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Absher is Saudi Arabia's official e-government platform operated by the Ministry of Interior. It provides access to over 300 government services online, from Iqama renewal to exit/re-entry visas. This guide walks you through the registration process step by step, explains what services are available, and answers common questions about using the platform.
Absher is Saudi Arabia's official e-government platform, developed and operated by the Ministry of Interior (MOI). The name means "at your service" in Arabic. It is the primary digital gateway for accessing government services related to immigration, passports, civil affairs, traffic, and more.
For expatriates living in Saudi Arabia, Absher is essential. It is where you renew your Iqama (residence permit), apply for exit/re-entry visas, check your visa status, manage dependents, and handle traffic-related services. Without an Absher account, you would need to visit government offices in person for most of these services.
The platform is available in Arabic and English, accessible through both a website (absher.sa) and a mobile app for iOS and Android. It offers over 300 electronic services for individuals and businesses.
Absher provides access to services from multiple government agencies including the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), Traffic Department, Civil Status, and more. Here are the most commonly used services:
Renew your residence permit online without visiting a Jawazat office.
Issue exit and re-entry visas for yourself or dependents.
Apply for passport issuance or renewal for Saudi citizens.
Schedule driving tests, renew licenses, and pay traffic fines.
Transfer sponsorship of dependents between employers.
Extend visit visas for family members visiting Saudi Arabia.
Register vehicles, transfer ownership, and manage Istimara.
Access birth certificates, marriage records, and family documents.
Before you start the registration process, make sure you have the following:
Important: Your fingerprints must be registered with the Ministry of Interior before you can complete Absher registration. If you have not done this, visit your nearest Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports) office first. New Iqama holders usually have their fingerprints taken during the Iqama issuance process.
Visit absher.sa or download the Absher app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Select 'Absher Individuals' for personal services. Choose English or Arabic as your preferred language.
Click on 'Register' or 'Create Account'. You will be asked to choose between Saudi Citizen or Resident (Iqama holder). Select the appropriate option.
Enter your Iqama number (or Saudi ID number for citizens), date of birth (Hijri and Gregorian calendars are both accepted), and other required personal details. Make sure all information matches your official documents exactly.
Enter your Saudi-registered mobile number. You will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) via SMS. Enter the code to verify your phone number. The mobile number must be registered under your name with a Saudi telecom provider.
Create a username and password for your account. The password must meet security requirements (minimum 8 characters, including uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters). Choose a username you will remember easily.
Verify your identity using the fingerprint-based authentication. This may require visiting an Absher self-service kiosk at a Jawazat office, or using the app's biometric verification if supported by your device.
Once verified, your account is active. Log in and explore the available services. Set up additional security features like two-factor authentication for added protection.
The Absher mobile app provides the same services as the website and is the most convenient way to access government services on the go. The app supports biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition), push notifications for service updates, and digital document storage.
Key features of the mobile app include the ability to view and share your digital Iqama, receive real-time notifications about visa status changes, pay government fees directly, and access emergency services. The app also includes an appointment booking system for services that require in-person visits.
Make sure to keep the app updated to the latest version for the best experience and access to new services. Both the website and app are synchronized, so actions taken on one platform are immediately reflected on the other.
Yes. Expatriates with a valid Iqama (residence permit) can register on Absher Individuals. You need your Iqama number, a Saudi-registered mobile number, and your fingerprints must be registered with the Ministry of Interior. The platform is available in Arabic and English.
Absher Individuals is for personal government services like Iqama renewal, visa issuance, and driving license services. Absher Business is for employers and companies to manage employee-related government transactions such as work permits, Iqama issuance for employees, and sponsorship transfers.
Common reasons include: your fingerprints are not registered with MOI (visit a Jawazat office to register them), your mobile number is not registered under your Iqama, your Iqama has expired, or there is a mismatch between your ID details and the information you entered. Ensure all information matches your official documents exactly.
Yes, you can access Absher from anywhere in the world through the website or mobile app. However, some services like initial registration and identity verification may require you to be physically present in Saudi Arabia. Once registered and verified, most services are accessible internationally.
You can reset your password through the Absher app or website by selecting 'Forgot Password' and verifying your identity through your registered mobile number. If you cannot access your phone, you will need to visit a Jawazat self-service kiosk (Absher kiosk) or a Ministry of Interior service center to reset your credentials.
Yes, the Absher app is completely free to download and use. It is available on both iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play). All government services accessible through Absher are free of platform fees, though individual government services may have their own fees (e.g., Iqama renewal fee of 650 SAR/year).
The online registration process itself takes about 10-15 minutes. However, if your fingerprints are not yet registered with MOI, you will need to visit a Jawazat office first, which may require an appointment. After completing registration online, account activation is usually instant once you verify via SMS.
As a sponsor (kafeel), you can manage your dependents' services through your own Absher account. Each adult family member with their own Iqama can also create their own separate Absher account. Children under 15 are managed through their parent's or guardian's account.
With your Absher account active, you can manage your residency, driving license, and other government services online. Explore more guides to settle into life in Saudi Arabia.