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.

Highlights

★Absher is the main Saudi government portal for expatriates — Iqama renewal, exit re-entry visas, traffic fines, and dependent management all happen here.
★Registration requires a Saudi mobile number registered under your Iqama — if your SIM is not registered in your name, fix this first at any operator store.
★The Absher app (iOS and Android) is easier to use than the website and supports all the same services.
★You only need your Iqama number, date of birth, and Saudi mobile number to register — registration is free.
★Nafath (Saudi digital identity) is linked to Absher — once you have Absher, setting up Nafath takes 2 minutes and unlocks even more government portals.
★Your Absher account is personal — never share your login credentials with your employer or anyone else.

Before You Start

What do I need to register?Three things: your Iqama number, your date of birth, and a Saudi mobile number registered to your Iqama. Registration is free and takes under 5 minutes.

My OTP is not arriving by SMSYour SIM is probably not registered under your Iqama. Visit any STC, Mobily, or Zain store with your physical Iqama card — they will transfer the SIM registration in about 10 minutes.

I don't have a Saudi SIM yetGet a SIM card first. Go to any STC, Mobily, or Zain store with your Iqama. A starter SIM costs SAR 20–50. Then come back to create your Absher account.

My employer wants my Absher login detailsDo not share them. Your employer manages Iqama renewals through their own Absher Business account — they do not need your personal password. Keep your credentials private.

I have Absher — what should I set up next?Register for Nafath immediately at nafath.sa. Nafath is the single sign-on for Qiwa, Balady, GOSI, and dozens of other government portals. Takes 2 minutes once you have Absher.

Who Is This For?

Expatriates and Saudi nationals who do not yet have an Absher Individual account.

What You Need Before Starting

✓A valid Saudi mobile number (registered in your name via your Iqama)
✓Your Iqama (residency permit) or National ID number
✓Your date of birth (Hijri or Gregorian)

Step-by-Step Process

1Go to absher.sa in any web browser, or download the Absher app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) — search for 'Absher' and look for the app published by the Ministry of Interior (وزارة الداخلية). Both the website and the app support the full registration process; most people find the app easier.
2On the Absher homepage, click 'Register' under the Individual section — do not select the Business (Munshaaat) section, which is for company accounts. The Individual section covers all expatriates and Saudi nationals managing personal government services.
3Enter your Iqama number (for expatriates) or National ID number (for Saudi nationals), and your date of birth — the date must match exactly what is on your Iqama card. If the system rejects your entry, try switching between Gregorian and Hijri date formats using the toggle on the form.
4Enter your Saudi mobile number in the field provided — this must be the number registered to your Iqama at your telecom operator (STC, Mobily, or Zain). If you bought your SIM without registering it under your Iqama, visit any operator store with your Iqama to transfer the registration first, or you will never receive the OTP.
5You will receive a one-time password (OTP) via SMS to your Saudi mobile number — enter it in the verification field within the time limit shown on screen, usually 3 minutes. If no OTP arrives after 2 minutes, check that your phone has mobile signal and tap 'Resend OTP'. If it still does not arrive, your mobile number may not be registered under your Iqama.
6Set a password for your Absher account — it must meet the requirements shown (usually uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a special character). Write your password down securely. Resetting a forgotten password requires access to your registered mobile number and Iqama details.
7Log in immediately after setting your password using your Iqama number and the password you just created — this confirms your account is active and working. Your Absher Individual dashboard will load showing your personal details, active services, and any pending notifications or fines.
8Explore your Absher dashboard to understand what is available — from here you can renew your Iqama, apply for exit re-entry visas, pay traffic fines, view your dependents, and access dozens of other MOI and government services. Set your notification preferences so you receive SMS alerts for Iqama expiry and other important events.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗Using a mobile number not registered to your Iqama — the OTP will never arrive if the SIM is registered in another person's name. Visit your operator's store with your Iqama to transfer the registration first.
✗Entering the wrong date of birth format — Absher accepts both Gregorian and Hijri dates. If Gregorian fails, switch to Hijri using the calendar toggle on the form.
✗Forgetting your password — the 'Forgot Password' option requires access to your registered Saudi mobile number. If you also lose that SIM, recovery becomes very difficult. Store your password securely.
✗Trying to register with an expired or inactive Iqama — the system will reject your registration if your residency is not valid. Resolve any Iqama issues with your employer first.
✗Sharing your Absher credentials with your employer's PRO — your employer can manage certain services through their own Absher Business account. They do not need your personal login and you should not give it to them.

Timing & Fees

Registration is free and instant. The entire process takes under 5 minutes if you have your Iqama and a registered Saudi mobile number ready.

Practical Tips

💡Register for Nafath (nafath.sa) immediately after creating your Absher account — Nafath is the Saudi digital identity system used to log in to dozens of other government portals including Balady, Qiwa, GOSI, and more.
💡Enable Absher notifications in your phone settings after installing the app — you will receive alerts for Iqama expiry, new fines, and pending action items.
💡Take a screenshot of your Absher profile page after logging in — it shows your Iqama number, expiry, and sponsor details, which is useful to have quickly accessible.
💡If you change your Saudi mobile number (change operator or get a new SIM), update your registered number in Absher immediately — otherwise you will lose access to OTPs and lock yourself out.
💡Absher is occasionally slow during peak hours (Saudi working day, 8am–4pm). If you encounter an error, try again in the evening or early morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have a Saudi mobile number?

You must have a Saudi SIM registered under your Iqama to receive the OTP during registration. Get a SIM from any operator (STC, Mobily, or Zain) by presenting your Iqama. International numbers cannot be used for Absher registration.

Is there an Absher mobile app?

Yes. The Absher app is available on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play). Search for 'Absher' and download the app published by the Ministry of Interior. The app is generally easier to navigate than the website.

Can my employer create my Absher account for me?

No. Your Absher Individual account is personal and tied to your own mobile number. Your employer manages their own services through a separate Absher Business account. Never give your personal Absher credentials to anyone.

What can I do with Absher once I have an account?

Absher gives you access to: Iqama status and renewal requests, exit re-entry visa applications, traffic violations and payment, dependent Iqama management, driving license services, and much more. Most day-to-day government interactions for expats in Saudi Arabia go through Absher.

My OTP is not arriving — what do I do?

First confirm that your mobile number is registered to your Iqama at your telecom provider. Then check you have mobile signal and are not on a VoIP number. Wait 2 minutes and request a resend. If OTPs still do not arrive, visit your telecom operator store with your Iqama and ask them to confirm the number is registered in your name.