Absher is a freelancer in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is moving towards a digital future, and two vital platforms are emerging: Absher Aamal and Document. These two platforms are key pillars of the digital transformation journey, and aim to streamline government procedures and empower individuals and businesses.
In this article, we will review both platforms in a simple and clear manner, explaining their importance, features, and how to benefit from them, to be a comprehensive guide to the digital and independent work environment in Saudi Arabia.

 Absher Business Corporate Portal Towards Digital Government Services
The Absher Business platform is a bridge that connects companies and small and medium enterprises to government services electronically. Launched by the Saudi Ministry of Interior to facilitate the completion of transactions related to employees and workers, which saves time and effort and reduces the need to visit government agencies .

What is Absher Business?
It is an electronic platform for the owners of establishments and companies, enabling them to manage the affairs of their employees and government transactions efficiently. It includes the issuance and renewal of residency permits, transfer of services, e-authorization, and other vital services.

Difference Between Absher Individuals and Absher Business
It is important to understand the difference between the two platforms to determine which one suits your needs:

Comparison: Target Audience 

  • Absher Individuals: Citizens and Residents 

  • Absher Business: Facility Owners & Corporate Commissioners 

Compare: Type of Services 

  • Absher Individuals: Personal Services Passports, Traffic, Status 

  • Absher Aamal: Labor Services of the Establishment 

Compare: User validity 

  • Absher Individuals: Only an individual 

  • Absher Aamal: The owner or authorized person of the establishment

In short, if you are running a business and need to manage personnel electronically, Absher Aamal is the perfect choice, while Absher is dedicated to personal services .

The most important features of Absher Business for Businesses
Absher Business offers advantages that make it an essential tool for companies and institutions:

  • Saving time and effort: Completing transactions electronically saves valuable time that can be used in business development .

  • Electronic Linkage with Government Entities: Direct linking with government entities speeds up the completion of transactions and ensures data updating .

  • Real-time Reports & Follow-up: Step-by-step tracking of the status of orders provides clear visibility and helps in planning and decision-making .

 The services provided by Absher Business
include Absher Business Wide range of e-services for companies:

  • Issuance and Renewal of Residency: Easily issue and renew residency permits for expatriate employees .

  • Employee Services Transfer: Transferring expatriate labor services between establishments electronically .

  • Delegating Government Services: Authorizing an employee to perform government services, specifying the type and duration of service .

  • Electronic Employee Management: Comprehensive tools for managing personnel affairs, such as issuing and canceling exit and re-entry visas, modifying occupations, and inquiring about employee information.

How to Register in Absher Business
To register in Absher Business, the owners or their delegates follow simple steps :

  • Visit the official website: Login to the Absher platform and select Absher Business.

  • Click New User: If you don't have a previous account.

  • Enter Commercial Registration Data: The establishment must have a valid commercial registration registered with the Ministry of Commerce.

  • Enter the commissioner's data: The delegate must be registered with Absher Individuals and have a mobile number associated with the platform.

  • Annual Subscription Fee: Through SADAD service, the fees vary according to the size of the establishment and the number of workers.

  • Account activation: After payment, the account is activated.

Prerequisites and prerequisites:

  • The establishment is registered with the Ministry of Commerce and has a valid commercial registration .

  • A valid national ID or resident ID for the Commissioner .

  • The commissioner is pre-registered in Absher Individuals and has a mobile number linked to his identity .

  • The service is available for non-governmental establishments only .

  • The number of workers in the facility ranges from 1 to 100 workers that can be updated .

  • Commitment to pay the annual subscription fee .

Absher Business Fees and Payment Methods
Absher Business requires a paid annual subscription and additional fees for some services. Fees vary according to the size of the establishment and the number of employees
Payment Methods:  The platform provides secure electronic payment methods, such as SADAD system or mada bank cards, Visa, and MasterCard .

Self-employment in Saudi Arabia - Supporting Freelancers and Entrepreneurs

The Self-Employment Document is a government initiative to support and empower freelancers and entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia, and provides an orderly and safe work environment.

What is a self-employment document?
It is a free official document from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, intended for freelancers. It makes their business compatible with approved fields, and enables them to contract with entities and benefit from benefits such as registering in social insurance and opening commercial bank accounts .

The difference between a self-employment document and a commercial registration
Some people confuse a freelance document and a commercial register, but there are fundamental differences between them:

Issuer 

  • Self-employment document: Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development 

  • Commercial Registration: Saudi Ministry of Commerce 

Degree of Official Accreditation 

  • Freelancing Document: Partial 

  • Commercial Registration: Complete 

Type of Business 

  • Self-employment document: for freelancers and government employees 

  • Commercial Registration: Cannot be issued to government employees 

Proof of Employment 

  • Freelancing document: You don't need to prove a dedicated place 

  • Commercial Registration: Needs proof of a Fixed Workplace 

Specialties 

  • Self-employment document: specializations limited to specific fields 

  • Commercial Registration: Not limited to a certain number of professions 

Import of goods 

  • Self-employment document: The holder cannot import from abroad 

  • Commercial Registration: The owner can import goods from abroad 

Fees 

  • Freelance Document: Free 

  • Commercial Registration: Requires payment of SAR 200

 Requirements and conditions for issuing a self-employment document
To obtain a self-employment document, the following conditions must be met :

  • Saudi Nationality.

  • Age: 18 to 60 years old.

  • Proof of experience: in the required profession.

  • An active account in Absher Electronic.

  • Validity: One year and requires renewal.

  • Single Profession: The document is for one profession only.

How to issue a self-employment document
The document is issued through the freelance portal of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, with the following steps :

  • Go to the freelancing portal: via the official link, then issue your document.

  • Create an account or sign in: If you don't have one, choose Create a new account.

  • Enter personal data:  ID number, date of birth, and phone number.

  • Data confirmation: via the verification code.

  • Completion of Occupation and Experience Data: Acknowledging the Validity of the Data.

  • Release a new document: From the profile.

  • Filling out data and uploading certificates: proving experience and at least two documents.

  • Waiting for the review: Then receive the document and print it.

 The policy validity period and how to renew it
The freelancing policy is valid for one year, and it is renewed free of charge through the freelancing platform. Up to 5 documents can be issued, each for a specific profession.

Advantages of the Freelancing Document The 
Freelancing Document offers many advantages for freelancers:

  • Legal and regulatory framework: It grants legal legitimacy to the business activity, protects the worker and enhances customer trust.

  • Easy to open a business bank account: It allows you to open a freelance bank account, to make it easier to manage cash flow and accept payments.

  • Ability to participate in social insurance: Enable registration in social insurance, to provide social protection and retirement benefits.

  • Enhance trust and professionalism: The holder appears to be professional and officially registered, which enhances credibility.

  • Enjoying financing benefits: Allows you to apply for customized support and financing programs, such as soft loans and financial incentives.

  • Easy to obtain work permits and expansion: Priority is given to obtaining permits and licenses to expand the activity.

  • Reduce operational costs:  Benefit from cost-cutting incentives and benefits, such as tax breaks.

  • Supporting digital transformation: Supports e-commerce by linking bank accounts to payment systems and registering in e-commerce platforms.

  • Build an electronic commercial register easily: You can register on the Ministry of Commerce platform to obtain an electronic commercial registration.

  • Easy access to the benefits of government platforms: Enable the benefit of e-government services and support programs.

Professions available for the self-employment document
 The freelance document covers a wide range of professions, including:

  • Translation & Editing, Digital Marketing, Training & Consulting.

  • Photography & Videography, Architectural Design.

  • Electronic game development, programming and application development.

  • Creative writing services, health and fitness services.

  • Fine Arts and Painting, Food Truck Projects, Productive Families Projects, Handicrafts.

Absher Aamal and the Freelancing Document constitute a qualitative leap in the Saudi work environment, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to digital transformation and supporting entrepreneurship and independent work. By simplifying procedures and providing protection and support, the two platforms enable businesses and individuals to achieve their ambitions and contribute to the national economy. Understanding and using these tools is key to success in the evolving Saudi labor market.