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.

Highlights

★Absher is the single most important app for expats in Saudi Arabia — most government services now require or start with Absher.
★Absher has two portals: Absher Individuals (for personal services) and Absher Business (for company-related services).
★The platform is available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) and as a web portal at absher.sa.
★Key expat services: Iqama renewal initiation, exit and re-entry visa issuance, dependent management, traffic fines, driving licence services, and national address.
★Absher requires a Saudi mobile number registered to your Iqama for OTP verification — set this up first.
★Most Absher services are available in both Arabic and English — use the language toggle in the top right of the app or website.

Who Is This For?

Expats and residents in Saudi Arabia who want to understand the full range of services available on Absher and how to navigate the platform efficiently.

Step-by-Step Process

1Download the Absher app from the App Store or Google Play, or visit absher.sa on a browser.
2Log in using your Iqama number and password. First-time users must register using their Iqama number and a Saudi mobile number registered to that Iqama.
3For registration: select 'New Registration' → enter Iqama number → enter date of birth → enter the Saudi mobile number linked to your Iqama → receive and enter OTP → set a password.
4Once logged in, navigate to 'Services' to access all available government services organised by category.
5Use the search bar within the app to quickly find a specific service by name rather than browsing all categories.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗Using an unregistered mobile number — your Absher account must be linked to a Saudi SIM registered to your Iqama number. If your number has changed, visit a Jawazat service centre to update it.
✗Forgetting your Absher password — use the 'Forgot Password' option with your Iqama number and registered mobile number to reset it.
✗Trying to issue an exit visa through Absher while your Iqama is expired — renew your Iqama first before attempting any exit visa issuance.
✗Not checking the app in English — many expats miss services because they struggle with Arabic. Toggle to English using the language option in settings.
✗Assuming Absher handles everything — some services (e.g., certain Jawazat transactions, municipality services) still require visiting a physical office or using a separate portal like Qiwa or Ejar.

Practical Tips

💡**Iqama services:** Initiate Iqama renewal (your employer's PRO completes the payment), check Iqama expiry date and status, view Iqama details.
💡**Exit and re-entry visas:** Issue a single or multiple exit re-entry visa for yourself, issue exit visas for your dependents, check exit visa status and validity.
💡**Dependent management:** Add a new dependent to your Iqama, remove a dependent, view all dependents and their visa status, transfer a dependent to another sponsor.
💡**Traffic and fines:** View all outstanding traffic violations (Saher fines), pay traffic fines online, view your driving record.
💡**Driving licence:** Renew your driving licence, view licence details and expiry, print a digital licence copy.
💡**National address:** View your registered national address, update your address details (links to Saudi Post Watheqa system).
💡**Passport services:** Request a passport renewal appointment, track passport status (for Saudi nationals — expats use their home country passport).
💡**Work permit transfer:** Approve or reject a work permit transfer request from a new employer — this is the Kafala reform job transfer process.
💡**GOSI inquiry:** View your social insurance (GOSI) contributions and employer registration status.
💡**Appointments:** Book appointments at government service centres (Jawazat offices) for in-person services that cannot be done digitally.
💡**Family visit visas:** Apply for a family visit visa for relatives from abroad — required before a family member can travel to Saudi Arabia to visit you.
💡**Domestic worker services:** Recruit a domestic worker, renew a domestic worker's visa, report an absconding worker.
💡**Vehicle services:** Link your vehicles to your Iqama, view vehicle registration details, pay vehicle-related fines.
💡**Bills and payments:** Pay government fees and services through the integrated payment gateway using mada, Visa, or Mastercard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Absher Individuals and Absher Business?

Absher Individuals is for personal government services — Iqama, exit visas, dependents, traffic fines, driving licence. Absher Business is used by company owners and PROs to manage employee work permits, commercial registrations, and business-related government services. As an expat employee, you will primarily use Absher Individuals.

Can I use Absher without a Saudi mobile number?

No. Absher requires a Saudi SIM card registered to your Iqama for OTP verification. Getting a Saudi SIM should be one of the first things you do on arrival. See the Saudi SIM card guide for how to get one.

Is Absher available in English?

Yes. The Absher app and website have an English language option. Tap the language toggle (usually in the top right corner or in Settings) to switch between Arabic and English. Not all sub-pages are fully translated but the core services are available in English.

Can I issue my own exit re-entry visa on Absher?

Since the 2021 Kafala reforms, most expat workers can issue their own exit re-entry visas through Absher without needing employer approval, provided they have completed 12 months of service. Go to Services → Exit and Re-entry Visa → Issue Exit Re-entry Visa. See the exit re-entry visa guide for full details.

What do I do if my Iqama number is not recognised on Absher?

This usually means your Iqama details in the MOI system have an issue — possibly an expired Iqama, a data entry error, or your mobile number is not registered to your Iqama. Contact your employer's PRO or visit the nearest Jawazat service centre with your original Iqama to resolve it.

Can I pay traffic fines on Absher?

Yes. Go to Services → Traffic Violations → you will see all outstanding fines linked to your Iqama and registered vehicles. Select the fines you want to pay and complete payment via mada or credit card. See the Saher fines guide for more details.