Your Iqama Number Explained
Your Iqama number is the single most-used piece of identification you have in Saudi Arabia — it is asked for constantly, from banks to government portals. This guide explains exactly what the number is, how to recognise it, where to find it, and how it differs from the other ID numbers you will come across.
Your Iqama number is a unique 10-digit number that starts with 2, printed on your Iqama card. It is your identity number as a resident and is required for banking, telecom, government services, status checks and almost everything official. It is different from your border number, work permit number and passport number — the one starting with 2 is the Iqama number.
What the Iqama number is
Every resident of Saudi Arabia has a unique Iqama number, much like a national ID number for citizens. It is a 10-digit number, and for expatriates it begins with the digit 2 (citizens' national ID numbers begin with 1). This number stays with you and ties together your records across government systems.
Because it is the key to so many services, knowing your Iqama number by heart, or keeping it somewhere safe, saves time constantly. Almost every form, login and verification you encounter will ask for it.
Where to find your Iqama number
The most direct place is your physical Iqama card, where it is clearly printed as the main 10-digit number. If you do not have the card to hand, it also appears in the Absher app and on official documents linked to your residency. If your employer manages your Absher account, ask HR or check any official paperwork they have given you.
Be careful not to confuse it with other numbers. A new arrival who does not yet have an Iqama number uses a border number instead; employed residents also have a work permit number. The Iqama number is the 10-digit one starting with 2.
Telling the numbers apart
- Iqama number: 10 digits, starts with 2 — your main resident ID.
- Border number: used before your Iqama is issued, for new arrivals.
- Work permit number: linked to your employment, separate from the Iqama ID.
- Passport number: from your home-country passport, not a Saudi number.
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
How many digits is an Iqama number?
Ten digits, and for expatriates it starts with the number 2. If your number starts with 1, that is a citizen's national ID, not an Iqama number.
Does my Iqama number change when I renew?
No. Renewing your Iqama extends its validity but does not change your Iqama number — it stays the same throughout your residency.
What if I do not have my Iqama number yet?
New arrivals use their border number until the Iqama is issued. See our guide on checking your status by border number.
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.