Bringing your family to Saudi Arabia is one of the most important steps for expatriates working in the Kingdom. Whether you are planning a short visit for your spouse and children or applying for permanent family residency, understanding the correct process will save you time, stress, and unnecessary rejection.
This complete guide explains everything step by step.
SECTION 1: TYPES OF FAMILY VISAS IN SAUDI ARABIA
Before applying, you must understand the two main types of family visas:
- Family Visit Visa (Temporary)
This is issued for short stays, usually 30 to 90 days, and can often be extended. - Permanent Family Visa (Family Iqama / Istiqdam)
This allows your spouse and children to live with you permanently under your sponsorship.
SECTION 2: ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To apply for a family visa, you must meet the following conditions:
- Valid Iqama (residency permit)
- Iqama validity of at least 90 days
- Eligible profession (engineer, accountant, doctor, IT specialist, etc.)
- Minimum salary requirement (varies by profession and company)
- Valid passport
- No traffic violations or legal issues
Note: Labor professions often face rejection unless profession change is completed.
SECTION 3: STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS FOR FAMILY VISIT VISA
Step 1: Apply Online
Visit the official portal of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and fill out the Family Visit Visa application form.
Enter:
- Iqama number
- Visa number
- Employer information
- Family member details exactly as in passport
Step 2: Chamber of Commerce Attestation
After submission, the application must be approved electronically by your employer and the Chamber of Commerce.
Step 3: Visa Approval
Processing usually takes 1–5 working days. You can check the status online using your application number.
Step 4: Send Visa Information to Family
Once approved, send the visa number and documents to your family in their home country.
Step 5: Embassy Appointment
Your family will:
- Complete medical tests
- Submit passport
- Provide visa documents
- Pay visa fees
Step 6: Travel to Saudi Arabia
After visa stamping, they can travel to Saudi Arabia before the visa expires.
SECTION 4: STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS FOR PERMANENT FAMILY VISA
Step 1: Profession Check
Make sure your Iqama profession is eligible for family sponsorship.
Step 2: Apply Through Absher or Muqeem
Submit Istiqdam request online.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
You will need:
- Marriage certificate (attested)
- Children’s birth certificates (attested)
- Salary certificate
- Housing contract
- Passport copies
- Medical insurance
Step 4: Approval and Visa Issuance
After approval, your family will complete medical and embassy procedures.
Step 5: After Arrival
Within 90 days of arrival:
- Complete medical test in KSA
- Register fingerprints
- Issue Family Iqama
- Arrange medical insurance
- Pay dependent fees
SECTION 5: COSTS INVOLVED
Common costs include:
- Visa fee
- Medical tests
- Embassy stamping fee
- Health insurance
- Dependent monthly fee (if applicable)
Fees may change depending on government regulations.
SECTION 6: COMMON REASONS FOR REJECTION
- Incorrect profession
- Mismatch in names
- Incomplete documents
- Low salary
- Expired Iqama
- Unattested marriage certificate
SECTION 7: IMPORTANT TIPS
- Double-check all spellings.
- Make sure documents are attested properly.
- Apply early before Iqama expiration.
- Keep copies of all documents.
- Always follow official government portals.