Quick Summary
- Check iqama expiry via Absher app — fastest method
- Also available via Muqeem website — works without Saudi SIM
- Check at least 3 months before expiry to give HR enough time
- Fine for expired iqama: SAR 100 per day — employer's responsibility
- Always check before traveling — expired iqama causes airport problems
- Check dependents separately — their expiry dates may differ from yours
Why You Must Check Your Iqama Expiry Yourself
Many expats rely entirely on their HR department to track iqama expiry and initiate renewal. This is a mistake. HR departments manage hundreds of employees and mistakes happen — iqamas get missed, renewals get delayed and you end up with an expired iqama through no fault of your own.
The good news is checking your iqama expiry takes less than two minutes and you can do it from anywhere in the world. Make it a monthly habit — check on the first of every month and you will never be caught off guard.
Method 1 — Absher App (Fastest)
The Absher app is the quickest way to check your iqama status. It shows your expiry date, current status and any violations in real time.
Open the Absher App
Download from Apple App Store or Google Play Store if not already installed. Search "Absher" and ensure the publisher is Ministry of Interior Saudi Arabia. Open the app.
Log In With Your Iqama Number
Enter your 10-digit iqama number and your password. If first time, register using your iqama number, date of birth in Hijri calendar and your Saudi mobile number for OTP verification.
Tap "My Services"
From the main Absher home screen, tap "My Services" — usually shown as the main navigation option on the bottom bar or main menu.
Select "Residency" or "Iqama"
Scroll through the services list and tap "Residency Services" or "Iqama Status." Your iqama details will appear including the expiry date in Hijri and Gregorian formats.
Note the Expiry Date and Status
Your iqama expiry date will be clearly shown. Also check the status field — it should say "Active" or "Valid." If it shows "Expired" or any warning, contact HR immediately.
Method 2 — Muqeem Website (Works Without Saudi SIM)
The Muqeem website is useful if you do not have access to Absher or if you are checking from outside Saudi Arabia without your Saudi SIM card active.
Visit Muqeem Website
Open a browser and go to muqeem.sa. This is the official Saudi government platform for expatriate residency services.
Find the Iqama Inquiry Service
Look for "Iqama Inquiry" or "Residency Inquiry" in the services section. This service allows you to check iqama status using your iqama number and date of birth without requiring a Saudi mobile OTP.
Enter Iqama Number and Date of Birth
Enter your iqama number and date of birth. Date of birth may be required in Hijri format — use an online Hijri converter if needed. Complete the captcha and submit.
View Your Iqama Details
Your iqama details including expiry date, sponsor (employer) name and current status will be displayed. Take a screenshot for your records.
Method 3 — Qiwa Platform
The Qiwa platform also shows your iqama status and expiry date as part of your employment profile.
- Visit qiwa.sa and log in with your iqama number
- Go to your profile or "My Account" section
- Look for "Residency Details" or "Iqama Information"
- Your iqama expiry date and current status are displayed
Understanding What the Status Means
| Status Shown | What It Means | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Active / Valid | Iqama is current and valid | Monitor expiry date — no action needed now |
| Expiring Soon | Less than 90 days to expiry | Notify HR immediately to begin renewal |
| Expired | Iqama past expiry date | Contact HR urgently — fines accumulating at SAR 100/day |
| Under Renewal | Renewal in process | Follow up with HR on expected completion date |
| Huroob / Absconding | Employer filed Huroob | File HRSD complaint immediately — urgent |
How Far in Advance Should You Check?
We recommend checking your iqama expiry status at these key intervals:
- Monthly check — Quick check on the first of every month. Takes 2 minutes on Absher. Keeps you aware of your status at all times.
- 3 months before expiry — Formally notify HR in writing that renewal is due. This gives them adequate time to process without rushing.
- 6 weeks before expiry — Follow up with HR if renewal has not started. Request a confirmation email of the renewal timeline.
- 2 weeks before expiry — If not yet renewed, escalate to senior HR or management. At this stage urgency is critical.
- Before every international trip — Check the day before departure without exception.
Checking Dependent Iqama Expiry
If you have family members on your iqama sponsorship, their residency permits are separate from yours and may have different expiry dates. To check dependents:
- On Absher — go to "My Family" or "Dependents" section after logging in. Each dependent's iqama expiry is listed separately.
- On Muqeem — each dependent can be checked individually using their own iqama number and date of birth.
- Dependent renewals are also the employer's responsibility — include them in your renewal request to HR at the same time as yours.
Calculate Your Iqama Late Fine
If your iqama has already expired, use our free calculator to find out exactly how much the fine is and who is legally responsible for paying it.
Calculate Iqama Fine — FreeFrequently Asked Questions
I cannot access Absher because I do not have my Saudi SIM active. How else can I check?
Use the Muqeem website at muqeem.sa — it does not require OTP verification via Saudi SIM. You only need your iqama number and date of birth in Hijri format. This is the best option for checking from outside Saudi Arabia.
Absher shows my iqama as expired but HR says it was renewed. Who is correct?
There can be a 24–48 hour delay between when renewal is processed and when Absher updates. If HR says it was renewed, ask them for the transaction reference number as proof. If Absher still shows expired after 48 hours, something went wrong with the renewal processing.
My iqama shows the expiry date in Hijri. How do I convert to Gregorian?
Search "Hijri to Gregorian converter" on Google and use any of the free converter tools. Enter the Hijri date shown on Absher and it converts instantly to the Gregorian (standard) calendar date. The Absher app usually shows both formats — look carefully for the second date format.
Can I check my iqama expiry without registering on Absher?
Yes — use Muqeem.sa which requires only your iqama number and date of birth with no account registration. However we strongly recommend registering on Absher as it provides much more complete information including exit visa status and Huroob status.
Iqama Status Showing Something Concerning?
Expired iqama, Huroob flag or unexpected status on Absher? Book a consultation immediately for clear guidance on what it means and what to do next — based on 20 years Saudi Arabia experience.