Over 12 million expats call Saudi Arabia home in 2025, and most of them share one dream: reuniting with their families. Whether you’ve just landed a new job in Riyadh or have been working in Jeddah for years, bringing your loved ones close turns a foreign country into a real home.
But getting a saudi residence visa for family can feel like trying to solve a puzzle at first. The good news? Once you know how each piece fits ,from paperwork to approvals ,it’s surprisingly straightforward.
This guide breaks it all down in simple words. We’ll talk about who qualifies, what documents you’ll need, how much it costs, and smart ways to speed things up. So, grab a cup of coffee ,let’s make your family’s move to Saudi Arabia stress-free.
What Is a Saudi Residence Visa for Family?
Before jumping into the process, let’s make sense of what this visa actually means.
A saudi residence visa for family (also known as a family Iqama) lets your spouse and children live with you legally in Saudi Arabia. It’s directly linked to your own residence permit, meaning your dependents’ stay depends on your job status and Iqama validity.
Here’s what it allows you to do:
- Bring your family to live with you full-time.
- Get them individual Iqama cards for legal residency.
- Renew their stay every year without needing new visas.
This visa isn’t the same as a family visit visa ,which is short-term and doesn’t grant residency rights. Think of it like a long-term home license instead of a temporary guest pass.
Who Can Apply for a Family Visa in Saudi Arabia?
If you’re working in Saudi Arabia under a valid Iqama, you can apply to bring your family ,but only certain relatives qualify under family residence visa requirements for Saudi Arabia.
Eligible family members include:
- Your wife (with a legally recognized marriage certificate).
- Sons below 18 years old.
- Unmarried daughters of any age.
To qualify as a sponsor, your profession should fall under the categories allowed for family sponsorship (usually skilled or professional roles). You’ll also need proof of suitable housing and a minimum monthly income, typically SAR 5,000 or more, though it may vary by profession and region.
If you meet these criteria, you can confidently move to the next step ,applying for authorization.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for a Saudi Residence Visa for Family
Let’s simplify this process into five clear steps ,from preparing documents to receiving your family’s Iqama cards.
Step 1: Gather All Required Documents
This is where most delays happen, so prepare everything in advance.
You’ll need:
- Passports for each family member (valid for at least 6 months).
- Passport-size photos (white background).
- Copy of your Iqama and passport.
- Marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates (attested and translated into Arabic).
- Medical reports for adults from approved clinics.
- Police clearance certificate (for adults if required).
- MOFA authorization slip (known as the “yellow slip”).
Every document must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your home country and the Saudi Embassy before submission.
Step 2: Get MOFA Authorization
Your employer (or sponsor) applies for a family visa authorization through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) portal in Saudi Arabia.
Once approved, you’ll receive a reference number, your golden ticket for the visa application at the Saudi Embassy.
Keep this number safe; you’ll need it for all next steps.
Step 3: Apply for the Visa at the Embassy or Online
With MOFA approval in hand, your family can now apply for the visa through:
- The Saudi Embassy in your home country, or
- The Enjaz or MOFA visa portal online.
Attach all the documents, fill in accurate details, and pay the visa fee. Some embassies may ask for biometric verification or an in-person interview.
Once approved, your family will receive the stamped residence visa on their passports.
Step 4: Travel to Saudi Arabia
When your family arrives in Saudi Arabia:
- Make sure their entry is within the visa’s validity window.
- Keep all attested documents ready for Iqama processing.
- Arrange initial health insurance and medical checkups promptly.
Step 5: Issue Family Iqamas
After arrival, you’ll finalize their Iqama (residence permit) through the Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports).
This involves:
- Medical tests at an approved clinic.
- Fingerprinting and photos.
- Paying Iqama issuance and renewal fees.
Once done, each family member gets their Iqama card ,the official proof of residency in Saudi Arabia.
Family Residence Visa Requirements for Saudi Arabia
Understanding the family residence visa requirements for Saudi Arabia upfront saves time and effort.
|
Requirement |
Details |
|
Valid Iqama |
Your Iqama must be active and valid. |
|
Minimum Salary |
Usually SAR 5,000 or higher per month. |
|
Profession Eligibility |
Job must allow sponsorship (e.g. engineer, doctor, teacher). |
|
Accommodation Proof |
Rental contract or employer-provided housing. |
|
Attested Documents |
Marriage and birth certificates must be attested and translated. |
Even small mismatches in names or dates can delay your application, so double-check every document before submission.
Saudi Residence Visa for Family Cost and Processing Time
Bringing your family to Saudi Arabia involves more than just paperwork — it also means understanding the costs and how long the process takes. Knowing the Saudi residence visa for family cost and average processing time helps you plan ahead, avoid surprises, and manage your move with less stress.
How Much Does It Cost?
When planning your move, it’s smart to budget for the saudi residence visa for family cost. Fees vary by nationality and number of dependents, but here’s an average estimate:
- Visa fee: Around SAR 300 per person.
- Medical tests: SAR 200–500 per adult.
- Attestation and translation: Depends on home country.
- Iqama issuance & renewal: SAR 600–700 per dependent annually.
Some employers cover these costs as part of your contract, so always check before paying out of pocket.
How Long Does It Take?
Normally, processing takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on embassy workload and document readiness.
To avoid delays, apply early. Ensure all documents are attested and translated. Track your visa status online.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even one missing paper can stall your family’s visa for months. Watch out for these common pitfalls:
Submitting Incomplete Documents
Many applicants rush through the process and forget crucial documents like attested marriage or birth certificates. Even a single missing paper can delay your family’s visa approval.
Incorrect Attestation Process
Skipping attestation or getting documents attested from the wrong authority is a frequent issue. Ensure all documents are stamped by the Saudi Embassy and MOFA before submission.
Applying Before Iqama Issuance
You can’t apply for a Saudi residence visa for family before getting your own Iqama. Always wait until your residency is officially active before starting the family visa process.
Ignoring Profession Eligibility
Some professions are not eligible for sponsoring dependents. Always check the family residence visa requirements for Saudi Arabia to confirm your job title qualifies.
Misunderstanding Visa Validity and Renewal
Many assume the visa lasts as long as their own Iqama, but dependents’ visas must be renewed separately. Track expiry dates to avoid fines or visa cancellation.
Overlooking the Saudi Residence Visa for Family Cost
Applicants often forget to budget for medical insurance, translation fees, or Saudi residence visa for family cost variations between dependents. Always plan financially before applying.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Process
- Start the process at least two months before your planned family travel.
- Translate all official documents into Arabic using a certified translator.
- Keep both digital and printed copies of every document.
- Track application updates regularly on MOFA or Jawazat websites.
- Renew your family’s Iqamas before expiry to avoid fines.
Preparation and consistency make this journey much smoother.
Alternative Option: Saudi Premium Residency
If you’re looking for long-term family stability without yearly renewals, the Saudi Premium Residency (similar to a green card) could be worth exploring.
Benefits include:
- Residency for spouse, children, and sometimes parents.
- Freedom to live and work without a sponsor.
- Easier entry and exit flexibility.
However, it comes with higher financial and eligibility requirements, ideal for investors or professionals planning to settle long-term in Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion
Getting a saudi residence visa for family isn’t as overwhelming as it sounds ,it’s all about knowing what to prepare and when. Start by reviewing the family residence visa requirements for Saudi Arabia, gather your documents, get MOFA authorization, and apply through the proper channels.
Plan your budget early to cover the saudi residence visa for family cost, and always stay updated with new regulations.
With preparation, patience, and a little help from your sponsor or HR department, your family can join you in Saudi Arabia sooner than you think, turning your expat life into a complete family journey.