Introduction: Iqama for Newborn Baby
If you just had a baby in Saudi Arabia, congratulations to you and your family. Now comes an important task: getting an Iqama for your newborn. The good news is that you can do most of this work online through Absher and there is no need to visit the Jawazat office right away. This guide will show you exactly what to do in simple steps.
What is an Iqama for Newborn
Your newborn needs an Iqama, which is a residency permit for Saudi Arabia. Think of it as an ID that tells the government your baby has permission to live in the Kingdom. Your baby needs this document to go to school, see a doctor, and travel safely. Without it, your baby cannot access government services or get proper health insurance.
Quick Info Box
- You must apply within 90 days of your baby’s birth
- Late application costs 1,000 SR fine if born in Saudi Arabia
- You can apply online using Absher, no office visit needed for the first step
- The process takes about 2 to 3 weeks
- Dependent fee is required each month
- Your baby needs a passport before applying
- Valid medical insurance is required
Step 1: Get All Your Documents Ready
Before you start, gather these documents and make a single PDF file from all of them. Your PDF file should have only one word as the name.
These are the documents you need:
- Birth certificate of baby
- Your baby passport
- Your passport copy
- Passport copy of your Wife
- Your Iqama copy
- Your wife Iqama copy
- Baby vaccination card
- Recent photographs of the baby
- Proof that you paid the dependent fee
- Valid health insurance document
If your wife is not under your sponsorship. You also need the original marriage certificate approved by Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Step 2: Create Your PDF File
Arrange all documents in order listed above. You can use a free online PDF compressor to make the file smaller than 1MB. This makes uploading easier. The file name must be simple with no spaces or special marks.
Step 3: Apply Through Absher
Go to Absher.sa and log into your account. Then follow these steps:
- Click on the Services tab
- Select Passports
- Click on Tawasul
- Click the New Request button
- Choose Newborn Registration (if your baby was born in Saudi Arabia)
- Write a short message explaining you want to apply for Iqama for your newborn
- Attach your PDF file
- Send the request
Your phone will get a confirmation message right away.
Related Article: How to Create a Absher Account
Step 4: Wait for Approval and Print
After some time you will get SMS saying your request is answered. When this happens, login back into Absher and check your request status. If it says approve then print the confirmation letter from Absher.
Step 5: Visit Jawazat Office
Once approve visit the nearest Jawazat office with these papers:
- The printed confirmation from Absher
- Baby photographs
- Baby Iqama form (filled out)
- Your baby birth certificate
- Your Iqama and passport
Book an appointment through Absher under Resident Services. The officer will print your baby’s Iqama right away. Usually in 15 to 20 minutes.
What If Your Application Gets Rejected
Sometimes applications get rejected. Here are common reasons:
Missing Insurance Link: This means health insurance of baby is not connected to Jawazat. Call your insurance company to fix this. Then send your request again.
Document Problems: Your attachment might have an issue. Make sure all documents are clear and easy to read. Try again with a new PDF.
Name Mismatch: The Baby name on passport does not match the birth certificate exactly. Get the documents corrected and try again.
Bottom Line
Getting an Iqama for your newborn is an important responsibility but the online system makes it much easier than before. Gather your documents carefully and follow the steps in order and you will have your baby’s Iqama within a few weeks. If you run into any problems, do not hesitate to call the Jawazat office or your company HR department for help.
