Arrival to Iqama: Step-by-Step
Follow this sequence to keep the process moving and avoid rework.
Inform us of your arrival (border number retrieval)
As soon as you land, message us your arrival confirmation so we can retrieve your border number. This number is a critical identifier used to progress residency steps.
You send us:
- • Passport photo page
- • Visa/entry stamp page (or entry confirmation)
- • Your reachable mobile number
Share where you will be staying
We need your current address (hotel or residence) for coordination, appointments, and any courier steps.
Hotel
Hotel name, room number (if available), and location pin.
Residence
Compound/building name, unit number, and location pin.
Medical appointment scheduling
We will schedule your medical at an approved center. Medical clearance is a gating requirement for the next steps.
Typical tests
- • Blood test
- • Urine test
- • Possible stool test (case-dependent)
Bring your passport and any appointment reference shared by the team.
Medical clearance and basic medical insurance
Once your medical is successful, we proceed with the basic medical insurance setup to enable linkage and approvals.
What you should check
- • Your name and passport number match exactly
- • Date of birth format matches your passport
- • Your mobile is reachable for OTPs/verification
Connect and activate medical insurance
We complete the insurance linkage/activation step so your profile is ready for work permit and Iqama processing.
You receive
Policy details + insurer contact points for claims/appointments.
We confirm
Insurance is active and correctly associated to your profile.
Issue Work Permit
Once medical and insurance are properly linked, the employer-side workflow progresses to issuing the work permit.
Practical note
If anything is inconsistent (name/spelling/IDs), this is where delays commonly surface.
Issue Iqama
After the work permit is issued and fees are processed (where applicable), the Iqama is issued. From this point onward, your onboarding accelerates because most services can be activated under your resident ID.
Keep these ready
- • Passport (valid)
- • Iqama details once issued
- • A local reachable number (for verification)
Install and set up key Saudi apps
Your digital identity and day-to-day services rely on a small set of apps. Review and install from: incorpmena.com/saudi-apps
Must-haves
- • SIM activation (local provider)
- • Absher
- • Tawakkalna
- • Nafath
Executive best practice
Use one “official” email + mobile number consistently for OTPs and approvals. Keep backup access methods set.
Link government portals to your profile
We connect and validate your access across the relevant government portals so approvals and transactions can be made under your identity.
Outcome
You can authenticate key actions, receive confirmations, and avoid relying on screenshots or manual follow-ups.
Enable Exit/Re-Entry (travel readiness)
Once your profile is fully active, we can issue/enable the Exit/Re-Entry authorization so you can leave Saudi Arabia and re-enter smoothly (subject to your status and requirements).
Before booking flights
Confirm your authorization is valid for your travel dates.
If you travel often
Align renewals and travel windows early to avoid last-minute blocks.
Executive Notes (avoid friction)
Small details that prevent 80% of onboarding delays.
Use one consistent identity format
Your name, passport number, date of birth, and nationality must match exactly across medical, insurance, and portals. If something is wrong once, it repeats everywhere.
Be reachable for verification
OTPs and approvals are common. Ensure your phone is active, charged, and accessible during onboarding.
Keep a digital “KYC pack” ready
Store passport, visa, insurance, and Iqama copies in a secure folder. It speeds up banking, telecom, and lease steps.
Plan travel after readiness
If you must travel early, flag it immediately. Exit/Re-Entry readiness should be aligned before tickets are booked.
Want Incorporated to manage the full onboarding?
We coordinate medical, insurance linkage, work permit, Iqama, portal access, and travel readiness — so your staff and executives can focus on work from day one.