Absher: Your Saudi Government Services Account
Absher is the Saudi Ministry of Interior’s official digital platform, giving residents, citizens, and visitors access to hundreds of government services — from Iqama renewal and exit/re-entry visas to traffic fines — without queuing at an office. This guide explains who can use it, how to register and activate your account, and how to stay safe online.
What is Absher?
Absher (أبشر) is the unified electronic gateway for the Saudi Ministry of Interior and its affiliated bodies — including the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), Civil Affairs, and Traffic. Through a single account you can complete more than 330 services online, on the Absher website (absher.sa) or the Absher app for iOS and Android.
For anyone living or working in the Kingdom, setting up Absher is one of the first things to do after receiving an Iqama number. Doing it properly once saves countless trips to government offices later. The platform has three branches: Absher Individuals for citizens, residents, and visitors; Absher Business for establishments; and Absher Government for official transactions.
Registration and activation are two things
You can create an Absher account online in a few minutes — but you must activate it before you can use most services. Activation verifies your identity. There are three ways to do it:
Who can create an Absher account
The Directorate of Passports has expanded access beyond citizens and residents.
Citizens & residents
Saudi nationals and expatriate Iqama holders — the core users of the platform.
Dependents
Dependents of expatriates on a family Iqama can now register their own accounts.
GCC nationals
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council states residing in or visiting the Kingdom.
Visitors
Holders of a valid tourist visa — using their border number in place of an Iqama number.
What you can do with Absher
- Renew your IqamaCheck status and renew residency without visiting an office.
- Exit & re-entry visasIssue single or multiple exit/re-entry visas for yourself or dependents.
- Traffic fines & vehiclesView and pay traffic violations, and manage vehicle services.
- Passport servicesHandle passport-related requests through the Jawazat integration.
- Manage dependentsView and manage family members and domestic workers under your sponsorship.
- AppointmentsBook appointments with passport, traffic, and civil affairs departments.
How to register on Absher Individuals
You’ll need your Iqama (or border) number, a Saudi mobile number registered in your own name, and an email address.
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Open the official site
Go to absher.sa and choose “Individuals.” Confirm you’re on the official government site — fraudulent look-alikes exist.
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Start a new registration
Select English if you prefer, then click “New User” to open the registration form.
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Enter your details
Provide your ID/Iqama number (or border number for visitors), your Saudi mobile number, a username, email, and password.
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Confirm and agree
Enter the image code, set your preferred language, accept the terms and conditions, and continue.
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Verify with the code
Enter the one-time password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number to confirm the account.
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Activate your account
Complete activation at a self-service kiosk (with fingerprint) or through your Saudi bank’s app. Only after activation can you use most services.
Exit & re-entry visas on Absher
If you’re a resident planning to leave the Kingdom and return, this is the service you’ll use. It is typically issued for three months and can be extended.
Applying for yourself
- Where log in, then Services → Passports → Visa Requests.
- Choose “Create request for visa,” then Exit/Re-entry (single or multiple).
- Approval the request is sent to your sponsor (employer); once approved, you complete the visa.
Applying for dependents
- Pay first settle the visa fee via your bank app or an ATM, based on the number of people and visa type.
- Then issue log in to Absher and issue the visa for the chosen dependent.
- Electronic the visa is registered digitally and checked at the border via your passport.
⚠ Keep your account safe
Never share your Absher password with anyone — no legitimate person or service ever needs it. Only sign in through the official website absher.sa or the official Absher app, as fraudulent look-alike sites are used to steal credentials. If in doubt, contact the Ministry of Interior support line on 920020405.
Absher FAQ
Is Absher free to use?
Yes, creating an Absher account is free. You only pay for specific government services when you actually use them, such as issuing an exit/re-entry visa or renewing an Iqama.
What is the difference between registering and activating Absher?
They are two separate steps. Registration creates your account online in a few minutes. Activation verifies your identity and is required before you can use most services — done at a self-service kiosk with your fingerprint, or through your Saudi bank’s app.
Who can create an Absher account?
Saudi citizens, residents including dependents of expatriates, GCC nationals, and visitors holding a valid tourist visa can register. Visitors use their border number in place of an Iqama number.
How do I activate Absher without fingerprints?
If you have a Saudi bank account, you can activate Absher through your bank’s smartphone app without visiting a kiosk. Otherwise, use one of the self-service registration machines, which require a fingerprint scan.
Can I get an exit/re-entry visa on Absher?
Yes. Through Absher you can issue an exit/re-entry visa (single or multiple) for yourself or your dependents. It is typically issued for three months and can be extended. Applications for yourself are sent to your sponsor for approval; for dependents, you pay the fee first, then issue the visa.
Is Absher available in English?
Yes. Absher is available in both Arabic and English. You can select English during registration and from within the app or website.
Why won’t my Absher registration go through?
The most common reason is that the mobile number is not registered in your own name, or your entered details do not match official records. The mobile number must be a Saudi number in your name, as it receives your verification code.
Does anyone ever need my Absher password?
No. You should never share your Absher password with anyone, and no legitimate third party needs it. Only use the official website, absher.sa, as fraudulent look-alike sites exist.
Related service pages
Independent information notice. NewHaj is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Absher or the Saudi Ministry of Interior. Government procedures, fees, and requirements change over time. For official services and the most current information, always use the official platform: absher.sa, or call the Ministry of Interior support line on 920020405.
Author: NewHaj
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