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.

Highlights

★Nafath is operated by the National Information Center (NIC) — it is the official Saudi government identity verification platform, not a third-party service.
★Most Saudi government portals (Absher, Qiwa, GOSI, Muqeem, Wasel) now use Nafath for login verification — a single Nafath account covers all of them.
★Banks including Al Rajhi, SNB, SABB, and Riyad Bank use Nafath to verify identity for digital account opening and high-risk transactions.
★Nafath uses your Iqama biometric and NIC records — it can also request face verification for higher assurance levels.
★The Nafath app is available on iOS and Android and is free.
★Expats need a Saudi mobile number registered under their Iqama to set up Nafath — a passport-registered SIM will not work.

Quick Answers

What is Nafath and do I need it?Nafath is Saudi Arabia's national digital identity platform. You need it to access Absher, Qiwa, GOSI, Muqeem, and most Saudi government portals as a second-factor login. If you use any Saudi government service online, you will encounter Nafath — setting it up is essential.

I need to verify my identity for a bank or service — they asked for NafathDownload the Nafath app (iOS or Android), register with your Iqama number and Saudi mobile number, then use it to approve the verification request on screen. The app sends a one-time approval request — you tap Approve and the service confirms your identity instantly.

I don't have the Nafath app yet — how fast can I set it up?Under 10 minutes if you have your Iqama and a Saudi mobile number registered under it. Download the app, enter your Iqama number, receive an OTP on your Saudi number, and activate. No branch visit required.

My Nafath registration is failingThe most common causes: your SIM is not registered under your Iqama (must be Iqama-linked, not passport-registered), your Iqama is expired, or the name in the system does not match exactly. Visit an operator store to confirm your SIM is Iqama-registered. Check your Iqama validity on Absher first.

I changed my Saudi phone number — how do I update Nafath?Visit any Saudi Post (SPL) branch or a government service centre with your Iqama — they can update your Nafath-linked mobile number. You cannot update it through the app if you no longer have access to the old number.

Who Is This For?

Expats and Saudi residents who need to access government portals, open bank accounts digitally, or verify their identity online in Saudi Arabia.

What You Need Before Starting

✓Valid Iqama (not expired)
✓Saudi mobile number registered under your Iqama number (not passport)
✓Nafath app downloaded on your smartphone (iOS or Android)

Step-by-Step Process

1Download the Nafath app — search 'Nafath' in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). The official publisher is the National Information Center (NIC). The app logo is the Saudi national emblem on a green background. Do not download unofficial lookalike apps — verify the publisher before installing.
2Open the app and select 'Register' — on the home screen, tap Register (تسجيل). You will be asked to enter your Iqama number (10 digits, starting with 2 for expats) or National ID number for Saudi nationals.
3Enter your Iqama number and your date of birth — Iqama number is the 10-digit number on the front of your residency permit. Date of birth must match exactly what is on file with the NIC (use the Gregorian date). If your date of birth does not match, contact MHRSD or visit an Absher centre.
4Receive and enter the OTP on your Saudi mobile number — the system sends a 6-digit OTP to the mobile number registered under your Iqama. Enter it within the time limit. If you do not receive it, confirm with your mobile operator that the SIM is registered under your Iqama (not your passport). A passport-registered SIM will not receive Nafath OTPs.
5Set up your Nafath PIN — you will be asked to create a 6-digit PIN for the app. This is used each time you open Nafath. Store it securely — do not share it. You can also enable Face ID or fingerprint if your device supports it.
6Complete identity verification — depending on your profile, Nafath may ask you to complete a face scan using your device's front camera. This biometric check matches your face against the photo in NIC records. Follow the on-screen instructions: look straight at the camera, blink when prompted, and hold still. If the check fails repeatedly, visit a government service centre with your Iqama.
7Test Nafath by logging into a government portal — go to Absher (absher.sa) or Qiwa (qiwa.sa), start the login flow, and when prompted for Nafath verification, the app will show a push notification with a numbered approval request. Tap Approve and you will be logged in automatically. Confirm the number shown on the portal matches the number in the app before approving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗Using a SIM registered under your passport instead of Iqama — Nafath OTPs only go to Iqama-linked numbers. This is the most common registration failure.
✗Entering the wrong date of birth — the date must match the NIC record exactly. If your Iqama shows a different birth date than your passport, use the Iqama date.
✗Sharing your Nafath PIN or approving requests you did not initiate — Nafath approval requests are the equivalent of giving someone your password. Never approve a Nafath request unless you personally just initiated a login.
✗Not updating Nafath when you change your Saudi mobile number — if your old number is deactivated, you will lose access. Update through a government service centre before changing operators.
✗Assuming Nafath is the same as Absher — they are different systems. Absher is a portal for government services; Nafath is an identity verification layer used by Absher and many other portals.

Practical Tips

💡Set up Nafath as soon as your Iqama is issued and your SIM is Iqama-registered — it unlocks access to all Saudi government digital services.
💡Enable biometric login (Face ID or fingerprint) in the Nafath app for faster daily use — you will use the app multiple times a week once it is set up.
💡If a service is asking for Nafath verification, check the Nafath app immediately — the push notification times out in 2–3 minutes. Have your phone nearby when initiating any government or bank login.
💡Nafath can be used on one device at a time — if you switch phones, you need to re-register Nafath on the new device (same process, same Iqama and Saudi number).
💡Government service counters (at Absher centres, MHRSD offices, and Saudi Post branches) can help with Nafath registration issues — bring your Iqama and passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nafath the same as Absher?

No — they are different but related. Absher is the government service portal where you manage your Iqama, apply for visas, and access dozens of government services. Nafath is the identity verification layer — when you log in to Absher (or Qiwa, GOSI, etc.), it uses Nafath to confirm it is really you. Think of Nafath as the verification step, and Absher as the service portal.

Can I use Nafath without a Saudi phone number?

No — a Saudi mobile number registered under your Iqama is required to receive the OTP for registration and ongoing verification. You cannot use a foreign number. If you do not have a Saudi SIM yet, get one first (see the SIM card guide) and ensure it is Iqama-registered.

What services use Nafath?

Government portals: Absher, Qiwa, GOSI, Muqeem, Wasel, MHRSD, Balady, Etimad, and others. Banks: Al Rajhi Bank, SNB, SABB, Riyad Bank, and others use Nafath for digital identity verification. Private services: some Saudi fintechs and licensed platforms have integrated Nafath. The list is growing — Nafath is becoming the default identity layer for digital services in Saudi Arabia.

I got a Nafath approval request I didn't initiate — what should I do?

Deny it immediately by tapping Reject. Do not approve requests you did not initiate. This is a sign someone else is attempting to log in using your identity details — it may indicate your Iqama number and date of birth were obtained by a third party. If this happens repeatedly, contact NIC or visit an Absher centre to secure your account.

Can I set up Nafath on two phones?

No — Nafath is tied to one device at a time. If you install it on a new phone, the old device's session is deactivated. Re-registration on a new device uses the same Iqama and Saudi mobile number.

My Nafath face scan keeps failing — what should I do?

Ensure you are in good lighting (avoid backlighting from a window). Remove glasses, hats, or face coverings for the scan. If it continues to fail, your biometric record may need updating — visit a government service centre with your Iqama and passport. Some expats whose appearance has changed significantly since their Iqama photo may need an in-person verification.