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 family members — but eligibility depends on your profession, salary, and Absher account status:
- Eligible dependents: Spouse and children under 18 (sons up to 18, unmarried daughters at 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 MHRSD regulations.
- Eligible professions: Only certain professions qualify for family sponsorship. MHRSD maintains and periodically updates the approved professions list.
- Dependent Iqama: Each dependent receives their own Iqama, linked to your sponsorship, which must be renewed annually through Absher.
- Dependent levies: Annual government levies apply per dependent. The sponsor is responsible for payment, and non-payment blocks Iqama renewal.
Dependents cannot work on a dependent visa. They must obtain their own work permit and be transferred to an employer's sponsorship 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 through Absher.
- Your dependent wants to work in Saudi Arabia and needs to understand the visa conversion process.
What to Do If Your Dependent Visa Application Is Rejected or Your Family's Iqama Has Expired in Saudi Arabia
- Check eligibility — verify your profession is on the approved list and your salary meets the minimum through the MHRSD or Absher portal.
- Apply through Absher or Muqeem for dependent visas — you will need attested and translated marriage and birth certificates.
- Pay dependent levies on time through Absher — non-payment blocks Iqama renewal and can trigger fines.
- If a dependent wants to work, coordinate with the prospective employer to initiate a work permit transfer through Qiwa.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not let dependent Iqamas expire — late renewal incurs fines and can affect your own residency status and Absher compliance record.
- Do not allow dependents to work without a work permit — this is a deportable offence for both the dependent and the employer.
- Do not submit unattested documents — all foreign certificates must be attested by the Saudi embassy in the country of origin and verified by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Common Questions
When does it apply — family sponsorship & dependent visas?
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 through Absher.Your dependent wants to work in Saudi Arabia and needs to understand the visa conversion process.
What should I do if my dependent family member's visa or Iqama has been rejected or has expired in Saudi Arabia?
Check eligibility — verify your profession is on the approved list and your salary meets the minimum through the MHRSD or Absher portal.Apply through Absher or Muqeem for dependent visas — you will need attested and translated marriage and birth certificates.Pay dependent levies on time through Absher — non-payment blocks Iqama renewal and can trigger fines.If a dependent wants to work, coordinate with the prospective employer to initiate a work permit transfer through Qiwa.
What should you NOT do — family sponsorship & dependent visas?
Do not let dependent Iqamas expire — late renewal incurs fines and can affect your own residency status and Absher compliance record.Do not allow dependents to work without a work permit — this is a deportable offence for both the dependent and the employer.Do not submit unattested documents — all foreign certificates must be attested by the Saudi embassy in the country of origin and verified by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.