Absher Platform: The Practical Guide to Saudi Arabia's E-Services 2026

Absher (absher.sa) is the official electronic portal of the Saudi Ministry of Interior, launched in 2010 to deliver Ministry of Interior services digitally to citizens, residents, and visitors. The platform serves more than 28 million users and provides over 460 services across three sub-platforms (Absher Individuals, Absher Business, Absher Government). This guide explains Absher's services, fees, activation methods, and SADAD biller codes for the various government entities connected to it for 2026.

Overview

Absher is the unified electronic gateway for the Saudi Ministry of Interior and its affiliated entities. The platform includes three main branches based on user type:

• Absher Individuals: For citizens, residents, and visitors to access personal services.
• Absher Business: For Saudi sole proprietorships with 100 employees or fewer.
• Absher Government: For government entity employees to handle official transactions.

Government Entities Served by Absher

Absher provides services for 9 main government entities:

• General Directorate of Passports.
• Ministerial Agency of Civil Affairs.
• General Department of Traffic.
• General Directorate of Public Security.
• Public Prosecution.
• General Directorate of Prisons.
• Ministry of Municipalities and Housing.
• Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
• General Directorate of Expatriate Affairs.

Key Services

1. Passport and Residency Services

Absher enables issuing and renewing residency permits (iqamas) for expatriates, issuing exit and re-entry visas (single and multiple), final exit visas, sponsorship transfers, occupation changes, adding dependents or newborns, replacement residency (lost or damaged), and checking residency validity. Passport fees are paid through SADAD using biller code 092.

2. Civil Affairs Services

Civil affairs services include: issuing and renewing national IDs for citizens, requesting replacement IDs (damaged or lost), birth registration, issuing birth certificates, family record issuance and updates, death certificate issuance, family member verification, electronic delegation, and issuing the national ID upon reaching legal age. Civil affairs fees are paid through SADAD using biller code 096.

3. Traffic Services

Traffic services through Absher include: driving license renewal (for citizens and residents), vehicle registration renewal (Istimara), vehicle ownership transfer, traffic violation inquiries, violation appeals, and international license renewals. Traffic violations are paid through SADAD using biller code 093.

4. Absher Business Services

Absher Business is a platform exclusively for Saudi sole proprietorships with no more than 100 employees. It is NOT available for companies or foreign investors. Services include: issuing visit visas, renewing employee iqamas, issuing exit and re-entry visas for employees, updating employee passport data, issuing domestic worker visas, and tracking employee data.

5. Additional Services

Absher offers various additional services:

• Booking appointments at government entities.
• Requesting delivery of official documents via Saudi Post (SPL) to the National Address.
• Inquiring about requests and transactions.
• Tracking Hajj and Umrah permit applications.
• Verifying validity of IDs and residencies.
• Reporting inquiry services.

Saudi Passports Service Fees via Absher 2026

The fees below are sourced from the official General Directorate of Passports website (gdp.gov.sa). All fees are paid through SADAD using biller code 092 (Passports):

• All Passport fees above are paid through SADAD using biller code 092.

• Multiple exit and re-entry visa: additional months must fall within the validity period of the residency.

• Residency renewal fees do NOT include the work permit fee from Qiwa (financial compensation and permit fee).

SADAD Biller Codes for Entities Connected to Absher

Each government entity connected to Absher has its own SADAD biller code in the SADAD payment system. The following codes are the most used when paying for Absher services:

• General rule: every government entity connected to the Absher platform has its own SADAD biller code (specific to the ministry or relevant authority).

• Payment steps: bank app → Government Payments or SADAD → select entity (Ministry of Interior, Passports, or Traffic) → enter the invoice number issued from Absher.

Activating Your Absher Account

After registering on the Absher platform by entering personal data, the account must be activated to use full services. Several activation methods are available:

1. Activation via Passport Self-Service Kiosks

Available at Passport branches and major commercial centers. This method is mandatory for first-time residents, as it enables fingerprint registration that will be used later in other services.

2. Activation via Bank ATMs

Available through most major Saudi banks. This method requires a fingerprint already registered with the bank. For first-time residents, this method does not work before activating the fingerprint via Passport self-service kiosks.

3. Activation via Bank Branches or Registration Offices

For users who prefer manual activation through a dedicated staff member. Banks and offices require original identification documents and may require the account holder's personal attendance.

• Important note for mobile number registration: It is preferable to register the mobile in Absher under the resident's name and iqama number (or national ID), NOT under the passport name or number.

• Reason: when renewing the iqama or issuing a new permit, technical issues may arise if the mobile is registered only under the passport number.

• Registration on Absher is completely free with no subscription fees for the platform.

How It Works

1. Registration and Account Activation

Go to absher.sa or download the Absher app from the app store. Select "New Registration" and enter the basic data: national ID or iqama number, date of birth, mobile number, and email. A confirmation message with a temporary password will be sent. First-time residents must visit a Passport self-service kiosk to activate the fingerprint and complete activation.

2. Service Execution

Log in using your national ID/iqama number and password, then enter the verification code sent to your mobile. Select the required service (iqama renewal, exit and re-entry visa, driving license renewal, etc.). Enter the required data and review it. Click "Issue SADAD Payment Invoice" to receive a payment number valid for 14 days.

3. Payment and Tracking

Open the bank app, select "Government Payments" or "SADAD," enter the appropriate biller code for the entity (092 for Passports, 096 for Ministry of Interior, 093 for traffic violations), then enter the invoice number issued from Absher. After payment, the service is executed automatically and a confirmation message is sent. Documents to be printed or delivered are sent via Saudi Post.

When You Need This Platform

You will need the Absher platform in the following situations:

• Annual renewal of an expatriate worker's iqama.
• Issuing an exit and re-entry visa for traveling outside the Kingdom (single or multiple).
• Issuing a final exit visa when ending employment and leaving the Kingdom.
• Renewing the national ID for citizens upon expiration.
• Requesting a replacement ID (damaged or lost).
• Registering a newborn or issuing a birth certificate.
• Renewing the driving license (2 years, 5 years, 10 years).
• Renewing vehicle registration (Istimara).
• Paying and inquiring about traffic violations.
• Transferring vehicle ownership upon buying or selling.
• Using Absher as a single sign-on to access other government platforms (Qiwa, Mudad, GOSI, Balady, etc.).
• For Saudi sole proprietorships (100 employees or fewer): managing employees via Absher Business.

Requirements

For Absher Individuals

• National ID for citizens, valid iqama for residents, or passport for visitors.
• Saudi mobile number registered under the resident's name and iqama or national ID number.
• Active email address.
• Registered fingerprint (for residents, via Passport self-service kiosks).
• Activation through one of the approved channels (self-service kiosk, ATM, or bank branch).

For Absher Business

• Valid commercial registration for a sole proprietorship (NOT a company).
• Owner must be a Saudi national.
• Number of employees: 100 or fewer.
• Active Absher Individuals account for the owner or authorized representative.
• Mobile number registered in Absher to receive verification codes.

Absher as a Single Sign-On for Government Services

Absher is not merely a platform for Ministry of Interior services; it is the primary gateway for the National Single Sign-On. With an activated Absher account, users can access all other government platforms without creating separate accounts:

• Qiwa Platform (Human Resources).
• Mudad Platform (Wage Protection).
• Social Insurance Platform (GOSI).
• Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority Platform (ZATCA).
• Balady Platform (commercial licenses).
• Saudi Business Center (business.sa).
• Muqeem Platform (for company workforce management).
• Musaned Platform (for domestic worker recruitment).
• The Unified National Platform (my.gov.sa).

• This means Absher is a fundamental requirement for any government transaction in Saudi Arabia, whether for individuals or companies.

• Foreign investors without Saudi residency: cannot register with Absher and therefore cannot directly access other platforms. They need a Saudi national or Saudi resident as an authorized representative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Absher platform?

Absher is an official electronic platform launched by the Saudi Ministry of Interior in 2010 to deliver security and administrative services digitally to citizens, residents, and visitors. It serves more than 28 million users and offers more than 460 services across three platforms: Absher Individuals, Absher Business, and Absher Government.

What is the SADAD biller code for Saudi Passports?

The SADAD biller code for Saudi Passports is 092. It is used to pay all Passport service fees: iqama renewal, exit and re-entry visas (single and multiple), final exit, sponsorship transfer, occupation change, and adding dependents.

What is the SADAD biller code for traffic violations?

The SADAD biller code for traffic violations is 093. It is used exclusively to pay traffic violation fines through SADAD from the bank app or ATM.

What is the SADAD biller code for civil affairs?

The SADAD biller code for the Ministry of Interior's civil affairs services is 096. It includes: national ID renewal, damaged ID replacement, lost ID replacement, civil affairs late fees, and birth and death registration services.

What is the iqama renewal fee for an expatriate worker through Absher?

Fees vary by residency type: professional individual residency renewal SAR 600, company and establishment employee residency SAR 650, domestic worker residency (farmer/herder) SAR 600. These fees do NOT include the work permit fee from Qiwa (financial compensation and permit fee).

What are the fees for exit and re-entry visas?

Single exit and re-entry visa: SAR 200 for 2 months + SAR 100 per additional month. Multiple exit and re-entry visa: SAR 500 for multiple trips up to a maximum of 3 months + SAR 200 per additional month, within the validity period of the residency.

How do I activate my Absher account?

There are three activation methods: through Passport self-service kiosks (mandatory for first-time residents to register the fingerprint), through Saudi bank ATMs (requires a previously registered fingerprint), or through bank branches and approved registration offices. Activation is completely free.

Why should the mobile be registered under the iqama number and not the passport?

It is preferable to register the mobile in Absher under the resident's name and iqama number (or national ID), not under the passport name or number. Reason: when renewing the iqama or issuing a new permit, technical issues with activation and service access may arise if the mobile is registered only under the passport number.

Who can register on Absher Business?

Absher Business is exclusively for Saudi investors and only for sole proprietorships (NOT companies), with a maximum of 100 employees. Companies (Saudi, GCC, foreign) use the Muqeem platform instead, even if they have just one employee.

Can foreign investors register on Absher?

Foreign investors holding Saudi residency (professional or premium) can register like any resident. Foreign investors without residency (managing their company from outside the Kingdom) cannot register and need a Saudi national or Saudi resident as an authorized representative to manage the company's government accounts.

How long is the SADAD payment number valid in Absher?

The SADAD payment number issued from Absher is valid for 14 days from issuance. After that, it is automatically cancelled, and a new payment number must be issued if payment is not completed within this period.

How do I contact Absher customer service?

Unified number inside the Kingdom: 920020405 (available 24/7). Outside the Kingdom: +966920020405 (available 24/7). Email: HD@absher.sa (24/7). X platform: @ABSHER (24/7). Live chat: from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Sign language support service: 24/7.

When Do You Need Specialized Help with Absher Services?

Managing Absher services for companies and foreign investors requires a precise understanding of the differences between Absher Individuals, Absher Business, and Muqeem. Choosing the wrong platform or delaying an employee's iqama renewal leads to penalties and disruption of business operations.

Companies and foreign investors commonly face recurring challenges in:

• First-time Absher account activation for new expatriate employees.
• Tracking iqama and visa renewal dates to avoid penalties.
• Selecting the correct biller code for each service (092 / 096 / 093).
• Issuing exit and re-entry visas at the right time.
• Understanding the difference between professional individual residency and company/establishment residency.
• Providing the authorized manager for foreign investors without residency.

Book a Free Consultation with the Motaded Team

Motaded Limited provides complete Absher platform management services for companies and foreign investors in Saudi Arabia, including: registering employees and activating their accounts, renewing iqamas and visas, managing Absher Business for Saudi establishments, providing the authorized manager, and following up on all government transactions. Reach out at info@motaded.com.sa or book a meeting to learn how we can save your team time and protect your company from late penalties.

Official link: absher.sa | Inside Saudi Arabia: 920020405 | Outside: +966920020405 | Email: HD@absher.sa