How to obtain Iqamas for dependent family members

Make sure this is the right process

This guide concerns a spouse or child who has entered Saudi Arabia for residence and is to be recorded as a dependent. It is not for a relative on a family visit visa. A visit visa does not become an Iqama through this process. Newborns and family members with unusual records may also have separate steps.

Start by opening the family member’s record in Absher. The available service and its requirements are the best guide to the case because Saudi records distinguish between dependants, workers and other sponsored people. Avoid older instructions that tell every applicant to upload the same PDF or select an untranslated Tawasul category.

Prepare the family member’s records

• Entry and border record: confirm that the family member is physically in Saudi Arabia and that their passport, entry visa and border number are correctly linked.
• Passport: use a valid passport and check that the spelling, number and dates match the immigration record.
• Relationship evidence: retain the marriage or birth certificate and any translation or authentication used for the family residence process.
• Health insurance: arrange compliant cover and allow time for it to appear in connected government systems.
• Biometrics and photograph: complete fingerprint or image registration where the service requires it for the person’s age and category.
• Sponsor’s status: check that the head of household’s Iqama and passport record remain valid.
• Payments: pay only the residence, dependent or other amounts displayed for the specific record through authorised banking channels. Keep receipts.

Official Absher conditions for residence-permit issuance include presence in the Kingdom, a valid passport, required insurance, biometrics or images and payment of applicable charges and any recorded penalty. The precise combination can differ by category, so this guide does not quote a universal fee or deadline.

Use the Absher family-member service

1. Sign in at the official Absher website or app.
2. Open Family Members Services and then the residence or resident-services area shown in your account.
3. Select the correct family member. Verify the name, passport and border number before continuing.
4. Choose the option to add the dependent or issue the Iqama, depending on the wording currently displayed.
5. Read the generated prerequisites. If the system reports missing insurance, biometrics, payment or passport data, correct that source record rather than repeatedly resubmitting.
6. Confirm the application only after reviewing all personal details.
7. Save the confirmation or reference number. Follow the delivery or collection instruction shown in the completed request.

Check the result

Once issued, review the new Iqama information in Absher. Correct a spelling, nationality, relationship or passport error promptly through the route the platform provides. Keep a secure digital copy, but use the accepted identity format required for each transaction. If document delivery is offered, make sure the National Address and contact details are current.

Do not rely on a successful bank payment as proof that the Iqama has been issued. Payment, application, issuance and card delivery are separate events. Verify the actual resident record.