If you’ve recently arrived in Saudi Arabia for work, you may not have received your Iqama card yet. During this period, many government services identify you using your Border Number (Raqm Al Hudood) instead of your Iqama Number.
The good news is that once your employer completes the required procedures, you can use your Border Number to check whether your Iqama Number has been generated.
This guide explains the official methods, requirements, and common issues when checking your Iqama Number online.
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Quick Answer
Yes, you can check your Iqama Number using your Border Number through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) inquiry service. Enter your Border Number, provide the requested personal details, complete the verification, and the system will display your Iqama Number if it has already been issued.
What Is a Border Number?
A Border Number (Raqm Al Hudood) is a unique identification number assigned to foreign nationals when they enter Saudi Arabia.
Before your Iqama is issued, this number is used by government systems to identify your records.
You can usually find your Border Number:
- On your passport entry stamp.
- On your visa documents.
- In your employer’s immigration records.
Once your residency process is completed, your Border Number becomes linked to your permanent Iqama Number.
What Is an Iqama Number?
An Iqama Number is your permanent 10-digit residency identification number issued after your Iqama application is approved.
You’ll need it for almost every service in Saudi Arabia, including:
- Opening a bank account
- Registering a SIM card
- Using Absher
- Accessing Qiwa
- Renewing your Iqama
- Checking your employment status
- Applying for Exit Re-Entry Visas
If you haven’t received your physical Iqama card yet, checking your Iqama Number online can save you time.
Who Can Use This Method?
This method is ideal for:
- New expatriate workers
- Employees waiting for their first Iqama
- Workers who only have a Border Number
- Foreign nationals whose employer has already started the Iqama process
If your Iqama has not yet been issued, the inquiry may not return any results.
Information Required Before Checking
Before starting the inquiry, keep the following details ready:
- Border Number
- Date of Birth
- Nationality
- Passport Number (if required)
- CAPTCHA verification
Entering the correct information improves the chances of finding your record successfully.
How to Check Your Iqama Number with a Border Number
The easiest way is through the official HRSD Individual Services portal.
Step 1: Open the HRSD Inquiry Service
Visit the official HRSD inquiry page for expatriate employee information.
Use only official Saudi government websites to avoid outdated or incorrect information.
Step 2: Accept the Terms
Some HRSD services ask you to confirm or accept the service terms before continuing.
After accepting, proceed to the inquiry form.
Step 3: Enter Your Border Number
Type your 10-digit Border Number exactly as shown on your passport or entry records.
Make sure there are no extra spaces or incorrect digits.
Step 4: Enter Your Date of Birth
Choose the correct calendar format if prompted (Hijri or Gregorian) and enter your date of birth accurately.
Step 5: Complete the CAPTCHA
Enter the verification code displayed on the screen to confirm that you’re a genuine user.
Step 6: Click Next or Search
Once all information is entered correctly, submit the inquiry.
If your Iqama has already been issued, the system will display your Iqama Number along with basic employee information.
What Information Will You See After the Search?
If your inquiry is successful, the system may display basic employment and residency details associated with your record.
The information can include:
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Iqama Number | Your official residency identification number |
| Employee Name | Name registered with your employer |
| Nationality | Country of citizenship |
| Employer Name | Current sponsor or company |
| Work Status | Current employment status |
| Occupation | Profession registered on your Iqama |
If no record appears, it doesn’t always mean there’s a problem. Your Iqama may still be under processing, or your employer may not have completed all required formalities.
How Long Does It Take for an Iqama Number to Be Issued?
One of the most common questions from new expatriates is how long they need to wait before receiving an Iqama Number.
The processing time depends on several factors, including:
- Completion of your medical examination
- Biometric registration
- Employer submitting the required documents
- Approval from the relevant Saudi authorities
- Public holidays or system processing times
If all requirements are completed promptly, your Iqama Number is generally issued within a few weeks after arriving in Saudi Arabia. However, the exact timeline can vary depending on your employer and the processing of your application.
Why Can’t I Find My Iqama Number?
There are several reasons why your Border Number search may not return an Iqama Number.
1. Your Iqama Has Not Been Issued Yet
If your employer has not completed the Iqama application process, the system will not display an Iqama Number.
Solution: Contact your HR department or employer to confirm the application status.
2. Incorrect Border Number
Entering even one incorrect digit can prevent the system from locating your record.
Solution: Check the Border Number on your passport or visa documents and try again.
3. Incorrect Date of Birth
The inquiry service matches your Border Number with your personal information.
Solution: Ensure your date of birth is entered exactly as requested.
4. System Maintenance
Government websites occasionally undergo scheduled maintenance.
Solution: Wait a while and try again later.
5. Processing Delay
Sometimes your employer has already submitted your application, but the information has not yet been updated in the online system.
Solution: Wait 24–48 hours and check again.
Border Number vs Iqama Number
Many newcomers confuse these two numbers. Here’s a quick comparison.
| Border Number | Iqama Number |
|---|---|
| Issued when you enter Saudi Arabia | Issued after your Iqama is approved |
| Temporary identification | Permanent residency number |
| Found on entry records | Found on your Iqama card |
| Used before Iqama issuance | Used for most government services |
| May become unnecessary after Iqama issuance | Required throughout your stay in Saudi Arabia |
Understanding the difference helps you use the correct number for different government services.
Tips for New Expatriates
If you’ve recently arrived in Saudi Arabia, these tips can make the Iqama process smoother:
- Keep a copy of your passport and visa.
- Save your Border Number in a secure place.
- Follow up with your employer regarding your Iqama application.
- Check your Iqama status periodically if your employer confirms the application has been submitted.
- Register for official government services once your Iqama is issued.
- Avoid sharing your personal identification details with unauthorized individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my Iqama Number using only my Border Number?
Yes. If your employer has completed the Iqama process and your Iqama has been issued, you may be able to retrieve your Iqama Number using your Border Number through the relevant official inquiry service.
Where can I find my Border Number?
Your Border Number is usually printed on your passport entry stamp or available on your visa-related documents. Your employer may also have this information.
Why doesn’t the system show my Iqama Number?
The most common reasons include:
- Iqama not yet issued
- Incorrect Border Number
- Delayed system update
- Incorrect personal information entered during the inquiry
Is the Border Number the same as the Iqama Number?
No.
A Border Number is assigned when you enter Saudi Arabia, while an Iqama Number is issued after your residency permit is approved.
Can I open a bank account with only a Border Number?
In most cases, banks require a valid Iqama. If you have only a Border Number, ask your employer about the available options until your Iqama is issued.
What should I do after receiving my Iqama Number?
Once you have your Iqama Number, you should:
- Verify your Iqama validity.
- Register for Absher.
- Activate eligible government services.
- Keep your residency information updated.
- Monitor your Iqama expiry date.
Conclusion
Your Border Number serves as your temporary identification when you first arrive in Saudi Arabia, while your Iqama Number becomes your primary residency identification after your application is approved.
If your employer has already completed the necessary procedures, using the official HRSD inquiry service is one of the easiest ways to check whether your Iqama Number has been issued. If no record appears, verify your details and check with your employer before trying again.