Saudi Arabia Iqama Procedure & Iqama Issuance Process: A Complete Guide 2025

Saudi Arabia Iqama Procedure & Iqama Issuance Process. Are you planning to move to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for work or residence? Understanding the Saudi Arabia Iqama procedure is crucial before you begin your journey. In 2025, the process of obtaining an Iqama Saudi Arabia’s official residence permit remains a vital step for all expatriates seeking legal status, employment, and access to essential services in the Kingdom.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to get an Iqama in Saudi Arabia, explain why it’s important, and provide a detailed step-by-step breakdown of the process.

Read Also: What Is Iqama In Saudi Arabia

An Iqama is the official residency permit issued by the Saudi government to foreign nationals working or living in the country. It serves as both an identification card and a legal authorization to live and work in the Kingdom. Without an Iqama, expatriates cannot access vital services such as opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, or even renting an apartment.

Understanding the role of the Iqama is essential for anyone planning to live in Saudi Arabia:

• Legal Residency: It’s your official proof of residence.
• Employment Rights: It allows you to legally work for a sponsoring employer.
• Access to Services: From healthcare to banking, many services require a valid Iqama.
• Travel Ease: You can freely move within the Kingdom and travel abroad.

Step	Description
1	Secure Employment
2	Undergo Medical Examination
3	Obtain Visa Reference Number
4	Enter Saudi Arabia
5	Provide Biometric Data
6	Receive Your Iqama Card

1. Secure Employment in Saudi Arabia

The Iqama process begins with finding a job. You must be sponsored by a Saudi employer who will handle your visa application and initiate your residency process.

Ways to secure a job in Saudi Arabia:

• Direct Hiring: If a Saudi company hires you directly, they will initiate the work visa and Iqama process on your behalf.
• Recruitment Agencies: Agencies such as AGT Services International in countries like Pakistan connect job seekers with employers in Saudi Arabia and assist with processing your visa.

Ensure your employment contract clearly outlines your job title, salary, and other benefits as this information is linked to your Iqama.

2. Complete The Medical Examination

After arriving in Saudi Arabia, a mandatory medical test is required. This examination includes:

• General physical check-up
• Blood tests to screen for communicable diseases (e.g., TB, HIV/AIDS, cholera)
• Eye and hearing tests

Where to take the test: Visit an approved medical center authorized by the Saudi Ministry of Health. After completing your examination, the results are uploaded to the Efada system.

You can monitor your medical report via the Ministry of Health Efada Portal (Note: Only accessible after collecting the physical report).

3. Obtain The Visa Reference Number

Once your employer applies for your work visa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), a Visa Reference Number will be issued. This number is essential to proceed with the Iqama application.

Key Points:

• The employer handles this step.
• It verifies your employment authorization and visa status.

4. Enter The Kingdom With The Work Visa

With the visa and reference number in hand, you’re allowed entry into Saudi Arabia. This step is vital as physical presence is required for the completion of the Iqama issuance process.

5. Biometric Enrollment at Jawazat

After your arrival, you must register your biometric data at the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat).

What to Expect:

• Fingerprinting
• Facial photograph

Appointment Required: This process requires a pre-booked appointment via the Absher portal.

6. Issuance of Your Iqama

Once all the documents are submitted, medical reports are clear, and biometric data is verified, your employer will apply for the issuance of your Iqama.

Processing Time: Typically, it takes a few days to a couple of weeks.

What You’ll Receive: A plastic Iqama card featuring your photo, ID number, employer name, and job title.

Once your Iqama is issued, you’re officially recognized as a legal resident in Saudi Arabia. Here are some things you can now do:

• Open a Bank Account
• Apply for a Family Visit Visa
• Get Health Insurance
• Buy or Rent Property
• Apply for a Saudi Driving License
• Enroll Children in School

1. Register a company. 

Registration with the Ministry of Labour, which handles all government visas, is required to begin the process of issuing an Iqama. The first step is to create an account in order to access your file. You must have a Saudi representative or lawyer handle this process for you. 

2. Visa Approval from MISA (for the founder): 

Your next step is to submit a visa request on the Ministry of Investment’s website after registering your company. Your request will be coordinated with the Ministry of Labour by MISA. You should receive a reply within two weeks. This step is only applicable to founders/owners/GMs of a company. The process may be different for future employees. 

3. Visa Issuance From the Saudi Embassy 

Once your visa has been approved, the Saudi Embassy in your country will issue it. Tasheer, for example, is an authorized service provider that handles direct correspondence with the embassy on your behalf. 

Your visa application may require you to also submit 

• Provide all relevant educational documentation and attest to it
• Undergo a medical checkup
• Provide your biometrics at the center.

Embassy procedures, excluding attestation and certification, typically take less than a week.

Visas can only be issued by the country of your origin or legal permanent residence. 

4. Iqama Issuance in Saudi Arabia

Your newly issued visa requires you to enter Saudi Arabia within 90 days, with a recommendation that you stay for at least one week. Upon arrival, a medical checkup is mandatory. You must also obtain medical insurance and activate a Saudi SIM card. Saudi landing hard costs are discussed in our previous article. 

You will receive your Iqama the same day after you complete the above steps, submit all of the required documentation, and pay all of the fees. Delegate a Saudi national to pick it up on your behalf (provided he has a copy of your original passport). 

5. Register on E-Government Platforms

Saudi Arabia has a strong electronic government system (E-government), with most transactions taking place online. To complete the work visa and Iqama process, you must register on these e-government platforms and establish an online presence.  

• Absher 

Saudi citizens and residents can access a wide range of essential government services through Absher, an online portal. It includes traffic violations, license renewals, and more. 

Registering for this platform requires you to visit any Absher kiosk. The Absher website features an interactive map that directs you to the kiosk closest to your location.

Absher registration serves the following purposes:

• Your fingerprints need to be configured and validated 
• You will be required to validate your formal national mobile number for all government processes. 
• To activate Nafath, you will receive an E-Key that will be used as an OTP (one-time password).

• Nafath 

A digital identity system called Nafath provides secure access to a variety of government services using OTP (one-time password) technology. Banking and accessing government portals require this kind of verification, which is convenient and safe.

You will be recognized as a Saudi Arabian resident once you have completed the government portal registration. Banking, leasing, and access to healthcare are all possible. 

Saudi Expansion Series

This article is part of the Saudi Expansion series, which educates international entrepreneurs and business owners about Saudi Arabia’s foreign investment regime. Tawaref is a tech investment community specializing in startup financing & entrepreneurial support.

• Keep your passport and visa documents safe and accessible.
• Always communicate with your employer regarding timelines and requirements.
• Use the Absher platform for booking biometric appointments and status checks.
• Check your Iqama status online once it’s issued.

• Not verifying the job offer with a licensed employer.
• Delaying the medical test, which can postpone your Iqama issuance.
• Ignoring Absher registration, which is necessary for many post-Iqama services.
• Failing to renew the Iqama on time, which can result in penalties or deportation.

Obtaining an Iqama in Saudi Arabia in 2025 is not just a bureaucratic requirement it’s a significant step toward building a future in one of the most dynamic countries in the Middle East. Whether you’re seeking career growth, a better lifestyle, or new experiences, your Iqama is the first key to unlocking these opportunities.

Stay informed, follow each step carefully, and cooperate closely with your employer. With the right approach, the Saudi Arabia Iqama procedure becomes a smooth process that leads to a successful and rewarding life in the Kingdom.