How to Apply for a Family Visa in Saudi Arabia: A Complete Guide
Saudi Arabia is a popular destination for expatriates seeking employment and a better lifestyle. If you’re already living and working in the Kingdom, you may want to bring your family to stay with you. The Saudi government allows expatriates to sponsor their immediate family members under a family visa. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of applying for a family visa in KSA, step by step.
Understanding the Family Visa
A family visa in Saudi Arabia allows expatriate workers to bring their dependents (spouse and children) to reside with them in the Kingdom. This visa can either be a permanent residency visa (Iqama-based) or a visit visa (temporary stay).
The process may seem complicated at first, but with proper preparation and understanding of the requirements, it can be managed smoothly.
Who Can Apply for a Family Visa?
Not all expatriates in Saudi Arabia are eligible to sponsor a family visa. The following are the main requirements:
- The sponsor must hold a valid Iqama (residence permit).
- The applicant should be working in a profession that is eligible for family sponsorship. Some low-skilled professions are not permitted to sponsor dependents.
- A minimum salary threshold may be required, depending on the sponsor’s job category.
- The family visa is only applicable for the sponsor’s immediate family members, including spouse and children.
Required Documents
Before starting the application process, ensure you have the following documents ready:
- Sponsor’s Documents:
- Copy of a valid Iqama (resident permit)
- Copy of the passport
- Salary certificate from employer (Attested by the Chamber of Commerce)
- Employment contract (Attested by relevant authorities)
- Bank statement (if required)
- Family’s Documents:
- Copies of passports (must be valid for at least six months)
- Marriage certificate (Attested by the Saudi Embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the home country)
- Birth certificates of children (Attested)
- Passport-sized photographs of family members
- Additional Requirements:
- Medical test report for dependents (for permanent family visa)
- Educational certificates (if required)
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Step-by-Step Process for Applying a Family Visa in Saudi Arabia
Step 1: Apply for a Family Visa Online
The first step is to submit an application through the Absher or MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Portal.
- Log in to the Absher portal using your credentials.
- Navigate to “Expatriate Services” and select “Family Visa Application”.
- Fill in the necessary details, including information about your family members.
- Submit the form and print the application reference number.
Alternatively, you can apply through the MOFA Portal:
- Visit the official MOFA website and go to the “Visa Services” section.
- Select Family Visa Application and fill in the required details.
- Submit the form and note the reference number.
Step 2: Get the Application Approved by the Chamber of Commerce
After submitting the online application, you need to get it attested by the Chamber of Commerce. This can be done either:
- By visiting the Chamber of Commerce office personally.
- Through your employer, if they provide the attestation service online.
Once attested, the application will be forwarded for approval by the Ministry of Interior (MOI).
Step 3: Wait for Visa Approval
After submission, the MOI will review your application. This process can take a few days to a couple of weeks. You can check the status of your application through the MOFA website using the reference number.
If approved, you will receive a Visa Authorization Number, which must be sent to your family in their home country.
Step 4: Submit Documents in Your Home Country
Your family members need to submit the required documents to the Saudi Embassy or an authorized visa processing agency in their home country. They will need:
- The Visa Authorization Number.
- Original passports.
- Medical test reports (if required).
- Attested marriage and birth certificates.
- Visa processing fees.
Once the documents are verified, the Saudi Embassy will issue the Family Visa Stamp on the passports.
Step 5: Travel to Saudi Arabia
Once the family visa is stamped, your family members can travel to Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival, they need to:
- Undergo a mandatory medical test at an authorized clinic.
- Complete biometric registration at a Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports) center.
- Apply for their Iqama (Residence Permit) through your employer.
Applying for a Family Visit Visa
If you wish to bring your family for a short-term visit rather than permanent residence, you can apply for a Family Visit Visa instead.
- The process is similar to the permanent visa, but no Iqama will be issued.
- The visit visa is usually valid for 90 days, extendable up to six months in most cases.
- No medical test is required for visit visas.
- Visit visa applications must be approved by MOFA before stamping.
Common Reasons for Rejection and How to Avoid Them
Some applications get rejected due to the following reasons:
- Profession in Iqama is not eligible for family sponsorship.
- Incomplete or incorrect documents.
- Low salary or financial status does not meet requirements.
- Employer refuses to attest the application.
To avoid rejection, ensure that:
- Your Iqama profession allows for family sponsorship.
- All documents are properly attested and submitted.
- Your employer supports your application.
Conclusion
Applying for a family visa in Saudi Arabia requires patience and careful documentation, but the process is well-structured. If you follow the steps correctly, your family can join you without major complications. Always stay updated with the latest rules from the MOFA and Jawazat websites, as visa regulations may change from time to time.
With proper planning and preparation, you can reunite with your loved ones and enjoy your time together in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia!