Other Countries · Family Visas

Family residence in Saudi Arabia

Permanent family residence visa (Istiqdam) and family visit visas under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and Absher platform.

Who it suits

Who this pathway suits

Expatriate professionals holding qualified professions on their Saudi Iqama wishing to sponsor wife and children.

Eligibility

Eligibility at a glance

  • Iqama profession classified as a professional/technical occupation (manual professions restricted)
  • Attested marriage certificate and children's birth certificates
  • Salary meeting statutory family sponsorship criteria
Process

How the process works

  1. Submit electronic Istiqdam family visa request via Absher / MOFA portal
  2. Receive yellow slip / electronic visa authorization
  3. Family completes medical check at Wafid center and visa stamping at VFS Tasheel abroad
  4. Enter Saudi Arabia and employer issues family dependent Iqamas
Documents

Documents you will typically need

  • Iqama copy, attested degree, attested marriage and birth certificates, salary certificate, housing lease
Good to know

What to keep in mind

Expatriates must account for the monthly dependent fee (Mokabal Al-Maliq) when budgeting for family residency.

Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Saudi Arabia (MOFA). Government authorities make all final decisions; no outcome is guaranteed.

Is Family residence in Saudi Arabia the right route for you?

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