Living and working in Saudi Arabia as an expatriate comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to bringing your family along. The Permanent Family Visa Saudi Arabia program offers a solution for expats who want their loved ones by their side while pursuing career opportunities in the Kingdom.
What is a Permanent Family Visa in Saudi Arabia?
A Permanent Family Visa, also known as Family Residency Visa or Dependent Visa, allows expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia to sponsor their immediate family members for long-term residence in the Kingdom. Unlike visit visas that require periodic renewal, this visa category provides extended stay privileges aligned with the sponsor’s Iqama (residency permit).
Key Features of the Permanent Family Visa
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Validity | Tied to sponsor’s Iqama validity |
| Renewal | Annual renewal required |
| Dependents Covered | Spouse, children, parents (in some cases) |
| Work Rights | Dependents can obtain separate work permits |
| Healthcare Access | Mandatory health insurance coverage |
Eligibility Criteria for Family Visa Sponsorship
Not every expatriate qualifies to sponsor family members. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has established specific requirements that sponsors must meet.
Minimum Salary Requirements
The salary threshold is one of the most critical factors determining eligibility:
| Profession Category | Minimum Monthly Salary (SAR) |
|---|---|
| General Workers | 4,000 – 5,000 |
| Skilled Professionals | 5,000 – 6,000 |
| Engineers & Doctors | 6,000+ |
| Management Positions | 7,000+ |
Note: Requirements may vary based on nationality and employer type.
Additional Eligibility Requirements
- Valid Iqama: Sponsor must hold a valid residency permit with at least 6 months remaining validity
- Approved Profession: Job title must be on the approved list for family sponsorship
- Suitable Accommodation: Proof of adequate housing for family members
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage for all dependents
- No Outstanding Violations: Clean record with no immigration or legal violations
Required Documents for Permanent Family Visa Application
Preparing the correct documentation is crucial for a successful application. Missing or incorrect documents can lead to delays or rejection.
Documents Required from Sponsor (In Saudi Arabia)
- Valid Iqama (residency permit)
- Saudi employment contract
- Salary certificate from employer
- Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
- Accommodation proof (lease agreement)
- Passport copies (all pages)
- Recent passport-sized photographs
Documents Required from Dependents (In Home Country)
- Original passport with minimum 6 months validity
- Attested marriage certificate (for spouse)
- Attested birth certificates (for children)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- Educational certificates (if applicable)
- Passport-sized photographs with white background
Document Attestation Process
All personal documents must undergo attestation through the following chain:
Home Country Notary → Ministry of Foreign Affairs → Saudi Embassy/ConsulateStep-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Obtain Block Visa Number
The sponsor must first apply for a family visa block number through their employer. This involves:
- Submitting request to company’s Government Relations Officer (GRO)
- Company applies through MHRSD portal
- Approval generates a unique visa block number
Step 2: Apply Through Absher or Muqeem
For Individual Sponsors (Absher):
- Log into Absher portal (absher.sa)
- Navigate to “Visa Services”
- Select “Family Visit/Residency Visa”
- Enter dependent details
- Upload required documents
- Pay applicable fees
- Receive visa authorization number
For Company-Sponsored Applications (Muqeem):
- Employer logs into Muqeem portal
- Selects employee’s file
- Initiates family visa application
- Processes payment
- Generates visa authorization
Step 3: Visa Stamping at Saudi Embassy
Dependents must:
- Schedule appointment at nearest Saudi Embassy/Consulate
- Submit all attested documents
- Provide biometric data
- Pay visa stamping fees
- Collect stamped passport (usually 3-5 working days)
Step 4: Entry and Iqama Processing
After arriving in Saudi Arabia:
- Complete medical examination
- Submit for fingerprinting
- Apply for dependent Iqama through Jawazat
- Receive residency permit (30-45 days processing)
Permanent Family Visa Costs and Fees
Understanding the financial requirements helps in proper planning:
| Fee Category | Amount (SAR) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application | 500-1,000 | One-time |
| Visa Stamping (per person) | 300-500 | One-time |
| Medical Examination | 200-400 | One-time |
| Iqama Issuance | 500 | One-time |
| Iqama Renewal | 500 | Annual |
| Health Insurance | 1,500-3,000 | Annual |
| Dependent Levy | 4,800 | Annual (per dependent) |
Annual Dependent Levy Structure
The Saudi government introduced dependent fees in 2017, with gradual increases:
| Year | Monthly Fee (SAR) | Annual Total (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 100 | 1,200 |
| 2018 | 200 | 2,400 |
| 2019 | 300 | 3,600 |
| 2020+ | 400 | 4,800 |
Processing Time and Timeline
Family Visa Processing Timeline (Saudi Arabia)
| Step | Process Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Block Visa Approval | 7–14 days |
| 2 | Online Application Submission | 3–5 days |
| 3 | Embassy Visa Stamping | 5–10 days |
| 4 | Travel & Entry to Saudi Arabia | Variable |
| 5 | Medical Test & Iqama Issuance | 30–45 days |
| 6 | Total Estimated Processing Time | 2–3 Months |
Recent Policy Updates and Vision 2030 Impact
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has brought significant changes to expatriate policies:
Positive Changes
- Premium Residency Program: High-net-worth individuals can now obtain permanent residency without employer sponsorship
- Improved Digital Services: Absher and Muqeem platforms streamline application processes
- Extended Visit Visas: 90-day multiple-entry visit visas now available for families
Points of Consideration
- Saudization Policies: Certain job categories restricted from family visa eligibility
- Increased Fees: Dependent levy adds to annual costs
- Quota Restrictions: Some nationalities face additional scrutiny
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge 1: Salary Below Threshold
Solution: Request salary revision from employer or explore additional allowances that count toward total compensation.
Challenge 2: Document Attestation Delays
Solution: Start attestation process early; use authorized attestation agencies for faster processing.
Challenge 3: Profession Not Approved
Solution: Work with employer to update job title in Iqama to an approved profession category.
Challenge 4: Medical Test Failures
Solution: Complete health screening in home country first; address any issues before arrival.
Benefits of Permanent Family Visa
- Family Unity: Maintain strong family bonds while pursuing career goals
- Educational Access: Children can attend Saudi schools (public or private)
- Healthcare Coverage: Comprehensive medical services access
- Work Opportunities: Dependents can obtain separate work permits
- Banking Services: Open bank accounts and access financial services
- Driving License: Eligible family members can obtain Saudi driving license
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I sponsor my parents on a permanent family visa?
A: Parent sponsorship is possible but subject to stricter requirements and may require special approval from Jawazat.
Q: Is there an age limit for sponsoring children?
A: Male children can be sponsored until age 18 (or 25 if studying). Female children can remain on parent’s sponsorship until marriage.
Q: Can my spouse work on a dependent visa?
A: Yes, dependents can obtain work permits and transfer to their own employer sponsorship.
Q: What happens if I lose my job?
A: Dependents’ Iqama validity is tied to sponsor’s status. You typically have 90 days to find new employment or exit.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Permanent Family Visa in Saudi Arabia requires careful planning, proper documentation, and understanding of current regulations. While the process involves multiple steps and significant costs, the benefits of having family together make it worthwhile for many expatriates.
Stay updated with the latest policy changes through official channels like the Ministry of Human Resources, Absher, and Muqeem portals. Consider consulting with your employer’s PRO or immigration specialists for personalized guidance based on your specific situation.
