Overview

Muqeem Platform: The Practical Guide to Managing Company Workforce in Saudi Arabia 2026

Muqeem (muqeem.sa) is the dedicated electronic portal for Saudi, GCC, and foreign companies to manage Passport transactions for their resident employees in the Kingdom. The platform was developed by Elm Company in cooperation with the Saudi General Directorate of Passports and offers more than 20 electronic services under a single subscription. This guide explains Muqeem's services, the registration and subscription process, available packages, the SADAD biller code, and the difference between Muqeem and Absher Business for 2026.

 

Overview

Muqeem is an advanced electronic service developed by Elm Company in partnership with the General Directorate of Passports. It enables companies and HR departments to complete Passport transactions for their resident employees electronically and instantly, anytime and from anywhere, without visiting Passport branches.

Key characteristics of the Muqeem platform:

  • Specialized in Passport services for establishments only (NOT for individuals).
  • Serves all companies: Saudi, GCC, and foreign, even if they have just one employee.
  • Offers more than 20 electronic services under a single subscription.
  • Provides two different subscription packages based on the company's needs (Comprehensive or Operations).
  • Supports API/Webservices integration with the companies' internal HR systems.

Official link: muqeem.sa | Operator: Elm Company (elm.sa)

 

Who Can Register on Muqeem?

The Muqeem platform is often confused with Absher Business, but the difference is critical for choosing the correct platform:

Muqeem Platform

Absher Business

Companies (Saudi, GCC, foreign)Sole proprietorships only
For all nationalities (Saudi, GCC, foreign)For Saudi investors only
For any size (even just one employee)Maximum 100 employees
Paid annual subscription based on packageFree

Bottom line: If your business is a company (LLC, joint-stock company, foreign company branch), your platform is Muqeem. If your business is a Saudi sole proprietorship, your platform is Absher Business.

 

Key Services on Muqeem

Muqeem offers more than 20 electronic services related to Passports and resident employee management. The most notable include:

1. Visa Services

  • Issuing single exit and re-entry visas electronically, printing, and cancelling them.
  • Issuing multiple exit and re-entry visas electronically, printing, and cancelling them.
  • Issuing final exit visas electronically, printing, and cancelling them.
  • Extending exit and re-entry visas for employees outside the Kingdom.

2. Residency Services

  • Full review of resident employee data.
  • Renewing residency permits (iqamas) for the workforce (integrated with the work permit from Qiwa).
  • Checking residency and visa validity.
  • Updating employee passport data.

3. Administrative Services

  • Managing residents (add, edit, remove from the establishment's file).
  • Printing Muqeem reports for each employee (for submission to government entities and banks).
  • Inquiring about the status of previous transactions.
  • Tracking residency and visa expiration dates for all employees.

4. API / Webservices Integration

Elm Company offers an integration service between the company's internal HR systems and the Muqeem platform, via the "Rabet" platform or similar Elm services. This allows companies to execute Passport transactions automatically from within their internal system, without needing to visit the Muqeem portal. The API integration has its own separate subscription apart from the standard Muqeem packages.

 

Muqeem Subscription Packages

Muqeem offers more than 20 electronic services under a single subscription, available through two main packages that differ in how fees are calculated:

Package 1: Muqeem Comprehensive

An annual subscription that allows the establishment to perform an unlimited number of transactions, inquiries, and operations throughout the year. Suitable for companies that conduct Passport transactions frequently and continuously (such as contracting companies, large companies, and those that recruit regularly).

Package 2: Muqeem Operations

An annual subscription with a reduced fee compared to Muqeem Comprehensive, plus pay-per-transaction for each interactive operation or inquiry. Suitable for small or medium companies that conduct Passport transactions occasionally or seasonally, paying only for the services they use.

Subscription and Fee Information

• Annual subscription fees vary based on: (1) the number of resident employees at the establishment, (2) the chosen package, (3) any additional services such as API integration.

• Packages displayed on muqeem.sa change from time to time, so it is recommended to check the official website for updated packages and fees.

• SADAD biller code for Muqeem services: biller code 085 (Elm Company). Used to pay subscription fees and service charges through the SADAD system.

• Subscription can be made directly through muqeem.sa or through one of Elm Company's approved distributors.

 

How to Register on Muqeem

Registering on Muqeem requires specific steps and the submission of official documents for approval. Here are the steps in detail:

  1. Access muqeem.sa or contact one of Elm Company's approved distributors.
  2. Complete the dedicated Muqeem registration form with all establishment data (commercial registration, Unified Number, number of employees, business activity).
  3. Attach the company's Zakat and Tax certificate from ZATCA.
  4. Have the form approved and legalized by the Chamber of Commerce in the establishment's region.
  5. Select the appropriate package (Muqeem Comprehensive or Muqeem Operations) based on the establishment's needs.
  6. Pay the subscription fees according to the package and number of employees via SADAD biller code 085.
  7. Receive login credentials and activate the account to start using the services.

Important Requirements and Notes for Registration

• ZATCA Zakat and Tax certificate: a fundamental requirement for subscribing to Muqeem.

• Chamber of Commerce legalization: a mandatory step to verify the validity of establishment data.

• The authorized manager on Muqeem must have an active Absher account (because Absher is the National Single Sign-On).

• For foreign investors without Saudi residency: a Saudi national or Saudi resident representative is required to manage the company's file on Muqeem.

• Approved distributors: can facilitate the subscription process and provide technical support, but their official accreditation by Elm Company must be verified.

 

When You Need This Platform

You will need the Muqeem platform in the following situations:

  • Establishing a new company in Saudi Arabia (LLC, joint-stock company, foreign company branch) and needing to manage resident employees.
  • Operating an existing company that needs to issue exit and re-entry visas for employees on a regular basis.
  • Recruiting new workforce and needing to manage Passport transactions for them.
  • Ending an employee's contract and needing to issue a final exit visa.
  • Tracking residency and visa expiration dates to avoid penalties.
  • Accessing complete employee data from the Passports side.
  • Integrating the company's HR systems with Muqeem via API for automated transactions.
  • Saudi, GCC, and foreign companies (the mandatory platform for all except Saudi sole proprietorships ≤100 employees).
 

Requirements

  • Valid commercial registration for the establishment (company, NOT a sole proprietorship).
  • Valid Zakat and Tax certificate from ZATCA.
  • Form legalization from the Chamber of Commerce in the establishment's region.
  • Active Absher account for the authorized manager on the platform.
  • Mobile number registered in Absher to receive verification codes.
  • Active email address for the establishment.
  • Payment card or bank account to pay the annual subscription fees.
  • For foreign companies without a manager holding Saudi residency: appoint a Saudi national or Saudi resident as authorized representative.
 

Muqeem Integration with Other Platforms

Muqeem is not an isolated platform; it is automatically connected to the Saudi labor ecosystem:

Integration with Saudi Passports

Muqeem is the official electronic interface for companies dealing with the General Directorate of Passports. All Passport transactions (visas, residencies, final exit) are executed directly without visiting Passport branches. The Passport fees themselves are paid via SADAD biller code 092, while Muqeem service fees are paid via biller code 085.

Integration with Qiwa

Employee data flows to Muqeem from Qiwa automatically after contract documentation. Renewing an expatriate employee's residency requires a valid work permit from Qiwa. Fees are separate: work permit fees in Qiwa, and residency fees in Muqeem.

Integration with Absher

Absher is the National Single Sign-On, and the authorized manager on Muqeem must have an active Absher account to log in. Muqeem is for companies and Absher Business is for Saudi sole proprietorships, and both use unified Passport data.

API / Webservices Integration

For companies that want to automate their transactions, Elm Company offers integration between the company's internal HR systems and the Muqeem platform via the "Rabet" platform or similar Elm services. The API integration has its own separate subscription apart from the basic Muqeem packages.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Muqeem platform?

Muqeem (muqeem.sa) is an electronic service developed by Elm Company in cooperation with the Saudi General Directorate of Passports. It enables companies to manage Passport transactions for resident employees electronically and instantly. It offers more than 20 services under a single subscription.

Who can register on Muqeem?

Muqeem is exclusively for establishments (NOT for individuals), and includes: Saudi companies, GCC companies, and foreign companies, even if they have just one employee. Saudi sole proprietorships (100 employees or fewer) use Absher Business instead.

What is the difference between Muqeem and Absher Business?

Muqeem is for companies (all nationalities, any size) with a paid subscription, while Absher Business is exclusively for Saudi sole proprietorships (100 employees or fewer) and is free. A company cannot use Absher Business even if it is Saudi-owned or has only one employee — the correct platform for it is Muqeem.

What is the SADAD biller code for Muqeem?

The SADAD biller code for Muqeem services is 085 (Elm Company). It is used to pay the annual subscription fees and service charges provided by Elm. The biller code 085 (for Muqeem and Elm) must be distinguished from biller code 092 (for Passports themselves).

What packages are available on Muqeem?

There are two main packages: Muqeem Comprehensive (an annual subscription allowing unlimited transactions and inquiries) and Muqeem Operations (a reduced annual subscription + pay-per-transaction). The choice between the two packages depends on the company's monthly transaction volume. Package details change from time to time; it is recommended to check muqeem.sa for updated packages and fees.

How much is the Muqeem subscription?

The annual subscription fees vary based on: (1) the number of resident employees at the establishment, (2) the chosen package, (3) any additional services such as API integration. To check actual fees and get a custom quote, please refer to muqeem.sa or contact Elm Company directly.

What are the required steps to register on Muqeem?

Registration steps: (1) access muqeem.sa or contact an approved distributor, (2) fill in the registration form with establishment data, (3) attach the Zakat and Tax certificate from ZATCA, (4) get the form legalized by the Chamber of Commerce, (5) select the appropriate package, (6) pay subscription fees via SADAD biller code 085, (7) receive login credentials and activate the account.

Can foreign investors register on Muqeem?

Yes, foreign companies can register on Muqeem to manage their employees. However, the authorized manager who will operate the account must have an active Absher account, which requires a national ID or Saudi residency. Foreign investors without Saudi residency need a Saudi national or Saudi resident as authorized representative. Motaded Limited provides the authorized manager service for foreign investors.

What services does Muqeem offer?

More than 20 electronic services, most notably: issuing exit and re-entry visas (single and multiple), printing and cancelling them, issuing final exit visas, renewing residencies, reviewing employee data, printing Muqeem reports, managing residents (add, edit, remove), extending visas for employees outside the Kingdom, and checking residency validity.

Can the company's internal systems be integrated with Muqeem?

Yes, Elm Company offers API/Webservices integration between the company's HR systems and the Muqeem platform via the "Rabet" platform or similar Elm services. This service has its own separate subscription apart from the basic Muqeem packages, enabling large companies to fully automate their transactions.

What is the difference between Muqeem fees and Passport fees?

Muqeem fees are subscription fees for the platform as a service (paid to Elm Company, SADAD biller code 085). Passport fees are government fees for each transaction (exit and re-entry visa, residency, etc. — paid to the government via Passports biller code 092). The company pays both: an annual Muqeem subscription + fees for every Passport transaction.

How can I contact Muqeem customer service?

For updated official contact information, please refer directly to the official website muqeem.sa. Elm Company (elm.sa) is the operator of the platform and provides direct technical support for subscribed establishments.

 

When Do You Need Specialized Help Managing Muqeem?

Managing the Muqeem platform for a company with resident employees requires a precise understanding of the differences between packages, tracking residency and visa expiration dates, coordinating between Muqeem fees and Passport fees, and ensuring the work permit in Qiwa is paid before renewing residency. Any error leads to late penalties and may suspend the establishment's services.

Companies and foreign investors commonly face recurring challenges in:

  • Selecting the right package between Muqeem Comprehensive and Muqeem Operations based on actual transaction volume.
  • Completing the registration form and getting it legalized by the Chamber of Commerce on time.
  • Providing the Saudi/resident authorized manager for foreign companies without a manager holding residency.
  • Tracking residency renewals on time and avoiding late penalties.
  • Issuing exit and re-entry visas with the appropriate type and duration for each employee.
  • Integrating HR systems with Muqeem via API for automated transactions.
  • Handling employee contract terminations and issuing final exit visas.

Book a Free Consultation with the Motaded Team

Motaded Limited provides complete Muqeem platform management services for companies and foreign investors in Saudi Arabia, including: Muqeem registration and document legalization, selecting the right package, providing the authorized manager, tracking residency and visa renewals, issuing exit and re-entry visas, and API integration with HR systems. 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 penalties.

Official link: muqeem.sa | Operator: Elm Company (elm.sa) | SADAD biller code: 085

Key services

Iqama lifecycle

Issue, renew, and print iqama-related outputs according to current published procedures and establishment eligibility.

Exit/re-entry

Process travel permissions where applicable for sponsored employees, following updated rules and fees.

Establishment administration

Manage subscription and establishment-side settings required for continued access to services.

How it works

  1. Validate sponsorship data

    Ensure establishment records, contracts, and immigration statuses are aligned before submitting requests.

  2. Submit through authorized channels

    Use official portals and approved workflows; avoid unofficial intermediaries for regulated transactions.

  3. Close the loop with HR

    Update HR systems and notify employees when mobility documents change.

When you need this platform

Operational speed

Electronic issuance and renewals reduce physical paperwork for high-volume mobility programs.

Establishment control

Sponsors can track employee mobility status and complete sponsor-side transactions where permitted.

Auditability

Digital records support internal controls and compliance reviews for mobility teams.

Requirements

  • Active establishment registration and authorized signatories for immigration transactions.
  • Valid passport and visa status data for each sponsored employee.
  • Payment readiness for government fees associated with selected services.
  • Compliance with updated residency and travel rules published by authorities.
  • Data privacy controls when exporting mobility records internally.