Your Iqama number is the foundational identification code for living, working, and accessing public services in Saudi Arabia. Whether you're switching jobs, opening a bank account, or checking your residency status, this 10-digit number is your primary digital footprint in the Kingdom.
Checking your Iqama number and validity is straightforward once you know the right government channels. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD)—historically referred to as the Ministry of Labor (MOL)—alongside the Absher platform, provides official digital services to verify your residency status instantly without visiting a government office.
Understanding Your Iqama Number
An Iqama (residence permit) is issued to foreign nationals residing in Saudi Arabia. The physical card contains essential personal data, but your Iqama number remains constant throughout your legal residency.
The number always starts with the digit '2' for expatriates, distinguishing it from Saudi national IDs which begin with '1'. This 10-digit sequence links your legal sponsorship (Kafala), work permit status, passport details, and dependents under a single unified government record.
You need your Iqama number for everyday tasks, including:
- Accessing healthcare through the Sehhaty App
- Managing utilities, mobile subscriptions, and bank accounts
- Verifying work contract terms via official labor portals
- Processing family visa applications or adding dependents
How to Check Iqama Status Online
Official verification has shifted primarily to the Absher platform, managed by the Ministry of Interior, alongside portal integrations for labor services. Here is how you can check your Iqama status and validity online.
Checking via the Absher Portal
Absher is the central portal for all residency transactions in Saudi Arabia.
- Go to the official Absher Portal.
- Select Absher Individuals and log in using your username and password, or via the National Single Sign-On.
- Enter the verification code sent to your registered mobile number.
- Navigate to your dashboard profile or search for Query Iqama Expiry under electronic services.
- Review your residency expiration date, computed in both Gregorian and Umm al-Qura calendars.
Verifying Work Status via MHRSD Portal
If you need to verify your work permit validity or check labor compliance associated with your Iqama, use the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development portal.
- Access the MHRSD Services Portal.
- Look for the Query Employee Services or expatriate inquiry section.
- Input your Iqama number or border number (Muqeem number) along with your nationality.
- Complete the Captcha verification code displayed on the screen.
- Review your current establishment name, work permit status (Valid, Expired, or About to Expire), and professional category.
Using Border Numbers Before You Get an Iqama
If you recently arrived in Saudi Arabia and haven't received your physical Iqama card yet, you will be assigned a border number upon entry at the airport or land border. This number is stamped on your passport.
You can use this border number on the MHRSD or Absher portals to check the progress of your Iqama issuance. Employers initiate the Iqama processing within 90 days of an expat's arrival. Checking the border number status lets you monitor whether your sponsor has submitted the application and paid the necessary fees.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Expats often run into avoidable administrative delays when checking or maintaining their Iqama records. Keep these points in mind:
- Relying on outdated web links: Many old guides point to domains that have since been migrated or consolidated into Absher and MHRSD. Always use official
.gov.saportals. - Ignoring calendar differences: Saudi official systems operate primarily on the Umm al-Qura Islamic calendar. Always verify whether your Iqama expiry date is calculated in Hijri or Gregorian terms to avoid accidental overstays.
- Failing to update passport details: If you renew your passport from your embassy, you must update your passport number in the Absher system. A mismatch between your old passport data and your Iqama can block online verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my Iqama number is showing as expired?
Contact your employer's human resources department immediately. Work permit renewals and Iqama extensions are legally the responsibility of your employer in Saudi Arabia. Delays can result in heavy fines or legal penalties.
Can I check my Iqama validity without logging into Absher?
Some third-party tools claim to offer quick checks, but you should avoid entering sensitive ID numbers on unofficial websites. For security, use the official Absher portal or authorized government applications like Tawakkalna and Sehhaty.
How long does it take for a new Iqama to be issued?
Typically, new work permits and Iqamas are processed within one to two weeks after your medical examination and fingerprinting (Mofa) are completed, provided your employer submits the paperwork promptly.
