How to Apply for Iqama for a Newborn in Saudi Arabia

Welcoming a newborn in Saudi Arabia as an expatriate is a moment of immense joy, but it also brings essential legal responsibilities. One of the most crucial tasks is securing an Iqama (residency permit) for your newborn.

This legal document is mandatory for every child born to expatriate parents in the Kingdom and must be processed promptly to ensure your baby’s legal status, access to healthcare, and other essential services.

Let’s walk through the detailed step-by-step process, from birth to holding your newborn’s Iqama in hand.

Step 1: Obtain the Birth Certificate

After birth: The hospital will issue a birth notification. This is a temporary document.

Register at Ahwal Madani (Civil Affairs Office): Book an appointment via the Absher platform before visiting.

Submit the hospital’s birth notification to receive the official Saudi birth certificate. Both Arabic and English versions may be needed, especially for embassies.

Pro tip: Double-check all details (names, spellings, dates) on the birth certificate at this stage!

Step 2: Apply for Passport for Your Baby

Visit your home country’s embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia to apply for your baby’s passport.

Requirements often include:
- Baby’s Saudi birth certificate (with translation if needed)
- Both parents’ passports and Iqamas (originals and copies)
- Passport-size photographs of the baby
- Marriage certificate (if required)
- Embassy-specific forms and fees

Note: Passport application at the embassy is often the slowest step. If you encounter processing delays (e.g., due to embassy backlog or documentation issues), notify the Saudi Jawazat (Passports Directorate) with supporting documents to avoid fines.

Step 3: Pay the Dependent Levy (Fee)

As of 2025, a monthly dependent levy of SAR 400 per child applies. This fee is paid in advance for the year, usually via your bank’s SADAD system or directly through the Absher app.

Step 4: Prepare All Required Documents

To apply for your newborn’s Iqama, you’ll need to gather and scan (preferably as a single PDF, <1MB):

Baby’s birth certificate (from Civil Affairs)
Baby’s passport (valid, with at least 6 months’ validity)
Valid medical insurance for the newborn
Receipt of paid dependent levy
Baby’s passport-size photograph
Copies of both parents’ passports and Iqamas
Vaccination card (to show immunizations are up-to-date)
Marriage certificate (if applicable; must be attested if wife isn’t under husband’s sponsorship)

Pro tip: Arrange these documents exactly as required and compress them to a manageable size for uploading.

Step 5: Submit the Iqama Application via Absher (Tawasul Service)

Log in to your Absher account (ensure it is active).
Go to “My Services” > “Passports” > “Tawasul”.
Click on “New Request”.
Sector: Select “Services for residents inside the Kingdom”
Service: If the child was born in Saudi Arabia, select “Add Newborn”.
Request Description: Type (in Arabic or English) that you are applying for a newborn Iqama.
Attach the required PDF you created.
Submit and await confirmation. An SMS acknowledgment will be sent to your registered phone.

Step 6: Book Jawazat (Passport Office) Appointment and Collect Iqama

Once you receive approval, log in to Absher again and navigate to the appointments section.

Book and print your appointment slip.

On the day of your appointment, bring:
- Tawasul approval letter (printout)
- Appointment slip
- Originals of all documents you uploaded
- Physical passport and photos of the newborn

Go to the Jawazat office with all documents in original for quick verification. The actual issuing process is usually completed the same day or a new collection date is provided.

Important: Check all details on the issued Iqama card before leaving.

Timelines and Penalties

You must complete the Iqama process within 90 days of your child’s birth. Missing this deadline can result in fines and complications with your child’s legal status.

If your baby doesn’t have a passport ready due to embassy delay, inform the Jawazat to avoid the penalty and keep proof of ongoing processing.

Special Scenarios

Baby born outside Saudi Arabia: Apply for a dependent entry visa. After arrival in Saudi Arabia, follow the same registration and Iqama process.

Twins or multiples: Submit separate applications and documents for each child; the process is identical for each.

Checklist: Documents Needed

Document	Details
Baby’s Birth Certificate	From Civil Affairs, with hospital notification
Passport for Baby	From home country embassy in KSA
Medical Insurance	As per Saudi requirements
Dependent Levy Payment	SAR 400/month, proof required
Baby’s Photo	Recent, passport-size
Parents’ Passports + Iqamas	Both mother and father
Vaccination Card	For immunizations (if required)
Marriage Certificate	If wife is not under husband’s Kafeel (sponsorship)

Fees at a Glance

Dependent Levy: SAR 400/month (paid annually)
Medical Insurance: Varies by provider and plan
Passport & Embassy Fees: Vary by country of origin
Jawazat Application Fee: Usually included in Iqama processing, but may vary

Confused about the steps or need quick expert help for your baby’s Iqama?

Securing an Iqama for your newborn in Saudi Arabia is not just a legal mandate, it’s your child’s key to health services, identity, and seamless residency. Strict adherence to the process, document accuracy, and timelines will ensure a smooth experience without penalties.

Still confused on how to apply for iqama for newborn in Saudi Arabia? Reach out to DuVolks, your trusted partner for all residency and document solutions in KSA. Let our experienced team handle the process, so you focus on cherishing every moment with your newborn!

Act now! Contact DuVolks for hassle-free Iqama processing and personalized assistance, your child’s future deserves the best start in Saudi Arabia.

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Author Bio

Salman Thorop is the Founder of DuVolks, with a deep-rooted presence in Saudi Arabia since 2009. His entrepreneurial journey began in 2014 when he established his business under the SAGIA (now MISA) license. A compliance expert by profession, Salman has developed extensive expertise in Saudi Arabia’s regulatory landscape and specializes in business setup and PRO services. He maintains a keen understanding of government initiatives and policy changes through active engagement with official Saudi government Twitter handles.