How to Use Absher: Key Services Every Resident Needs

For anyone living in Saudi Arabia, Absher is the single most important digital service you will use. It is the Ministry of Interior's unified platform, offering more than 400 services across residency, passports, traffic, and civil affairs — most of which you can complete from your phone without ever visiting a government office. In this Saudi Living guide, we walk you through setting up your account, logging in securely, and using the services residents rely on most.

What Is Absher and Who Needs It

Absher is the government's official gateway for both citizens and residents. As a resident (muqeem), you'll use Absher Individuals for almost everything tied to your Iqama and daily life. The platform is available as a mobile app for iOS and Android, and through the official web portal. Increasingly, access is linked to the unified national digital identity through Nafath, which is now central to secure login.

A single Absher Individuals account covers all your Ministry of Interior services — you cannot create multiple profiles under one person, so keep your login details safe.

Setting Up and Logging In (2026)

To create an Absher account, you'll need three things:

• A valid mobile number registered in your own name.
• Your Iqama number.
• A verified registration — either bank-verified or verified through the passports (Jawazat) system.

Once registered, logging in is straightforward:

• Download the Absher app or open the official web portal.
• Sign in using your Iqama number and password.
• Complete the second step by approving a login request in the Nafath app, or via an SMS code.

Login is moving steadily toward mandatory use of the Nafath digital identity, so it's worth installing and activating Nafath early to avoid interruptions.

Iqama, Passports and Travel

These are the services most residents open Absher for. From the dashboard, you can:

• Check your Iqama expiry date and renew dependents' Iqamas where permitted.
• Print or access your Muqeem card through linked services.
• Review your Labor Office and passport data for accuracy.
• Issue and extend exit/re-entry visas before you travel.
• View your travel history and manage dependents' travel permissions.
• Issue or follow up on final exit visas for dependents and workers.

Always confirm exact fees for each service inside Absher before you pay, as these are set by the relevant authorities and can change.

Traffic and Vehicle Services

If you drive in the Kingdom, the Traffic section will become a regular stop. Available services include:

• Renewing your vehicle registration (Istimara) and your driving license.
• Viewing and paying traffic fines.
• Reporting or transferring vehicle ownership where you are eligible.
• Requesting vehicle repair permits and managing insurance validity.
• Scrapping damaged or neglected vehicles.

Civil Affairs and Family Services

Absher also handles life-event and household matters. You can register births, deaths, marriages and divorces, book appointments at Civil Status offices, and — for eligible Saudi family members — issue or renew national IDs. Households employing domestic workers can issue, transfer or cancel worker services, update employer and worker data, and manage house driver permits.

Paying Fees and Using Your Digital Documents

Most paid services are settled through SADAD using your linked bank account, card, or wallet. Once a transaction is complete, you can download or display the resulting digital document directly from the app — including e-visas, your digital Iqama, digital driving license, and vehicle registration.

The digital Iqama and unified digital ID are widely accepted for government procedures and by many private-sector businesses, which means you can often leave the physical card at home. Keep your app updated and your phone secured, since your Absher profile is effectively your official identity in the Kingdom.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Activate Nafath early — it is becoming essential for login and approvals.
• Keep your registered mobile number active; verification codes and approvals depend on it.
• Renew Iqamas, licenses and registrations before they expire to avoid fines.
• When a specific fee or requirement is unclear, confirm it inside Absher or on the relevant official portal before proceeding.

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