Family Sponsorship & Dependent Visas in Saudi Arabia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Foreign workers in Saudi Arabia can sponsor immediate family members for dependent residence visas, subject to income and profession requirements:
- Eligible dependents: Spouse, sons (under 18, or under 25 if studying), unmarried daughters (any age), and parents (in certain cases). The sponsor must be the male head of household, though recent reforms allow some women in certain professions to sponsor dependents.
- Income requirement: Minimum salary of SAR 5,000/month (some sources indicate SAR 2,500 for certain nationalities, but SAR 5,000 is the standard threshold for most).
- Dependent levy: Sponsors must pay a monthly dependent fee of SAR 400/month per dependent (as of 2024). This has increased annually and is a significant ongoing cost.
- Visit visa alternative: Family members can also visit on a family visit visa (90 days, extendable to 180 days) without the dependent levy. Apply through the Absher platform.
- Domestic workers: Families can sponsor domestic workers through the Musaned platform (musaned.com.sa). Recruitment fees and worker salaries vary by nationality.
Fees: Dependent visa: SAR 2,000 initial + SAR 650/year Iqama renewal per person. Monthly dependent levy: SAR 400/person. Medical test: SAR 200-500/person. Health insurance: mandatory, varies by plan.
Processing time: Family visa approval: 1-3 weeks through Absher. Iqama issuance for dependents after arrival: 2-4 weeks.
Required documents: Sponsor's Iqama and passport, marriage certificate (attested by Saudi embassy and MOFA), birth certificates (attested), salary certificate, accommodation proof.
When does it apply?
- You hold a valid Iqama and earn at least SAR 5,000/month.
- You want to bring your spouse, children, or parents to live with you in Saudi Arabia.
- You want to arrange a family visit visa for shorter stays.
What to Do If You Want to Bring Your Family to Live with You in Saudi Arabia
- Attest all documents — marriage and birth certificates must be attested by the Saudi embassy in the issuing country, then legalised by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
- Apply through Absher (absher.sa) for family visa issuance — the process is now largely online.
- Budget for the dependent levy — SAR 400/month per dependent is a recurring cost that adds up (SAR 4,800/year per person).
- Arrange health insurance for all dependents before they arrive — it is mandatory for Iqama issuance.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not bring family on tourist visas and overstay — apply for proper dependent visas through Absher.
- Do not forget the dependent levy payments — unpaid levies block Iqama renewal and exit/re-entry visa issuance.
- Do not submit unattested documents — applications will be rejected. MOFA attestation is mandatory for all foreign documents.
Common Questions
When does it apply — family sponsorship & dependent visas?
You hold a valid Iqama and earn at least SAR 5,000/month.You want to bring your spouse, children, or parents to live with you in Saudi Arabia.You want to arrange a family visit visa for shorter stays.
What should I do to sponsor my spouse and children to come and live with me in Saudi Arabia?
Attest all documents — marriage and birth certificates must be attested by the Saudi embassy in the issuing country, then legalised by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).Apply through Absher (absher.sa) for family visa issuance — the process is now largely online.Budget for the dependent levy — SAR 400/month per dependent is a recurring cost that adds up (SAR 4,800/year per person).Arrange health insurance for all dependents before they arrive — it is mandatory for Iqama issuance.
What should you NOT do — family sponsorship & dependent visas?
Do not bring family on tourist visas and overstay — apply for proper dependent visas through Absher.Do not forget the dependent levy payments — unpaid levies block Iqama renewal and exit/re-entry visa issuance.Do not submit unattested documents — applications will be rejected. MOFA attestation is mandatory for all foreign documents.