Family Sponsorship & Dependent Visas
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions.
Saudi National Law
What is this right?
Foreign workers in Saudi Arabia can sponsor family members to live with them:
- Eligible dependents: Spouse and children under 18 (sons up to 18, unmarried daughters any age). Parents may be sponsored under certain conditions.
- Salary requirement: The sponsor must earn a minimum salary — typically SAR 5,000 or more per month depending on the profession and current regulations.
- Eligible professions: Only certain professions qualify for family sponsorship. The list is maintained by MHRSD and updated periodically.
- Dependent Iqama: Each dependent gets their own Iqama, which must be renewed annually.
- Dependent fees: Annual dependent levies apply. The sponsor is responsible for payment.
Dependents cannot work on a dependent visa. They must obtain their own work permit to be employed.
When does it apply?
- You are a foreign worker who wants to bring your spouse and children to Saudi Arabia.
- You need to renew your family's dependent Iqamas.
- Your dependent wants to work in Saudi Arabia.
What should you do?
- Check eligibility — verify your profession is on the approved list and your salary meets the minimum through the MHRSD portal.
- Apply through Absher or Muqeem for dependent visas with required documents (marriage certificate, birth certificates, attested and translated).
- Pay dependent levies on time to avoid fines or visa cancellation.
- If a dependent wants to work, apply for a separate work permit through a prospective employer.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not let dependent Iqamas expire — late renewal incurs fines and can affect your own residency status.
- Do not allow dependents to work without a work permit — this is a deportable offence.
- Do not submit unattested documents — all foreign documents must be attested by the Saudi embassy in the country of origin.
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