If your baby was born in Saudi Arabia, you need to get them an Iqama so they can legally stay in the Kingdom as your dependent. The process has a few steps: first the birth certificate, then the baby’s passport from your embassy, and finally the Iqama itself through Absher and Jawazat. This guide explains each step, the documents you need, and the mistakes to avoid.
It is important to start the process as soon as possible after the birth. Delays can lead to fines and problems when you need to travel or use services for your child. The exact steps can differ slightly depending on your nationality and your embassy’s requirements, so treat this guide as an overview and confirm the details for your case.
Step 1: Get the Birth Certificate
The first document you need is your baby’s Saudi birth certificate. The hospital where the baby was born will usually issue a birth notification. You then take that notification to the Civil Affairs office (Ahwal Madaniyah) to get the official birth certificate.
You will normally need:
- The hospital’s birth notification
- Both parents’ Iqamas
- Both parents’ passports
- Your marriage certificate (an attested copy may be required)
The birth certificate is issued in Arabic. Keep the original safe, and make a few copies — you will need it for the passport application and the Iqama.
Step 2: Get the Baby’s Passport
Once you have the birth certificate, the next step is to apply for your baby’s passport through your country’s embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia. The baby takes the nationality of the parents, so the passport comes from your home country, not from Saudi Arabia.
Each embassy has its own process, but you will usually need:
- The baby’s Saudi birth certificate
- Both parents’ passports and Iqamas
- Passport-size photos of the baby (white background, as per the embassy’s rules)
- A completed passport application form
- Your marriage certificate
Processing time varies by embassy — some issue passports quickly, others take longer. It is a good idea to check with your embassy early, so you know how long to expect and whether an appointment is needed.
Step 3: Apply for the Baby’s Iqama
With the birth certificate and passport ready, you can now apply for the baby’s Iqama. The father (as the head of the household and sponsor) normally applies through Absher Individuals, under the dependents section.
You will need:
- The baby’s passport
- The baby’s birth certificate
- The father’s Iqama
- The mother’s Iqama
- Passport-size photos of the baby
- Health insurance for the baby, if required
- Payment of the dependent fee, if it applies to your case
Fees for dependents vary and the official system shows the exact amount when the application is submitted. If you want to know the current fee for your case, message us on WhatsApp and we can check it for you.
In some cases, you may also need to visit a Jawazat office in person to complete the process or collect the Iqama. Once issued, check the baby’s Iqama details on Absher to make sure everything is correct.
Documents Checklist for Newborn Iqama
Here is a quick summary of everything you will need across the whole process:
- Hospital birth notification
- Saudi birth certificate from Ahwal Madaniyah
- Baby’s passport from your embassy
- Both parents’ passports (valid)
- Both parents’ Iqamas (valid)
- Marriage certificate (attested copy may be required)
- Baby’s passport-size photos (white background)
- Health insurance for the baby, if required
- Payment of any applicable dependent fees
Keep the originals and copies organised in one folder — you will use the same documents at the hospital, the embassy, and Jawazat.
What to Watch Out For
- Start early. Do not wait months after the birth. Late registration can lead to fines and extra paperwork.
- Keep your own Iqamas valid. The baby’s Iqama depends on the father’s sponsorship, so your Iqama must be valid throughout the process.
- Check your embassy’s rules early. Passport requirements and waiting times are different for every nationality.
- Get the marriage certificate ready. Some offices ask for an attested marriage certificate. If yours is not attested, sort that out early — it can take time.
- Health insurance matters. Some dependent Iqamas require active health insurance for the child. Check whether this applies to your case before you apply.
- Travelling before the Iqama is issued. Your baby cannot travel internationally without a passport and Iqama (or the proper exit documents). Plan your travel dates around the process, not the other way around.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
- Name spelling differences — make sure the baby’s name is spelled the same way on the birth certificate, the passport, and the Iqama application. A mismatch can cause delays.
- Missing documents — the most common reason for a rejected application. Use the checklist above and double-check everything before you submit.
- Expired parent Iqama or passport — renew your own documents first if they are close to expiry.
- Unpaid fines or fees — outstanding dues on the sponsor’s record can block a dependent Iqama.
- Waiting too long — the longer you wait after the birth, the more complicated the process can become.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after birth should I apply for my baby’s Iqama?
As soon as possible. Start with the birth certificate right after the birth, then the passport, then the Iqama. Delays can lead to fines and extra steps, so do not leave it for months.
Does my baby need a passport before the Iqama?
Yes. The baby needs a passport from your home country’s embassy before the Iqama can be issued. The birth certificate alone is not enough.
Can the mother apply for the baby’s Iqama?
Normally the father, as the sponsor and head of the household, applies through Absher. If there are special circumstances, check with Jawazat or visit our office and we can guide you on what applies to your case.
What happens if I delay the newborn Iqama?
Late registration can lead to fines, and it can cause problems with travel, medical care, and other services for your child. If you have already been delayed, visit our office with your documents and we will help you work out the next steps.
Need Help With Your Newborn’s Iqama in Jeddah?
A new baby is a happy time — the paperwork should not add stress. Visit Al Hijaz General Service in Al-Khumra, Jeddah (Street 60, opposite Mustawsaf Nofa), or message us on WhatsApp at +966559956131. We are open 10 AM to 11 PM. Bring the hospital birth notification, your Iqamas, and your passports, and we will guide you through the birth certificate, passport, and Iqama steps. Please note that final approval is always decided by the relevant government authority.