Resident Essentials Checklist
A practical “first 7–14 days” sequence to avoid admin friction.
ID & Government Access
- • Confirm your Iqama status and validity dates
- • Set up Absher access (where applicable)
- • Keep passport and residency details aligned
- • Understand Exit/Re-Entry requirements before travel
Daily Life Setup
- • Secure housing and register your lease (Ejar where used)
- • Choose a mobile plan and activate a local SIM
- • Open a bank account for salary & payments
- • Set up transport: ride-hailing first, driving next
1) Iqama
Your resident identity and the backbone of onboarding.
Your Iqama is your primary resident ID. Most day-to-day tasks become significantly easier once your residency is active and your details are correctly linked across systems.
What it typically unlocks
- • Banking onboarding and salary accounts
- • SIM registration and telecom services
- • Leasing and address-related services
- • Renewals, travel admin, and many government services
What to watch
- • Validity dates (avoid last-minute renewals)
- • Name spelling consistency across records
- • Dependent linkage (if family members are sponsored)
- • Secure storage of digital copies
2) Absher and Government Services
How residents typically access government transactions digitally.
Many resident processes are handled through government portals (commonly including Absher), depending on your profile, permissions, and the specific service. Even if your employer handles parts of the workflow, you should still understand what is processed under your name.
Access
Ensure your mobile number and identity verification are aligned for activation.
Visibility
Know your status: validity dates, dependents, and key approvals.
Discipline
Keep confirmations/receipts for renewals and essential transactions.
3) Exit/Re-Entry
Plan travel early—this is the most common resident blocker.
For international travel, Exit/Re-Entry alignment is critical. The most common issues come from mismatched dates, expired documents, or travel planned before authorizations are issued.
Best practice
- • Check requirements before booking flights
- • Keep copies of approvals and relevant IDs
- • If you travel frequently, align renewals to your travel calendar
4) Renting Property and Ejar
What residents should confirm before signing a lease.
Renting is straightforward when the paperwork is clean. Many leases are registered through Ejar, which standardizes tenancy contracts and often supports address-related verification.
What to check before signing
- • Payment schedule, deposits, and exit conditions
- • Maintenance responsibility and utilities (electricity/water/internet)
- • Inventory list if furnished
- • Commute reality + nearby lifestyle (restaurants, gyms, services)
Ejar (rental platform)
Ensure the contract details match your ID precisely, keep a digital copy, and use consistent contact details for renewals.
Official link: ejar.sa
5) Transportation
Driving, ride-hailing, delivery apps, and planning your routine.
Mobility varies by city. Most residents use a mix of driving, ride-hailing, delivery, and (where available) public transport. Your “best” setup depends on your commute route, family needs, and whether you travel often.
Ride-hailing
Ideal while residency, SIM, and banking setup are being finalized.
Driving
Most flexible once your license pathway is clear and insurance is in place.
City rhythm
Factor peak traffic windows, seasonality, and event calendars.
Driving license & vehicle basics
- • If you plan to drive, start the license conversion/issuance pathway early
- • Budget for insurance and annual renewals
- • Keep vehicle documents and any company-driver authorizations in order
6) Mobile Networks and Connectivity
SIM registration, plans, and how to pick coverage that fits your life.
Mobile service is generally strong in major cities. Choose based on coverage at your home, office, and commute route—then compare bundles, roaming, and add-ons.
Tip
If you travel often, compare roaming packs and international minutes. If you work remotely, prioritize home fiber availability in your building.
7) Additional Items Most Residents Forget
The hidden blockers that cause delays if left too late.
Banking & payments
- • Open a local account early (salary, rent, utilities)
- • Keep a clean KYC pack (employment, address, ID copies)
- • Set transaction alerts and secure digital access
Healthcare & insurance
- • Confirm your insurance network (hospitals/clinics)
- • Keep policy details accessible for appointments
- • Plan family coverage and special policies early
Schooling & family setup
- • Shortlist schools early (waitlists can be real)
- • Check distance, pickup logistics, and term calendars
- • Align housing location with school + commute reality
Utilities & internet
- • Confirm who activates electricity/water and how
- • Ask about fiber availability in your building
- • Keep lease + ID available for service onboarding
8) Lifestyle, Tourism, Restaurants & Social
Reliable sources to explore, plan weekends, and settle in faster.
Settling in is easier when you have trusted sources for events, food, and weekend trips. Use these links to explore quickly.
Tourism & things to do
- • Visit Saudi (official tourism): visitsaudi.com
- • Riyadh Season (events): riyadhseason.com
- • Diriyah (heritage): diriyah.sa
- • AlUla (weekend trips): experiencealula.com
- • MDLBEAST (music/events): mdlbeast.com
Restaurants & lifestyle
- • Time Out Riyadh: timeout.com/riyadh
- • What’s On Saudi: whatsonsaudiarabia.com
- • Want a curated list by district + preference? We can build it.
Want a “Resident Launch Plan”?
We can tailor a 7-day checklist to your city and routine: housing shortlist, commute plan, banking pack, SIM setup, and a weekend exploration map.
Request Your Resident PlanResident FAQs
Quick answers to common questions new residents ask.
What should I do immediately after receiving my Iqama? +
Do I need Ejar to rent a property? +
Do I need a local SIM before I can activate government services? +
What are the most common reasons residents face delays? +
Need help with resident setup and compliance?
Incorporated supports investors, founders, and executives with residency planning, onboarding coordination, and government services alignment — alongside company setup and operational readiness.