Iqama Picture Change In KSA Online

Living in Saudi Arabia as an expatriate, keeping your Iqama updated is crucial for your legal status. One of the most common updates you might need is changing your Iqama picture. Whether your appearance has changed significantly and your photo has become damaged, updating it online through the Absher platform has made this process much simpler than before.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about changing your Iqama picture online in KSA, including step-by-step instructions, requirements, and helpful tips to ensure your application gets approved quickly.

Also Read: Final Exit Visa Strategies For Expired Iqama In Saudi Arabia

Why You Might Need to Change Your Iqama Picture

Your Iqama photo serves as your primary identification in Saudi Arabia, so it needs to accurately represent your current appearance. Here are the main reasons people update their residency permit photo:

Physical Changes: Significant weight loss or gain, new facial hair, or major hairstyle changes can make your current photo outdated. The Jawazat authorities expect your Iqama image to match your actual appearance for security purposes.

Photo Quality Issues: Sometimes the original photo becomes unclear, damaged, or faded over time. A clear, high-quality image is essential for proper identification.

Age-Related Changes: This is particularly important for children whose appearance changes rapidly as they grow. Saudi Arabia Iqama picture modification for minors often requires more frequent updates.

Professional Requirements: Some jobs or official procedures may require an updated photo that better represents your current professional appearance.

Online Iqama Photo Update Process

The digital transformation in Saudi Arabia has made government services more accessible. The Change Iqama picture Absher service allows residents to update their photos without visiting a Jawazat office in most cases.

Benefits of Online Photo Updates

• Convenience: Complete the process from anywhere at any time
• Speed: Faster processing compared to in-person visits
• Documentation: Digital records of your application and approval
• Cost-Effective: No travel expenses to government offices.

Also Read: Saudi SIM Card Check

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Iqama Picture Online

Prerequisites Before Starting

Before you begin the Update residency permit photo KSA process, ensure you have:

• An active Absher account (individual, not family)
• A smartphone or computer with internet access
• A recent photo that meets Jawazat specifications
• Your current Iqama details
• Payment method (credit card or SADAD)

Detailed Process Walkthrough

Step 1: Access Absher Platform

1. Visit the official Absher website or open the mobile app
2. Log in using your username and password
3. Navigate to the “My Services” section
4. Look for “Passport Services” or “MOI Saudi Arabia services”

Step 2: Select Photo Update Service

1. Click on “Iqama Services”
2. Choose “Modify Iqama Photo” or “Update Iqama Picture”
3. Select the family member whose photo needs updating
4. Review the current photo and details

Step 3: Upload New Photo

1. Click “Upload New Photo”
2. Select your prepared image file
3. Ensure the photo meets all specifications (detailed below)
4. Preview the uploaded image

Step 4: Review and Submit

1. Verify all information is correct
2. Read the terms and conditions
3. Confirm the service fee
4. Submit your application

Step 5: Payment and Confirmation

1. Choose your payment method
2. Complete the payment process
3. Save your application reference number
4. Wait for SMS confirmation

Photo Requirements and Specifications

Getting your Iqama photo specifications Saudi Arabia right is crucial for approval. Here are the official requirements:

Technical Specifications

Photo Guidelines

What’s Required:

• Clear, recent photograph showing full face
• Direct gaze into camera
• Neutral expression (no smiling)
• Both eyes clearly visible and open
• Natural skin tone with good lighting
• Head covering allowed for religious purposes

What to Avoid:

• Sunglasses or tinted glasses
• Heavy makeup or filters
• Red-eye effect
• Shadows on face or background
• Tilted head or side angles
• Low resolution or blurry images

Special Instructions for Children’s Iqama

When dealing with Expatriate ID card update for minors, there are additional considerations:

Age-Specific Requirements

Children Under 15: Parents can complete the process using their own Absher account. The child doesn’t need a separate account.

Teenagers 15-18: May require additional documentation and parental consent forms, depending on the specific circumstances.

Parental Documentation

For children’s Digital Iqama photo update, parents must provide:

• Proof of guardianship
• Both parents’ consent (in some cases)
• Child’s birth certificate
• Current family Iqama details

Processing Time and Application Tracking

Understanding the timeline helps you plan accordingly:

Typical Processing Time: 3-7 business days for standard applications

Expedited Processing: Available for urgent cases with additional fees

Tracking Your Application:

1. Use the reference number provided after submission
2. Check status through Absher platform
3. Enable SMS notifications for updates
4. Contact support if processing exceeds expected timeframe

What Happens During Processing

The General Directorate of Passports reviews your application through several stages:

• Initial application verification
• Photo quality and specification check
• Security clearance (if required)
• Final approval and Iqama printing
• Delivery or pickup notification

Also Read: Saudi Arabia Announces New Policy For Iqama Renewal

Fees and Payment Information

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Iqama photo change service has standardized fees:

Current Fee Structure (2025)

• Standard Photo Update: 200 SAR
• Child Photo Update: 100 SAR
• Express Processing: Additional 50 SAR
• Multiple Family Members: Discounted rates may apply

Accepted Payment Methods

• SADAD: Most common payment option for residents
• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted
• mada: Saudi domestic payment network
• Bank Transfer: For corporate accounts

Payment is processed securely through the government’s payment gateway, ensuring your financial information remains protected.

Alternative Methods: When Online Isn’t Available

While the Absher platform services cover most scenarios, some situations require in-person visits:

When to Visit Jawazat Office:

• First-time photo updates for new residents
• Complex cases requiring additional documentation
• Technical issues with online submission
• Biometric data updates needed

Required Documents for Office Visit:

• Original Iqama
• Passport with valid visa
• Completed application form
• New photographs meeting specifications
• Payment receipt

Also Read: Lost Your Iqama in Saudi Arabia

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Iqama picture multiple times in a year?

Yes, you can update your Saudi residence permit photo as needed, but frequent changes may require additional justification. Each update incurs the standard fee, so it’s best to ensure your new photo will remain current for an extended period.

What happens if my online application gets rejected?

If your Online Iqama picture replacement application is rejected, you’ll receive a detailed explanation via SMS or email. Common reasons include photo specification issues or incomplete documentation. You can resubmit with corrections without paying additional fees within 30 days.

How long is my new Iqama valid after photo update?

Updating your photo doesn’t change your Residency card photo change Saudi expiration date. The new Iqama retains the same validity period as your previous card. However, the updated photo ensures compliance with current identification requirements.

Conclusion

Changing your Iqama picture online through the Absher platform has revolutionized how expatriates manage their residency documentation in Saudi Arabia. This Jawazat Iqama photo change process saves time, reduces paperwork, and provides a convenient solution for maintaining accurate identification.

Remember to prepare your documents carefully, follow photo specifications precisely, and allow adequate processing time. With the right preparation, your Iqama image modification process will be completed smoothly without requiring office visits.

Ready to update your Iqama picture? Access the Absher platform today and follow our step-by-step guide. For additional support with Saudi government services, bookmark this page and share it with fellow expatriates who might find it helpful.