absher/efaa.sa
Expired health insuranceRenewal blockedInsurance must be valid for full Iqama period before renewal
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How to check Iqama fines: Log in to Absher → My Services → Inquiries → Passports → your fines appear with the expiry status. Alternatively, use the General Violations Query service in Absher for all government fines linked to your Iqama number.

What to Do After Your Iqama Number Check

Once you have confirmed your Iqama status, your next action depends on what the check shows:

✅ If Your Iqama Is Valid (90+ Days Remaining)

  • Set a calendar reminder 90, 60, and 30 days before expiry
  • Confirm your health insurance is valid for the full Iqama period
  • Verify your passport is valid for at least 6 more months
  • Check that your GOSI (social insurance) subscription is active

⏰ If Your Iqama Expires Within 90 Days

  • Inform your employer/HR or PRO immediately
  • Ensure your health insurance policy covers the new renewal period
  • Your employer initiates renewal via Muqeem (companies) or Absher Business (sole proprietors)
  • Pay renewal fees via SADAD: SAR 650 annual residency fee + SAR 800/month work permit fee
  • Complete biometric update at a Jawazat center if required (mandatory since 2025)

❌ If Your Iqama Is Expired or Shows Invalid

  • Do NOT travel internationally — exit will be blocked
  • Contact your employer/sponsor immediately to initiate urgent renewal
  • Pay outstanding fines via Absher or SADAD before renewal can proceed
  • If your sponsor has issues (Huroob, blocked establishment), contact Jawazat directly
  • For serious cases, seek help from a licensed Saudi PRO or immigration consultant
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Muqeem tip for employers: If an employee’s Iqama renewal is blocked despite a valid work permit, cross-check Qiwa for contract registration issues. A mismatch in profession codes or salary records in Qiwa is the most common hidden blocker for Iqama renewal in 2026.

🔍 Need Help with Iqama or Muqeem Services?

MuqeemSA provides expert guides on Muqeem portal registration, Iqama renewal, exit visa issuance, and Saudi HR compliance for companies and expats.

Explore All Guides →

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

These are the most commonly searched questions about Iqama number checks in Saudi Arabia.

❓ How do I check my Iqama number online for free?
Use absher.sa (My Services → Inquiries → Query Iqama Expiry Service) or hrsd.gov.sa (Individual Services → Query Iqama Expiry Date). Both are completely free, official, and available 24/7. HRSD requires no Absher account — just your Iqama number and date of birth.
❓ Can I check my Iqama validity without Absher?
Yes. The HRSD portal (hrsd.gov.sa) allows full Iqama validity checks without any login or account. Enter your Iqama number, date of birth, and captcha to view your expiry date instantly. Tawakkalna and the Muqeem visa validity portal (vv.muqeem.sa) are also no-login options.
❓ What is my Iqama number and where do I find it?
Your Iqama number is a 10-digit number printed on the front of your Iqama card, below your photograph. It starts with the digit 2 (for expatriate residents). You can also find it by logging into Absher — your Iqama number is your Absher username.
❓ How do I find my Iqama number by border number?
Go to hrsd.gov.sa → Individual Services → Labor Services Inquiry. Enter your 10-digit border number (from your passport entry stamp) and date of birth. If your Iqama has been generated by Jawazat, your Iqama number will appear. Alternatively, register on qiwa.sa using your passport/border number — your Iqama number appears in your profile once issued.
❓ How do employers check employee Iqama status?
Employers and HR teams use the Muqeem portal (muqeem.sa) to check employee Iqama validity, expiry dates, and residency records. Log in with company Absher credentials, navigate to Employee Management, and search by Iqama number or name. Cross-check with qiwa.sa for work permit status to get a complete compliance picture.
❓ What happens if my Iqama expires?
An expired Iqama results in fines of SAR 500 for the first offense, SAR 1,000 for the second, and possible deportation on the third. Banking, mobile services, and exit travel are also blocked. You must pay all outstanding fines before renewal can be processed. Contact your employer/sponsor immediately if your Iqama has expired.
❓ How long does it take to get an Iqama number after arriving in Saudi Arabia?
It typically takes 3–14 working days after your medical examination (Efada test) for your Iqama number to be generated. Your employer must also pay the Jawazat fees and arrange valid medical insurance before the system issues the number. You can track progress using your border number on hrsd.gov.sa or qiwa.sa.
❓ Is Iqama number check completely free?
Yes. Checking your Iqama number, validity, expiry date, and status on all official Saudi government portals — Absher, HRSD, Muqeem, Tawakkalna, and MOI — is completely free. You only pay when you initiate an actual renewal or apply for a service through SADAD.

✅ Summary: Iqama Number Check 2026

Checking your Iqama number online in Saudi Arabia is fast, free, and straightforward. For individuals, Absher is the most comprehensive tool — showing your expiry date, sponsor, profession, and linked fines all in one place. If you do not have an Absher account, HRSD (hrsd.gov.sa) requires no login and works equally well. New arrivals can trace their Iqama number via border number through HRSD or Qiwa. For HR teams and employers, Muqeem remains the authoritative platform for workforce residency management.

The golden rule: check your Iqama status at least 90 days before expiry, confirm your health insurance is active, and initiate renewal with your employer well in advance. A few minutes of checking today prevents fines, travel blocks, and service disruptions tomorrow.

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