Residency
Everything expats need to manage residency in Saudi Arabia — how to renew your Iqama, check Iqama status, apply for an exit re-entry visa, transfer your Kafala sponsor, and create an Absher account. Practical guides for every stage of your residency.
Absher Services Guide — Everything You Can Do on Absher Saudi Arabia
Absher (أبشر) is Saudi Arabia's primary government digital services platform, operated by the Ministry of Interior. Almost every government transaction an expat needs — from renewing an Iqama to issuing exit visas, checking traffic fines, updating a national address, and managing dependents — is done through Absher. This guide covers every major service available on Absher for expat individuals, so you know exactly where to go for each task.
Check Iqama Status Online Saudi Arabia — Absher, MOI & What Each Status Means 2026
You can check your Iqama validity, expiry date, and current status online through the Absher platform or the MOI portal. This is useful before traveling, applying for services, or confirming your residency is still active.
How to Create an Absher Account in Saudi Arabia
Absher is the main Saudi government digital platform for managing residency, visa, and personal services. You need an Absher account to renew your Iqama, apply for exit re-entry visas, and access dozens of other services. This guide explains how to register.
Dependent Visa Saudi Arabia — How to Sponsor Your Family on Your Iqama
If you are an expat working in Saudi Arabia on an Iqama, you can sponsor your spouse and children to live with you as dependents. A dependent visa allows your family to reside in Saudi Arabia legally under your sponsorship. The process involves applying for an entry visa from abroad, then obtaining a resident Iqama for each dependent after arrival. This guide explains eligibility, the application process, costs, and what to do after your family arrives.
How to Get an Exit Re-Entry Visa in Saudi Arabia
An Exit Re-Entry Visa allows expat residents to leave Saudi Arabia and return within a specified period. Without it, leaving the country could be considered an exit only, which may complicate your residency status. This guide explains how to apply online through Absher.
How to Do Final Exit from Saudi Arabia — Complete Leaving Guide
Leaving Saudi Arabia permanently requires more than booking a flight. Your Iqama must be cancelled, your employer must issue a final exit visa, and you need to settle GOSI contributions, close accounts, and collect any end-of-service gratuity. This guide walks through every step in the right order so nothing is missed.
Iqama Fines in Saudi Arabia — How to Check and Pay Overstay Penalties
If your Iqama has expired or lapsed, Saudi law imposes daily fines of SAR 100 per day from the day after expiry. These fines accumulate until the Iqama is renewed or you exit the country. This guide explains how to check how much you owe, who pays, and how to settle fines through Absher.
How to Transfer Sponsorship (Kafala Transfer) in Saudi Arabia
A kafala (sponsorship) transfer allows an expatriate worker to move from one employer to another without leaving Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia's labor reform initiative has made this process more accessible. This guide explains how to initiate a transfer through the MHRSD platform.
Medical Insurance for Expats in Saudi Arabia
Health insurance is mandatory for all expatriates in Saudi Arabia and is required for Iqama renewal. In most cases, your employer is legally required to provide it. This guide explains how it works, what to check, and what to do if you don't have coverage.
Nafath Account — Saudi Digital Identity Setup Guide
Nafath is Saudi Arabia's official digital identity verification system — a single sign-on platform that lets you prove your identity to government portals, banks, and private services without visiting a branch. This guide explains what Nafath is, who needs it, how to set it up, and which services require it.
Police Clearance Certificate from Saudi Arabia — Good Conduct Certificate Guide
A Saudi police clearance certificate (officially called the Good Conduct and Behavior Certificate) is required for immigration applications, new job offers abroad, professional licence applications, and citizenship applications in many countries. This guide explains who can get one, how to apply through Absher, and how to get it attested for use abroad.
Saudi Arabia Premium Residency — The Saudi Green Card Explained
Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency (الإقامة المميزة), often referred to as the Saudi Green Card, is a long-term residency permit that allows eligible foreigners to live and work in Saudi Arabia without employer sponsorship. Unlike a standard Iqama, Premium Residency is not tied to a single employer — holders can change jobs freely, sponsor family members, own property, and conduct business activities. It comes in two forms: a permanent option and a one-year renewable option.
How to Renew Your Iqama in Saudi Arabia
Your Iqama (residency permit) must be renewed every year. Failing to renew on time results in daily fines of SAR 100 per day. Renewal is done through Absher and requires your employer's action — but you should monitor the process yourself and not assume your employer will handle it automatically.
Saudi Arabia Work Visa 2026 — Types, How to Apply & Processing Times
Saudi Arabia has several types of work authorisations, and the right one depends on whether you are employed by a Saudi company, working independently, visiting on a short contract, or starting a business. This guide explains the main work visa types, who each is for, and how to obtain them.