How to Sponsor Your Family in Saudi Arabia

Living and working in Saudi Arabia is a rewarding experience for many expats. But being away from your family can be difficult. Fortunately, the Kingdom allows eligible expatriates to sponsor their family members under certain conditions. Whether you're a new resident or planning a move, this guide will walk you through how to sponsor your family in Saudi Arabia, including eligibility, required documents, application process, and helpful tips.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What is Family Sponsorship in Saudi Arabia?

Family sponsorship, or dependent visa sponsorship, allows a foreign worker to bring their immediate family—spouse, children, and in some cases, parents—to live with them in Saudi Arabia. This is typically done under the Iqama (residency permit) of the primary expat worker.

✅ Who Can Sponsor Their Family?

Not all expats are eligible to sponsor family members. Here are the general requirements:

1. Iqama Profession

Your Iqama profession must be one that qualifies for family sponsorship (e.g., engineers, doctors, teachers, IT professionals, etc.). Professions like "laborer" or "driver" are usually not eligible.

2. Salary Requirement

You must earn a minimum monthly salary, which can vary:

SAR 5,000 to SAR 8,000 is generally required.
Some regions or employers may demand more, especially for larger families.

3. Accommodation Proof

You’ll need to show proof of housing—a lease contract (registered via Ejar platform) or employer-provided housing certificate.

📄 Required Documents for Family Sponsorship

Here's a checklist of documents you’ll need:

For the Sponsor (you):

Copy of valid Iqama
Copy of passport
Salary certificate from employer (attested)
Introduction letter from your employer (attested by Chamber of Commerce)
Ejar contract or housing proof
Education certificates (for high-skilled professions)

For Family Members:

Valid passports
Marriage certificate (attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Saudi Embassy in home country)
Birth certificates for children (also attested)
Recent passport-sized photos
Medical test reports (from approved clinics in home country)

📲 Step-by-Step Guide to Sponsoring Your Family in Saudi Arabia

Step 1: Prepare and Attest Your Documents

All foreign documents (marriage, birth, degrees) must be:

Translated into Arabic
Attested by: Home country’s foreign ministry → Saudi Embassy → Saudi MOFA

Step 2: Apply for a Family Visit or Permanent Family Visa

There are two types of visas:

A. Permanent Family Visa

This allows your family to live with you long-term and get their own Iqama.

Apply through the Ministry of Interior (Absher or Muqeem) or HR department if sponsored by company.
Submit all attested documents.
Once approved, get a Visa Authorization Slip.

B. Family Visit Visa

Short-term, extendable visa. Can be applied for through Absher for:

Spouse, children, parents, or in-laws.

Note: Visit visas do not allow the dependent to get an Iqama or work.

Step 3: Send Visa Authorization to Family

Send the visa document and reference number to your family. They must:

Apply through the Enjazit website or through an approved visa agent.
Undergo medical tests.
Visit the Saudi embassy or consulate in their country.

Step 4: Entry into Saudi Arabia

Once the visa is stamped, your family can travel to Saudi Arabia. Ensure you:

Receive them at the airport.
Have a place ready for them to stay.
Begin Iqama application process (for permanent visas).

🛂 Applying for Dependent Iqama (Post-Arrival)

If your family is on a permanent family visa, you must:

Visit the Jawazat office or use a Mandoob (government liaison).
Submit:
- Passport copies
- Entry visa copy
- Sponsor Iqama
- Medical test reports
- Photos
Pay the Iqama fee (approx. SAR 500/year per dependent).
Issue medical insurance.
Print Iqama card.

💵 Cost of Sponsoring Your Family in Saudi Arabia

Here's a general breakdown of costs:

Item	Estimated Cost (SAR)
Visa issuance fee	2,000 – 2,500
Medical insurance per dependent	400 – 1,500/year
Iqama fee per dependent	500/year
Document attestation (varies)	500 – 1,000+
Medical test in home country	300 – 600

Note: Fees may vary depending on the number of dependents and your employer’s policies.

📅 Processing Time

The entire process from visa application to Iqama issuance usually takes:

Visit Visa: 3 to 7 working days
Permanent Visa: 2 to 4 weeks
Dependent Iqama: 1 to 2 weeks

Delays may occur if documents are not properly attested or during peak periods.

📌 Important Tips and Considerations

Document Translation: Use MOFA-approved translation centers.
Timely Renewals: Renew visit visas and Iqamas before expiry to avoid penalties.
Absher Access: Make sure both you and your employer have active Absher accounts.
Private Schools & Insurance: Plan for schooling and health insurance costs for children.
Hajj/Umrah Rules: Visit visa holders may not be allowed to perform Hajj.

👩‍💼 Can a Female Expat Sponsor Her Family?

Female expats may face stricter rules. In most cases:

Single women cannot sponsor family.
Married women with high-skilled professions (doctor, professor, etc.) may sponsor husband/children, but this depends on Ministry of Labor approval and employer support.

📍 Where to Get Help?

If you’re unsure about the process or face issues, contact:

Your company’s HR/Mandoob
Saudi Jawazat office
MOFA Saudi Arabia
Tawasul service (for queries on Absher platform)

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I sponsor my parents or in-laws?

A: You can apply for a family visit visa, but sponsoring them permanently is extremely rare and usually not allowed for standard professions.

Q2: How long can a visit visa last?

A: It’s typically issued for 90 days, extendable to 270 days.

Q3: Do dependents need a separate Iqama?

A: Yes, for permanent visas. Visit visa holders don’t get Iqama.

Q4: Can my wife work on a dependent visa?

A: No, she must transfer sponsorship to an employer and get her own Iqama and work permit.

🏠 Final Thoughts

Bringing your family to Saudi Arabia can transform your expat experience, making life more fulfilling and stable. While the process involves documentation, patience, and some expenses, it’s entirely doable—especially with proper planning and awareness of the latest regulations.

Make sure to follow the official procedures, work closely with your employer or sponsor, and keep all documents ready. Once your family is here, you’ll realize it was all worth the effort!

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