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Arriving & settling

SIM card, bank account and Absher

The three things everything else depends on.

General information, not advice. This page summarises publicly available rules in plain language. It is not legal advice or a recommendation to take any action. Procedures, fees and fines change without notice and can differ by case. The official portal below is the only authoritative source.

You need: Valid iqama (or border number at the start).

Steps

  1. Buy a SIM from STC, Mobily, Zain, Lebara, Salam or Virgin. It is registered to your iqama with fingerprints at the shop.
  2. Check which numbers are registered in your name in Absher. Cancel any number you do not recognise, because you are responsible for it.
  3. Open a bank account with your iqama. Your salary must be paid into a bank account under the Wage Protection System.
  4. Register on Absher Individuals. Every government service, fine and visa runs through it, and OTP codes go to your registered mobile.

Important: Never let anyone register a SIM or open an account using your iqama. Crimes committed with that number can be traced to you.

Last checked: 2026-10-24. Confirm current rules on the official source: absher.sa

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