Introduction: Baby Born Outside Saudi Arabia
Having a baby outside of Saudi Arabia but want to bring them to Kingdom. Your newborn will need an Iqama to live and stay in Saudi Arabia legally. The process is a bit different from babies born inside the country. This guide explains everything you need to know in easy words so you can get your baby Iqama without stress.
Why Your Baby Needs an Iqama
Your baby cannot live in Saudi Arabia without an Iqama even if both parents have residency in Kingdom. This document gives your child the legal right to stay, go to school, get medical care and travel safely. It is required by Saudi law.
Important Info Box
Key Facts You Should Know:
- Extra fee of 2,000 SR for babies born outside Saudi Arabia
- Need polio vaccination certificate from hospital
- Must have passport with border stamps or visa
- Need to provide airport on-arrival visa details
- Can only travel once baby arrives in Saudi Arabia
- Apply within 90 days of arrival
- Baby can get on arrival visa at Saudi airports
- Process takes 2 to 3 weeks after submission
Extra Documents You Need
When your baby is born outside Saudi Arabia. You need all the regular documents plus some additional ones. Here is the complete list:
Regular Documents (Same as babies born in Saudi Arabia):
- Birth certificate of Baby
- Passport of Your baby
- Your passport copy
- Your wife passport copy
- Your Iqama copy
- Your wife Iqama copy
- Your baby vaccination card
- Baby photographs
- Proof of dependent fee payment
- Valid health insurance document
Additional Documents for Babies Born Outside Saudi Arabia:
- Page from baby passport showing the border entry number
- Copy of your baby visa stamp on the passport
- Receipt showing you paid the 2,000 SR Iqama fee
- Polio immunization certificate from the hospital where baby was born
- Copy of the on arrival visa stamp if baby got visa at the airport
Note: If you have twins or more than one baby. You need to prepare separate PDF files for each child.
How to Bring Your Baby to Saudi Arabia
Before you apply for the Iqama. You need to bring your baby into Kingdom. Here are the conditions that must be true:
- Your baby is less than one year old
- Both parents have valid Iqama
- The mother has a valid exit and re-entry visa
If all these are true, your baby can get an on-arrival visa at any Saudi airport. The mother should bring these documents:
- Your baby passport
- Birth certificate
- Vaccination card
- Copies of both parents Iqama
The baby will get the on arrival visa right at airport. This is temporary permit until you get the permanent Iqama.
Step 1: Gather and Organize All Documents
Collect every document from the list above. Arrange them in order. Scan all documents and combine them into one PDF file. The PDF must be smaller than 1MB. Use a free online PDF compressor tool.
Important Rules for Your PDF:
- Use only one word as the filename with no spaces
- Remove all special characters like dots, commas, question marks or quotes
- Make sure all documents are clear and easy to read
- Check that all names match exactly across all documents
Step 2: Pay the Fees
Pay the required fees through the SADAD online system using your bank. The main fee is:
- Dependent fee (varies by your Iqama expiry date)
- Iqama fee of 2,000 SR (only for babies born outside Saudi Arabia)
- Monthly dependent fee of 400 SR per child
Your company usually pays these fees but check with your HR department.
Step 3: Create Your PDF and Login to Absher
Organize your PDF file carefully. Then go to www.absher.sa and login with your credentials. Make sure your account is active and working.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once login then follow these steps on Absher:
- Click on Services under My Services
- Select Passports
- Click on Tawasul
- Click on the New Request button
- Choose Add Dependent (because your baby was born outside Saudi Arabia)
- Select the service type for babies born outside the Kingdom
- Write a short message saying you want to apply for your baby’s Iqama
- Attach your PDF file that you prepared
- Submit the request
You will get a confirmation message on your phone right away.
Related Article: Create a Absher Account
Step 5: Wait for Approval Status
After you submit wait for Absher to process your request. This takes about 1 to 2 weeks. You will receive an SMS when the status is ready. Then login to Absher again and check if your request was approved or rejected.
Step 6: Visit Jawazat Office
Once your request is approved, visit the nearest Jawazat office with these documents:
- Printed confirmation from Absher
- Baby photographs
- Filled out Iqama application form
- Baby passport
- Birth certificate
- Your Iqama and passport
- Insurance documents
Book an appointment through Absher under Resident Services before you go. The officer will check everything and print your baby’s Iqama immediately usually in 15 to 20 minutes.
Common Problems and Solutions
Insurance Not Connected: Your insurance company may not have link your baby insurance to Jawazat. Call them to fix this link. Then try your application again on Absher.
Border Number Missing: Make sure your baby passport shows the border entry number clearly. If you cannot find it, check the immigration stamp area or call the border office.
Name Spelling Mistakes: If the name on your passport does not match your baby birth certificate exactly so get the documents corrected first. Even small spelling differences cause rejection.
Vaccination Certificate Issue: Polio vaccination must be from an official hospital. Make sure the certificate has the hospital stamp and doctor signature. Get a certified copy if needed.
What Happens After You Get the Iqama
Congratulations. Your baby now has legal residency in Saudi Arabia. You can now:
- Enroll your baby in school
- Access government health services
- Add your baby to your health insurance fully
- Travel with your baby more easily
- Have legal proof of your baby’s residency
Final Thought
Getting an Iqama for your baby born outside Saudi Arabia might seem complicated but it is manageable when you follow the steps in order. Have you brought your newborn to Saudi Arabia. Share your experience in the comments below. Let us know if you have questions about any part of this process. We are here to help you and other families going through the same thing.
