Quick Summary
- Absher is the Saudi government's official digital services platform — free to use
- Available as a mobile app (iOS & Android) and website at absher.sa
- You need your iqama number, Hijri date of birth and Saudi SIM card to register
- Login requires your username, password and OTP sent to your Saudi mobile
- Check iqama status, exit visas, Huroob status and manage dependents instantly
- Works from any country — not blocked outside Saudi Arabia
- Every expat in Saudi Arabia must have Absher set up — it is essential
What Is Absher?
Absher (أبشر) is the official digital services platform of the Saudi Ministry of Interior (MOI). It allows Saudi citizens and residents (expats) to access a wide range of government services online without needing to visit government offices in person.
For expats specifically, Absher is essential. It is the only official way to check your iqama status, verify your residency information and monitor any flags or violations on your record — including Huroob. Every expat in Saudi Arabia should have it installed and set up from their very first week in the Kingdom.
How to Download and Install Absher
iOS — iPhone & iPad
Search "Absher" on the Apple App Store. Publisher: Ministry of Interior — Saudi Arabia. Download and install free.
Android — All Phones
Search "Absher" on Google Play Store. Same publisher — Ministry of Interior. Download and install free.
Website — Any Browser
Visit absher.sa on Chrome, Safari or Firefox. Full functionality on desktop and mobile browser. No installation needed.
Beware of Fake Apps
Only download from official app stores. Verify publisher is "Ministry of Interior — Saudi Arabia" before installing. Fake apps steal personal data.
How to Register on Absher as an Expat
Registration is a one-time process to create your Absher account. You only do this once. After registration you simply log in every time you use Absher.
Open Absher and Select Register
Launch the app or go to absher.sa. Tap Register on the main screen. Choose Resident (not Saudi Citizen) as your account type.
Enter Your Iqama Number
Enter your 10-digit iqama number exactly as shown on your iqama card. This is your primary identifier in the Saudi government system.
Enter Your Date of Birth in Hijri Format
Enter your date of birth in the Hijri (Islamic) calendar format. If you do not know your Hijri date of birth, search online for a "Gregorian to Hijri converter" to find it instantly.
Verify Your Saudi Mobile Number
Enter the Saudi mobile number registered to your iqama. An OTP will be sent to this number. You must have a Saudi SIM card (STC, Zain or Mobily) registered to your iqama to receive this code.
Create Your Username and Password
Choose a username — you can use your iqama number or create a custom one. Create a strong password using letters, numbers and symbols. Your Absher account is now active.
How to Log In to Absher — Step by Step
After registration, every time you use Absher you simply log in. Absher sends a one-time password (OTP) to your registered Saudi mobile number as a security check on every login.
Open Absher App or Website
Launch the Absher app on your phone or open absher.sa in any browser. Both give full access to all services.
Tap Login and Select Individuals
Tap the Login button. Select Individuals — this is the correct option for all expats and residents. Do not select Business or Government.
Enter Username and Password
Enter your username (or iqama number if you used that as username) and your password. Both are case-sensitive.
Enter the Image Captcha Code
A security image code appears on screen. Type the characters shown exactly. If the image is unclear, tap the refresh icon next to it for a new code.
Enter the OTP Sent to Your Mobile
Absher sends a 4-digit OTP via SMS to your registered Saudi mobile number. Enter this code within the time limit. If OTP does not arrive see the troubleshooting section below.
You Are Logged In
After entering the OTP correctly you reach your Absher dashboard. From here you can access all services — iqama status, exit visas, Huroob status and more.
Common Login Problems and How to Fix Them
OTP Not Received
The OTP goes to the mobile number registered to your iqama in the MOI system — not necessarily your current number. If you changed SIM cards, the old number is still registered. Check signal, wait 2 minutes and retry. If still not working, visit Jawazat to update your registered number.
Wrong Password
Passwords are case-sensitive. Try both uppercase and lowercase versions. After 5 wrong attempts your account locks for 24 hours. Use Forgot Password to reset without waiting.
Username Not Found
You may have registered with a custom username instead of your iqama number. Try your iqama number as username. If that fails, use the Forgot Username option on the login page.
Account Locked
Locks after too many wrong password attempts. Wait 24 hours for automatic unlock or use Forgot Password to reset immediately. Repeated locking may require a Jawazat visit in person.
Captcha Not Loading
Happens on slow connections. Refresh the page or restart the app. Tap the refresh icon next to the captcha image to load a new one.
App Crashes or Won't Open
Clear app cache from phone settings. Uninstall and reinstall from the official app store. Alternatively use the website at absher.sa — it requires no installation and is often more stable.
How to Reset Your Absher Password
Click "Forgot Password" on the Login Page
Tap or click the Forgot Password link below the login button on the Absher login screen.
Enter Your Iqama Number
Enter your 10-digit iqama number. This identifies your account in the system.
Verify via OTP
An OTP is sent to your registered Saudi mobile number. Enter it to confirm your identity.
Set Your New Password
Enter a new strong password — mix letters, numbers and symbols. Confirm and submit. Log in immediately with your new password.
Using Absher from Outside Saudi Arabia
Absher is not geo-restricted — it works from any country in the world. Many expats successfully access it from India, Pakistan, Philippines and other countries.
- Go to absher.sa on any browser from any country — it loads normally
- The app also works globally — no VPN is needed
- Your registered Saudi mobile number must be active to receive OTP
- If your Saudi SIM is deactivated, you cannot receive OTP — update your registered number before leaving Saudi Arabia
- If the app has issues abroad, try the website version which is more stable internationally
Key Services on Absher for Expats
Iqama Status Check
Check your iqama expiry date, current status and any violations instantly.
Huroob Status Check
See if your employer has filed Huroob against you and what status it is in.
Exit Re-entry Visa
Check if your exit re-entry visa is active and view its validity dates.
Final Exit Status
Verify if a Final Exit visa has been issued by your employer and its expiry date.
Dependent Management
View dependents on your iqama, check their status and manage exit visas for family.
Traffic Violations
Check and pay any traffic violations registered to your iqama number.
Pay Government Fees
Pay various government fees and fines directly through the app.
Appointment Booking
Book appointments at Jawazat, traffic department and other government offices.
How to Check Iqama Status on Absher
- Open Absher app and log in
- Tap My Services from the main menu
- Select Residency Services
- Tap Iqama Inquiry or Residency Status
- Your current iqama details, expiry date and status are displayed
Check this at least once a month. Do not wait for your employer to tell you — know your own status at all times.
How to Check Huroob Status on Absher
- Log into Absher
- Go to My Services → Residency
- Look for Absconding or Huroob status indicator
- If Huroob is active it will be clearly shown with a red indicator
- If no Huroob — your status will show as clear
If Huroob is showing as active, read our complete Huroob Case Guide immediately for the steps to resolve it.
How to Check Exit Re-entry Visa on Absher
- Log into Absher
- Go to My Services → Exit Visas
- Your active exit re-entry visa details show — issue date and expiry
- If no visa is shown, no exit visa has been issued — you cannot travel
Absher vs Qiwa — What Is the Difference?
| Feature | Absher | Qiwa |
|---|---|---|
| Operated by | Ministry of Interior (MOI) | Ministry of Human Resources (HRSD) |
| Main Focus | Residency and visa services | Employment and labour services |
| Iqama Status | Yes | Yes |
| Employment Contract | No | Yes |
| Exit Visa Check | Yes | No |
| Sponsorship Transfer | No | Yes |
| Huroob Status | Yes | Partial |
| Labour Complaint | No | Yes |
Every expat should have both Absher and Qiwa accounts. They serve different purposes and together give you complete visibility of your legal status in Saudi Arabia. Read our Qiwa Platform Guide to set up your Qiwa account.
Security Tips for Your Absher Account
- Never share your password — not with your employer, HR department or anyone else
- Use a strong password — mix letters, numbers and symbols, minimum 8 characters
- Do not use public WiFi when logging in — use mobile data for security
- Log out after every session especially on shared or public devices
- Check your account monthly — monitor iqama expiry and Huroob status regularly
- Update your registered mobile number immediately if you change your Saudi SIM card
- Do not use third party apps claiming to access Absher — only use the official app and absher.sa