For most expats working in Saudi Arabia,
one of the most important goals is to
bring their family to live with them
in the Kingdom. Living apart from your
spouse and children is one of the biggest
challenges of expat life, and the Saudi
Arabia family visa makes it possible
to reunite your family legally and
comfortably.
In this complete guide, we cover everything
you need to know about the Saudi Arabia
family visa in 2026 — from understanding
the different visa types and eligibility
requirements to the step-by-step
application process, required documents,
fees and practical tips to make your
family's transition to Saudi Arabia
as smooth as possible.
Types of Family Visas in Saudi Arabia 2026
Saudi Arabia offers three main pathways
for expats who want to bring their
family to the Kingdom.
Permanent Family Residency Visa (Dependent Visa)
The Permanent Family Residency Visa,
also called the Dependent Visa, allows
expatriate workers to sponsor their
spouse and children for long-term
residence in Saudi Arabia.
Unlike a temporary visit visa, the
permanent family visa allows your
family members to obtain their own
Iqama (residency permit) and live
in Saudi Arabia for the full duration
of your employment.
With an Iqama, your dependents can:
Access healthcare through your insurance
Enroll children in schools
Open bank accounts (with work permit)
Travel in and out of Saudi Arabia
using Exit Re-Entry permits
Family Visit Visa
The Family Visit Visa is a short-term
visa for immediate family members who
want to visit you in Saudi Arabia.
It is typically valid for 30 to 90 days.
As of June 2025, Saudi authorities
resumed the issuance of family visit
visas for nationals of previously
restricted countries including
Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Egypt.
Any expatriate with a valid Iqama
can now apply for a family visit
visa regardless of their profession
or salary level.
Premium Residency
The Premium Residency program allows
high-income professionals, investors
and senior executives to sponsor
family members without employer
sponsorship requirements. This is
the most flexible option but comes
with significant costs.
Who Can Sponsor a Family Visa in Saudi Arabia?
Not all expatriates in Saudi Arabia
are automatically eligible to sponsor
a permanent family visa. You must
meet specific eligibility requirements.
Eligible Family Members
You can sponsor the following
family members for permanent
residency:
Spouse (husband or wife)
Unmarried daughters (any age)
Sons under 21 years of age
Sons above 21 who are enrolled
in full-time education
Disabled children of any age
Parents can visit Saudi Arabia on
a Family Visit Visa but generally
cannot obtain permanent residency
through you.
Sponsor Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to sponsor your
family for a permanent residency
visa, you must meet all of
the following requirements.
Valid Iqama with at least 3 months
remaining validity at the time
of application.
Minimum monthly salary of SAR 3,500
as shown on your GOSI certificate.
Some employers and nationalities
may face a higher threshold of
SAR 4,000 to SAR 6,000.
Approved profession on your Iqama.
Professionals in engineering,
healthcare, education, IT,
finance, management and skilled
trades typically qualify. Some
lower-skilled professions may
face restrictions.
Valid health insurance covering
all dependents you wish to sponsor.
No outstanding immigration
violations, legal cases or
unpaid fines.
Proof of adequate housing —
typically a minimum of a
3-bedroom apartment or villa
for a family.
Current valid employment contract
in Saudi Arabia.
Documents Required for Saudi Arabia Family Visa 2026
Preparing the correct documents
is one of the most important steps.
Missing or incorrect documents
are the most common cause of
delays and rejections.
Sponsor's documents:
Valid Saudi Iqama (copy)
Valid passport (copy)
GOSI salary certificate showing
minimum required salary
Employment letter from employer
Valid health insurance certificate
Housing contract or proof
of accommodation
Dependent's documents for each
family member:
Valid passport with at least
6 months remaining validity
Recent passport-size photographs
Marriage certificate (for spouse) —
attested and translated into Arabic
Birth certificates (for children) —
attested and translated into Arabic
Medical fitness certificate from
a GAMCA-approved center
Police clearance certificate
(for spouses)
Important note on document attestation:
All foreign documents including
marriage and birth certificates
must be officially attested by
your home country's government
and then by the Saudi Embassy
or Cultural Mission in your
home country before submission.
This attestation process can
take several weeks so start
early.
Step-by-Step Family Visa Application Process
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before starting the application,
verify that your profession on
your Iqama is eligible for
family sponsorship by checking
the Absher portal. Log in to
absher.sa, go to My Services
and click on Expatriates Services.
Try to click New Family Visa
Application. If your profession
is not eligible, an error message
will appear.
Step 2: Get Your Documents Attested
Collect all required documents
from your home country. Have
your marriage and birth certificates
attested by the relevant government
ministry in your home country
and then by the Saudi Embassy.
Get certified Arabic translations
of all documents.
Step 3: Obtain Medical Certificates
Each family member must obtain
a medical fitness certificate
from a GAMCA-approved medical
center in your home country.
This medical examination checks
for infectious diseases and
is mandatory for all visa applicants.
Step 4: Apply Online via Absher
Log in to Absher (absher.sa)
using your Iqama number and
Nafath account. Navigate to
My Services then Expatriates
Services. Click on New Family
Visa Application.
The system will auto-populate
your personal details. Add each
family member's information
including name, passport number,
relationship, date of birth
and port of boarding (the
city in your home country
where the Saudi Embassy
will stamp the visa).
Review all information carefully
and submit the application.
Pay the application fee online.
Tip: Many expats report better
results using the Arabic version
of the Absher portal. Use a
browser translation tool
if needed.
Step 5: MOFA Approval
After submission, your application
goes to the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs (MOFA) for review.
MOFA typically processes
applications within a few
business days if all documents
are complete and correct.
Step 6: Visa Stamping at Saudi Embassy
Once MOFA approves the application,
your family members visit the
Saudi Embassy or Consulate in
your home country with their
original documents and passports
to have the visa stamped.
Step 7: Family Arrives in Saudi Arabia
Your family enters Saudi Arabia
on the stamped family visa.
You have 90 days from entry
to apply for their Iqama
(residency permit).
Step 8: Apply for Dependent Iqama
Apply for your family members'
Iqama through the Muqeem portal
or Absher. Each dependent will
receive their own Iqama card
linked to your sponsorship.
Family Visa and Dependent Iqama Fees 2026
Family visa application fee:
SAR 500 to SAR 2,000 (covers
the whole family in one
application)
Dependent Iqama annual fee:
SAR 600 per dependent per year
Dependent levy (for sponsors
other than domestic workers):
SAR 400 per dependent per month
which equals SAR 4,800 per
dependent per year
Medical examination fee:
SAR 300 to SAR 500 per person
Document attestation costs:
vary by country
Important: The dependent levy
of SAR 400 per month per dependent
is a significant ongoing cost.
For a family of spouse plus two
children, this amounts to
SAR 1,200 per month or
SAR 14,400 per year in
addition to all other expenses.
Budget for this carefully.
Family Visit Visa Application Process 2026
If you want your family to visit
rather than relocate permanently,
the Family Visit Visa process
is simpler and faster.
Log in to the MOFA website
(mofa.gov.sa) using your
Nafath account.
Navigate to Services for
Citizens and Residents and
select Family Visit Visa
Application.
Enter your family member's
details including passport
information, relationship
and visa purpose.
Submit the application and
pay the fees online.
Once approved, your family
member visits the Saudi
Embassy in their country
to collect the visa stamp.
Tip: Always use the Arabic
version of the MOFA website
for the application as many
users report delays and
errors when using the
English version.
Tips for a Successful Family Visa Application
Start the Attestation Process Early
Document attestation in your
home country can take 4 to 8 weeks
or longer. Start this process
as soon as you decide to bring
your family. Do not wait until
your visit home to begin.
Wait 3 Months After Getting Your Iqama
Most guidance recommends waiting
at least 3 months after receiving
your Iqama before applying for
a family visa. This ensures
your GOSI records are properly
established and your application
will not be rejected for
incomplete employment records.
Ensure Health Insurance Covers Dependents
Your health insurance policy
must explicitly cover all
dependents you are sponsoring.
Confirm this with your employer's
HR department before applying.
Use GAMCA-Approved Medical Centers
Medical certificates from
non-GAMCA centers are not
accepted by Saudi authorities.
Always confirm the center's
GAMCA approval before booking
medical tests for your family.
Keep Copies of All Documents
Keep physical and digital
copies of all submitted
documents including application
reference numbers. This helps
if you need to follow up
on the application status.
Common Reasons for Family Visa Rejection
Sponsor's profession not
approved for family sponsorship
Salary below the minimum
threshold
Missing or incorrectly attested
documents
Medical examination from
a non-GAMCA center
Inconsistencies in names or
dates between documents
and passports
Expired Iqama or less than
3 months remaining validity
Outstanding fines or
immigration violations
Invalid or insufficient
health insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my wife work in Saudi Arabia on a dependent visa?
Dependents cannot work in
Saudi Arabia on a family
residency visa. However,
your spouse may obtain
independent employment
sponsorship from a Saudi
employer, which would
allow them to work legally
under their own work permit.
Can I sponsor my parents for permanent residency?
Parents are generally not
eligible for permanent
dependent residency under
the standard family visa.
They can visit Saudi Arabia
on a Family Visit Visa
for up to 90 days. Premium
Residency holders may have
additional options.
What happens to my family's visa if I lose my job?
Your family's residency is
tied to your sponsorship.
If you lose your job, your
dependents' Iqama validity
is affected. You typically
have 90 days to find new
employment and transfer
sponsorship or make
arrangements for your
family to exit Saudi Arabia.
Can I convert a family visit visa to a permanent family visa?
No. You cannot convert a
family visit visa to a
permanent family visa
while your family is
inside Saudi Arabia.
Your family members
must exit and apply
for the permanent visa
through the proper
channels in their
home country.
Useful Resources
Absher Portal (Family Visa Application)
Website: absher.sa
MOFA Saudi Arabia (Visit Visa)
Website: mofa.gov.sa
Muqeem Portal (Dependent Iqama)
Website: muqeem.sa
GAMCA Medical Centers
Website: gamcaonline.com
Final Thoughts
Bringing your family to Saudi Arabia
is one of the most rewarding decisions
you can make as an expat professional.
Living together as a family makes
your time in the Kingdom far more
fulfilling and helps you settle
into Saudi life with much greater
comfort and stability.
The family visa process requires
careful planning, early document
preparation and attention to
eligibility requirements. Start
the attestation process early,
verify your eligibility through
the Absher portal and ensure
your health insurance covers
all family members before applying.
With the right preparation,
your family can be by your
side in Saudi Arabia sooner
than you think.
Have questions about the Saudi
Arabia family visa process?
Leave a comment below and
we will be happy to help!For most expats working in Saudi Arabia,
one of the most important goals is to
bring their family to live with them
in the Kingdom. Living apart from your
spouse and children is one of the biggest
challenges of expat life, and the Saudi
Arabia family visa makes it possible
to reunite your family legally and
comfortably.
In this complete guide, we cover everything
you need to know about the Saudi Arabia
family visa in 2026 — from understanding
the different visa types and eligibility
requirements to the step-by-step
application process, required documents,
fees and practical tips to make your
family's transition to Saudi Arabia
as smooth as possible.
Types of Family Visas in Saudi Arabia 2026
Saudi Arabia offers three main pathways
for expats who want to bring their
family to the Kingdom.
Permanent Family Residency Visa (Dependent Visa)
The Permanent Family Residency Visa,
also called the Dependent Visa, allows
expatriate workers to sponsor their
spouse and children for long-term
residence in Saudi Arabia.
Unlike a temporary visit visa, the
permanent family visa allows your
family members to obtain their own
Iqama (residency permit) and live
in Saudi Arabia for the full duration
of your employment.
With an Iqama, your dependents can:
Access healthcare through your insurance
Enroll children in schools
Open bank accounts (with work permit)
Travel in and out of Saudi Arabia
using Exit Re-Entry permits
Family Visit Visa
The Family Visit Visa is a short-term
visa for immediate family members who
want to visit you in Saudi Arabia.
It is typically valid for 30 to 90 days.
As of June 2025, Saudi authorities
resumed the issuance of family visit
visas for nationals of previously
restricted countries including
Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Egypt.
Any expatriate with a valid Iqama
can now apply for a family visit
visa regardless of their profession
or salary level.
Premium Residency
The Premium Residency program allows
high-income professionals, investors
and senior executives to sponsor
family members without employer
sponsorship requirements. This is
the most flexible option but comes
with significant costs.
Who Can Sponsor a Family Visa in Saudi Arabia?
Not all expatriates in Saudi Arabia
are automatically eligible to sponsor
a permanent family visa. You must
meet specific eligibility requirements.
Eligible Family Members
You can sponsor the following
family members for permanent
residency:
Spouse (husband or wife)
Unmarried daughters (any age)
Sons under 21 years of age
Sons above 21 who are enrolled
in full-time education
Disabled children of any age
Parents can visit Saudi Arabia on
a Family Visit Visa but generally
cannot obtain permanent residency
through you.
Sponsor Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to sponsor your
family for a permanent residency
visa, you must meet all of
the following requirements.
Valid Iqama with at least 3 months
remaining validity at the time
of application.
Minimum monthly salary of SAR 3,500
as shown on your GOSI certificate.
Some employers and nationalities
may face a higher threshold of
SAR 4,000 to SAR 6,000.
Approved profession on your Iqama.
Professionals in engineering,
healthcare, education, IT,
finance, management and skilled
trades typically qualify. Some
lower-skilled professions may
face restrictions.
Valid health insurance covering
all dependents you wish to sponsor.
No outstanding immigration
violations, legal cases or
unpaid fines.
Proof of adequate housing —
typically a minimum of a
3-bedroom apartment or villa
for a family.
Current valid employment contract
in Saudi Arabia.
Documents Required for Saudi Arabia Family Visa 2026
Preparing the correct documents
is one of the most important steps.
Missing or incorrect documents
are the most common cause of
delays and rejections.
Sponsor's documents:
Valid Saudi Iqama (copy)
Valid passport (copy)
GOSI salary certificate showing
minimum required salary
Employment letter from employer
Valid health insurance certificate
Housing contract or proof
of accommodation
Dependent's documents for each
family member:
Valid passport with at least
6 months remaining validity
Recent passport-size photographs
Marriage certificate (for spouse) —
attested and translated into Arabic
Birth certificates (for children) —
attested and translated into Arabic
Medical fitness certificate from
a GAMCA-approved center
Police clearance certificate
(for spouses)
Important note on document attestation:
All foreign documents including
marriage and birth certificates
must be officially attested by
your home country's government
and then by the Saudi Embassy
or Cultural Mission in your
home country before submission.
This attestation process can
take several weeks so start
early.
Step-by-Step Family Visa Application Process
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before starting the application,
verify that your profession on
your Iqama is eligible for
family sponsorship by checking
the Absher portal. Log in to
absher.sa, go to My Services
and click on Expatriates Services.
Try to click New Family Visa
Application. If your profession
is not eligible, an error message
will appear.
Step 2: Get Your Documents Attested
Collect all required documents
from your home country. Have
your marriage and birth certificates
attested by the relevant government
ministry in your home country
and then by the Saudi Embassy.
Get certified Arabic translations
of all documents.
Step 3: Obtain Medical Certificates
Each family member must obtain
a medical fitness certificate
from a GAMCA-approved medical
center in your home country.
This medical examination checks
for infectious diseases and
is mandatory for all visa applicants.
Step 4: Apply Online via Absher
Log in to Absher (absher.sa)
using your Iqama number and
Nafath account. Navigate to
My Services then Expatriates
Services. Click on New Family
Visa Application.
The system will auto-populate
your personal details. Add each
family member's information
including name, passport number,
relationship, date of birth
and port of boarding (the
city in your home country
where the Saudi Embassy
will stamp the visa).
Review all information carefully
and submit the application.
Pay the application fee online.
Tip: Many expats report better
results using the Arabic version
of the Absher portal. Use a
browser translation tool
if needed.
Step 5: MOFA Approval
After submission, your application
goes to the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs (MOFA) for review.
MOFA typically processes
applications within a few
business days if all documents
are complete and correct.
Step 6: Visa Stamping at Saudi Embassy
Once MOFA approves the application,
your family members visit the
Saudi Embassy or Consulate in
your home country with their
original documents and passports
to have the visa stamped.
Step 7: Family Arrives in Saudi Arabia
Your family enters Saudi Arabia
on the stamped family visa.
You have 90 days from entry
to apply for their Iqama
(residency permit).
Step 8: Apply for Dependent Iqama
Apply for your family members'
Iqama through the Muqeem portal
or Absher. Each dependent will
receive their own Iqama card
linked to your sponsorship.
Family Visa and Dependent Iqama Fees 2026
Family visa application fee:
SAR 500 to SAR 2,000 (covers
the whole family in one
application)
Dependent Iqama annual fee:
SAR 600 per dependent per year
Dependent levy (for sponsors
other than domestic workers):
SAR 400 per dependent per month
which equals SAR 4,800 per
dependent per year
Medical examination fee:
SAR 300 to SAR 500 per person
Document attestation costs:
vary by country
Important: The dependent levy
of SAR 400 per month per dependent
is a significant ongoing cost.
For a family of spouse plus two
children, this amounts to
SAR 1,200 per month or
SAR 14,400 per year in
addition to all other expenses.
Budget for this carefully.
Family Visit Visa Application Process 2026
If you want your family to visit
rather than relocate permanently,
the Family Visit Visa process
is simpler and faster.
Log in to the MOFA website
(mofa.gov.sa) using your
Nafath account.
Navigate to Services for
Citizens and Residents and
select Family Visit Visa
Application.
Enter your family member's
details including passport
information, relationship
and visa purpose.
Submit the application and
pay the fees online.
Once approved, your family
member visits the Saudi
Embassy in their country
to collect the visa stamp.
Tip: Always use the Arabic
version of the MOFA website
for the application as many
users report delays and
errors when using the
English version.
Tips for a Successful Family Visa Application
Start the Attestation Process Early
Document attestation in your
home country can take 4 to 8 weeks
or longer. Start this process
as soon as you decide to bring
your family. Do not wait until
your visit home to begin.
Wait 3 Months After Getting Your Iqama
Most guidance recommends waiting
at least 3 months after receiving
your Iqama before applying for
a family visa. This ensures
your GOSI records are properly
established and your application
will not be rejected for
incomplete employment records.
Ensure Health Insurance Covers Dependents
Your health insurance policy
must explicitly cover all
dependents you are sponsoring.
Confirm this with your employer's
HR department before applying.
Use GAMCA-Approved Medical Centers
Medical certificates from
non-GAMCA centers are not
accepted by Saudi authorities.
Always confirm the center's
GAMCA approval before booking
medical tests for your family.
Keep Copies of All Documents
Keep physical and digital
copies of all submitted
documents including application
reference numbers. This helps
if you need to follow up
on the application status.
Common Reasons for Family Visa Rejection
Sponsor's profession not
approved for family sponsorship
Salary below the minimum
threshold
Missing or incorrectly attested
documents
Medical examination from
a non-GAMCA center
Inconsistencies in names or
dates between documents
and passports
Expired Iqama or less than
3 months remaining validity
Outstanding fines or
immigration violations
Invalid or insufficient
health insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my wife work in Saudi Arabia on a dependent visa?
Dependents cannot work in
Saudi Arabia on a family
residency visa. However,
your spouse may obtain
independent employment
sponsorship from a Saudi
employer, which would
allow them to work legally
under their own work permit.
Can I sponsor my parents for permanent residency?
Parents are generally not
eligible for permanent
dependent residency under
the standard family visa.
They can visit Saudi Arabia
on a Family Visit Visa
for up to 90 days. Premium
Residency holders may have
additional options.
What happens to my family's visa if I lose my job?
Your family's residency is
tied to your sponsorship.
If you lose your job, your
dependents' Iqama validity
is affected. You typically
have 90 days to find new
employment and transfer
sponsorship or make
arrangements for your
family to exit Saudi Arabia.
Can I convert a family visit visa to a permanent family visa?
No. You cannot convert a
family visit visa to a
permanent family visa
while your family is
inside Saudi Arabia.
Your family members
must exit and apply
for the permanent visa
through the proper
channels in their
home country.
Useful Resources
Absher Portal (Family Visa Application)
Website: absher.sa
MOFA Saudi Arabia (Visit Visa)
Website: mofa.gov.sa
Muqeem Portal (Dependent Iqama)
Website: muqeem.sa
GAMCA Medical Centers
Website: gamcaonline.com
Final Thoughts
Bringing your family to Saudi Arabia
is one of the most rewarding decisions
you can make as an expat professional.
Living together as a family makes
your time in the Kingdom far more
fulfilling and helps you settle
into Saudi life with much greater
comfort and stability.
The family visa process requires
careful planning, early document
preparation and attention to
eligibility requirements. Start
the attestation process early,
verify your eligibility through
the Absher portal and ensure
your health insurance covers
all family members before applying.
With the right preparation,
your family can be by your
side in Saudi Arabia sooner
than you think.
Have questions about the Saudi
Arabia family visa process?
Leave a comment below and
we will be happy to help!
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