How to Check if Your Iqama Has Been Issued in Saudi Arabia

Getting your Iqama (residency permit) is one of the most important steps after arriving in Saudi Arabia. Whether you’re an employee or a dependent, this card is your legal identity in the Kingdom — you’ll need it for almost everything, from opening a bank account to signing a mobile contract or renting an apartment.

If you’re new to Saudi Arabia and waiting for your Iqama, you might be wondering: Has it been issued yet?
In this complete guide, we’ll show you how to check your Iqama issuance status online, what the results mean, and what to do if there’s a delay.

🪪 What Is an Iqama and Why It’s Important

The Iqama is a residence permit issued to expatriates living and working in Saudi Arabia. It proves that you’re legally allowed to stay and work in the country under your sponsor (Kafeel) or employer.

Without a valid Iqama:

You cannot work legally in the Kingdom.
You cannot access online government services like Absher or Tawakkalna.
You cannot open a bank account or transfer money abroad.
You cannot apply for a family visit visa or sponsor dependents.
You may face penalties or deportation if caught without one.

That’s why it’s crucial to check whether your Iqama has been issued — and follow up immediately if there’s any delay.

🧾 How to Check if Iqama Is Issued in Saudi Arabia

You can check whether your Iqama has been issued using two official methods — the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) website or the Absher platform.

Let’s go step by step 👇

✅ Method 1: Check Iqama Status via MHRSD (Without Iqama Number)

This method is perfect for new expats who don’t yet have an Iqama number.

Step-by-Step Process:

Visit the MHRSD Expatriate Service Portal.
Select the English language for easier navigation.
Enter your Border Number (found on your passport when you entered Saudi Arabia).
Enter your Date of Birth (you can use either Hijri or Gregorian format).
Fill in the captcha code and click Search.

Understanding the Result:

If your Iqama has been issued, your Iqama number and name will appear.
If the system still shows your Border Number, it means the Iqama has not yet been issued.

🟡 Tip: Sometimes, the Iqama might be approved but not yet reflected in the system. Wait a few days and check again.

✅ Method 2: Check Iqama Status Using the Absher Platform

If you already have an Iqama number, the easiest way to confirm issuance or validity is through Absher.

Here’s how:

Visit Absher.sa.
Log in with your username, password, and OTP.
From the dashboard, go to “My Services” → “Query Iqama Expiry Service.”
Enter your Iqama number and submit.

You’ll now see:

Iqama Issue Date
Iqama Expiry Date (in Hijri and Gregorian)
Status: Valid / Expired / Under Renewal

If no record appears, it means your Iqama is still pending issuance.

⏱️ How Long Does It Take to Get an Iqama After Arrival?

Normally, your employer must process and issue your Iqama within 90 days of your arrival in Saudi Arabia.
If this timeline is exceeded, it indicates a delay from your sponsor or the government processing side.

During this time, keep a copy of your passport and entry visa with you at all times as temporary identification.

🚨 What to Do If Your Iqama Has Not Been Issued

If your Iqama hasn’t been issued yet, don’t panic — here’s what you should do:

Contact your HR department or sponsor.
They are responsible for completing the process. Politely remind them if the 90-day window is close.
Check your company’s Nitaqat status on the MHRSD portal.
If the company is in the Red Zone, they may face restrictions in issuing Iqamas.
Document all communication with your employer.
This helps if you later need to report a violation or transfer sponsorship.
Report extreme delays (beyond 90 days) to the Labor Office.
Under Saudi Labor Law, if your sponsor fails to issue the Iqama within 90 days, you may transfer your sponsorship without their consent.

🧮 How to Check Iqama Issuance for Family Members

If your dependents or family members have arrived on a family visa, you can check their Iqama issuance the same way through Absher or by using the Border Number method.

Steps:

Log in to your Absher account.
Choose “Family Members Services.”
Enter the Border Number of your dependent.
Check if their Iqama number has been generated.

If it still shows the border number, the Iqama is not ready yet.

🏦 Can You Open a Bank Account Before Iqama Is Issued?

Most banks in Saudi Arabia require an Iqama number to open an account.
However, a few banks like Al Rajhi Bank or SABB may allow you to start the process with your Border Number if your employer provides a valid employment letter.

Still, the account remains inactive until your Iqama is issued.

💡 Useful Tips While Waiting for Your Iqama

Always carry your passport copy and entry visa for identification.
Don’t leave Saudi Arabia without an Iqama or exit/re-entry visa — it can cause legal issues.
Download and register on Tawakkalna and Absher as soon as your Iqama is issued.
If your Iqama number appears on MHRSD but not yet printed, ask HR to check the Jawazat (passport office) status.

🧠 FAQs About Checking Iqama Issuance

Q: How can I find my Border Number?
A: It’s printed on your entry visa or can be checked online via the Absher platform.

Q: I entered my Border Number, but it shows “no record found.” Why?
A: It means your Iqama hasn’t been processed yet. Try again after a few days.

Q: My Iqama number appears but no card yet — what does it mean?
A: It means the Iqama has been approved but is still being printed at Jawazat. Ask your HR to collect it once ready.

Q: Can I check someone else’s Iqama issuance?
A: Only if you’re their sponsor or have their Border Number and basic details.

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🏁 Final Thoughts

Your Iqama is the most important document for living and working in Saudi Arabia.
Thankfully, checking whether it’s been issued is quick and easy using official government portals like MHRSD and Absher.

If your Iqama hasn’t been issued within 90 days, follow up with your HR or file a complaint through the Labor Office. Staying proactive ensures a smooth transition into your new life in the Kingdom.

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