How to Read Your Iqama Card
Your Iqama card is covered in fields, some in Arabic, some in English, and it is not always obvious what each one means or which number is which. This guide walks through the card field by field so you can confidently find your Iqama number, expiry date, profession and sponsor information — and avoid the common mix-ups.
The most important field on your Iqama is the Iqama number — a 10-digit number starting with 2, which you use for almost every service. The card also shows your name, nationality, photo, profession, sponsor and an expiry date set in the Hijri calendar. Knowing where each sits saves time and prevents you from confusing the Iqama number with other ID numbers.
Each field on your Iqama, explained
Iqama number
A unique 10-digit identifier that starts with 2. This is the number you will use constantly — for banking, telecom, government portals and every status check. It is the single most important field on the card.
Name and nationality
Your full name as registered with the authorities and your nationality. Make sure the spelling matches your passport, as mismatches can cause issues with other services.
Profession
Your job title as officially registered. This is not just a label — it can affect fees and your ability to sponsor family. See our guide on Iqama professions.
Sponsor
The employer or individual who sponsors your residency. Most Iqama processes, including renewal, run through this sponsor.
Expiry date
The date your residency is valid until, set in the Hijri (Islamic) calendar. This is the field to watch most closely, and the one most often misread.
The Hijri date trap
The single biggest source of confusion when reading an Iqama is the expiry date. It is written in the Hijri calendar, which is about 11 days shorter per year than the Gregorian calendar most expats plan their lives around. If you read the Hijri date and assume it maps neatly to a Gregorian date, you can misjudge when your Iqama actually expires.
Whenever you read your expiry date, convert it to the Gregorian calendar using an official converter, and note both. This one habit prevents the accidental lapses that lead to fines.
Use our free date converter
To turn the Hijri expiry date on your card into a Gregorian date you can plan around, use our converter.
Open the Hijri to Gregorian converterQuick reference: find it fast
- Need it for a form? Look for the 10-digit number starting with 2 — that is your Iqama number.
- Checking validity? Find the expiry date and convert it from Hijri to Gregorian.
- Dealing with HR? The sponsor field shows who manages your residency.
- Sponsoring family? Your profession field can affect eligibility.
Is your Iqama about to expire?
Find out exactly how much renewal costs and what steps to follow before the expiry date.
Frequently asked questions
Which number is my Iqama number?
It is the 10-digit number beginning with 2. Other numbers on the card or in documents (like a border number or work permit number) are different — the one starting with 2 is your Iqama ID.
Why is the date on my card 'wrong'?
It is almost certainly the Hijri calendar. Convert it to Gregorian and it will make sense. See our Iqama expiry check guide.
My name spelling differs from my passport
Flag this with your sponsor, as inconsistencies between your Iqama and passport can cause problems with banks, travel and other services.
Where can I find official information?
Always rely on the official government portals such as absher.sa and moi.gov.sa for the most accurate, up-to-date information about your residency.
Is this guide official?
No. This is an independent informational guide written to explain the topic in plain English. It is not affiliated with the Saudi government.