The Iqama: Your Saudi Residence Card
Every degree student needs an Iqama (the Saudi residence card). Your university is your sponsor, which means it takes responsibility for your stay. You get it after you land and pass a medical check.
Saudi ArabiaSAUDI ARABIA IQAMA
Type: Student
ID#: 700-123-456
ID: S1234567890
Status: Student
Program: Master's Program
Institution: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
Your Iqama lets you live in Saudi Arabia while you study. Keep it valid the whole time.
What Is the Iqama?
The Iqama is the card that shows you live in Saudi Arabia legally. Your student visa gets you in. Your Iqama lets you stay while you study.
Visa and Iqama
In your passport.
Lets you enter Saudi Arabia.
Valid for 1 year and renewed every year.
A card you get after you land.
Lets you live and study in Saudi Arabia.
Needed for a bank account and SIM card.
Absher
Absher is the Saudi government app for residence and visa services. Many students use it once they have an Iqama.
Key Papers
Iqama
Your Saudi residence card.
Student visa
The long-term student visa in your passport. Valid for 1 year and renewed yearly.
University ID
Proof you are enrolled.
Do Not Let It Run Out
What Keeps Your Iqama Valid
Full-time study
Stay enrolled and take a full course load.
University sponsor
Your university is your sponsor, so it takes responsibility for your stay.
Valid passport
Keep your passport valid while you study.
Health insurance
You need it for the visa and for life in Saudi Arabia.
How Students Get and Keep an Iqama
Students do not apply for the Iqama alone. Your university is your sponsor and handles it with you.
How Long Things Take
Student visa
Before you fly
Iqama medical check
After you land
Iqama request
After the medical check
You get your Iqama
After your request
The Main Steps
First Iqama
Every non-Saudi degree student needs an Iqama sponsored by the university, which takes responsibility for your stay.
Key Requirements:
- Passport with your long-term student visa.
- The Iqama medical check in Saudi Arabia.
- The Iqama request (at KAUST, sent on the university's online portal).
Keeping your right to stay
Your Iqama depends on you staying a full-time student.
Key Requirements:
- At Alfaisal University, bachelor's students take 12 or more credit hours in Fall and Spring to keep their right to stay.
Yearly renewal
Your student visa runs 1 year at a time. Your university renews your residence papers.
Key Requirements:
- Valid passport.
- Still enrolled at your university.
Family members
Some universities help bring a spouse and children. KAUST does this for students it sponsors.
Key Requirements:
- Health insurance for each family member.
From Visa to Iqama
Student visa
Your university requests your long-term student visa.
Duration: Before you fly
Iqama medical check
At KAUST this happens in orientation week.
Duration: After you land
Iqama request
At KAUST, you send the Iqama request on the university's online portal.
Duration: After the medical check
You get your Iqama
Now you can open a bank account and get a SIM card.
Duration: After your request
How Your Iqama Is Issued
Your university helps with most of this. Your job is to have your papers ready and to show up for the medical check.
First Iqama, Step by Step
Student visa
Get the long-term student visa.
Your university requests it. You give your papers in your home country.
Medical check
Do the Iqama medical check after you land.
Your university arranges it.
University request
Send the Iqama request. Your university is your sponsor.
At KAUST, you fill in the request on the university's online portal.
Collect your Iqama
Pick it up and keep it safe.
Pick it up from your university's office.
Renewing Your Iqama
Stay enrolled
Keep a full course load and a valid passport.
University renews
Your university's office for residence papers renews your Iqama.
Check the new date
Look at the new expiry date in Absher or on your card.
Papers for Your Iqama
Your university asks for these. Bring the originals with you to Saudi Arabia.
For your first Iqama
Passport
With your long-term student visa.
Admission letter
From your Saudi university.
Iqama medical check
Done in Saudi Arabia after you land.
How Long the Iqama Takes
Most of the waiting happens before you fly. After you land, the Iqama is quick at universities like KAUST.
Steps Before and After You Land
Papers at home
The slowest part.
Key Activities:
- Get an official stamp on your degree papers. This can take up to 60 days.
- Get the visa medical report done at home.
Visa request
Your university does this.
Key Activities:
- Your university asks the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for your visa.
Visa in passport
In India or Pakistan.
Key Activities:
- Hand in your passport at the Saudi embassy or its approved visa centre.
Iqama medical check in Saudi Arabia
Needed before the Iqama.
Key Activities:
- At KAUST it is set up in orientation week.
Iqama issued
Now open a bank account and get a SIM card.
Key Activities:
- Collect it from your university's office.
What Can Slow It Down
Official stamps on degree papers
Getting the stamps can take up to 60 days.
Visa medical report
A missing test or an expired report delays the visa.
Passport
Your visa is linked to the passport number you gave. A new passport means new paperwork.
Typical Cases
Complex Cases
Keeping Your Right to Stay Safe
A few habits keep your Iqama valid until you finish.
Simple Habits
Keep papers current
Your Iqama and passport must both stay valid.
Renew your passport early.
Stay full time
Your status depends on your studies.
At Alfaisal, bachelor's students need 12 or more credit hours in Fall and Spring.
Use Absher
Check your details once you have an Iqama.
It is the Saudi government app for residence and visa services.
Apps Students Use
Government app
- Absher: residence and visa services
Mistakes to Avoid
Plan Ahead
Most problems come from expired papers. Check your dates every few months.
Common Questions About the Iqama
Short answers about the Saudi residence card for students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Links
Need More Help?
Your university's international office is the best first contact for any Iqama question.
Complete Guide to Saudi Arabia
Explore all aspects of studying in Saudi Arabia with our comprehensive guides
Post-Arrival - Detailed Guides
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Get personalized guidance for studying in Saudi Arabia with our expert consultants
Get Free ConsultationWant help with your Iqama (residence card) and visa papers?
We help you plan the papers you need before you fly, so your Iqama can start soon after you land.
Talk to Our Team