How to Store Your Iqama Digitally

For residents of Saudi Arabia, the Iqama (resident identity) is the document everything else hangs on — banking, a SIM card, renting a flat, travel with an exit re-entry visa. Here's how to keep it, your passport and your visa details safe and up to date.

Why your Iqama copy needs care

Iqama copies are shared constantly — with employers, landlords, schools and banks. A copy together with your passport page is valuable to anyone trying to register a SIM or a contract in your name, so it's worth controlling where your copies go.

Step 1: Use the official digital ID

The Absher platform of the Ministry of Interior offers a digital resident ID in its app, which many services accept in place of the card. Use it where it's accepted, and keep your Absher login protected — it gives access to far more than your ID.

Step 2: Keep your own secure copies

You'll still need copies for services that don't use Absher, and for your own records: your Iqama, passport photo page, visa pages, attested degree certificates, salary certificates and tenancy contract.

Storing them in IDBANKQR.COM

1. Log in and open Add New ID.
2. Set Country to Saudi Arabia (usually filled in from your location).
3. Pick Iqama (Resident ID) from the document list. The Saudi list also has Exit Re-entry Visa, Saudi Driving Licence, Vehicle Registration (Istimara), Tenancy Contract (Ejar), Salary Certificate and attested certificates.
4. Upload both sides, or scan them into one PDF with Scan Document.
5. Enter the Expiry Date so you're reminded before it runs out.

Keep your home-country documents in the same place with their own country selected, and My Documents can list your Saudi documents separately from the rest.

Step 3: Watch the expiry date

Iqama renewal is normally arranged through your employer or sponsor, and late renewal can bring fines. Check the current rules on Absher or with your employer, and store the expiry date with your copy — IDBANKQR emails you 30, 7 and 1 day before it.

Step 4: Share copies the safe way

• Share with a QR code that expires, not as a chat attachment.
• Choose View only when someone just needs to see it.
• On a paper copy, write the purpose and date across it and sign over the writing.

Quick checklist

• Use the Absher digital ID where it's accepted, and protect your Absher login.
• Keep encrypted copies of your Iqama, passport, visa and attested certificates.
• Store expiry dates and renew on time.
• Share with expiring, view-only access.