Permanent Family Visa Saudi Arabia 2026: Complete Guide

Bringing your family to Saudi Arabia is one of the most significant steps for expatriates working in the Kingdom. A permanent family visa allows your spouse and children to live with you, receive residency permits (Iqama), and build a life together in Saudi Arabia. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining a permanent family visa in 2026.

What is a Permanent Family Visa in Saudi Arabia?

A permanent family visa in Saudi Arabia is a residence visa that allows expatriate workers to sponsor their immediate family members—specifically their spouse and children—to live with them in the Kingdom. Unlike a family visit visa, which is temporary and typically valid for 30-90 days, a permanent family visa enables family members to obtain their own Iqama (residence permit) and stay in Saudi Arabia for the duration of the sponsor’s employment.

The permanent family visa is tied to your residency status and allows your family to enjoy healthcare, education, and the full benefits of living in Saudi Arabia.

Who Can Apply for a Permanent Family Visa?

Not all expatriates in Saudi Arabia are eligible to sponsor their families. To apply for a permanent family visa in 2026, you must meet specific criteria.

Eligibility Requirements for the Sponsor

Valid Iqama: Your residency permit must have at least 3 months of validity remaining at the time of application.

Minimum Salary: Your GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance) certificate must show a minimum monthly salary of SAR 3,500. This is a fundamental requirement that ensures you can financially support your family.

Acceptable Profession: Your profession listed on your Iqama must be eligible for family sponsorship. While there’s no official exhaustive list, professionals in fields such as engineering, healthcare, education, IT, finance, management, sales, and various skilled trades typically qualify. Some lower-skilled professions may face restrictions.

Employment Status: You must be currently employed with a valid work contract in Saudi Arabia.

Who Can Be Sponsored?

The permanent family visa can only be issued for specific family members:

Spouse: You can sponsor one wife at a time. Polygamous marriages are recognized, but only one spouse can be sponsored per visa application.

Children: You can sponsor your children, subject to age restrictions. Sons can only be sponsored if they are under 18 years of age. Daughters can be sponsored regardless of age, provided they are unmarried.

Important Restrictions: Parents (mother and father) generally cannot be sponsored under a permanent family visa. They would need to visit Saudi Arabia on a family visit visa instead. Brothers, sisters, and other extended family members are also not eligible.

How Much Does a Permanent Family Visa Cost?

The fee structure for a permanent family visa in Saudi Arabia is straightforward:

Visa Fee: SAR 2,000 per family (not per person). This single fee covers your spouse and all eligible children, making it cost-effective for larger families.

Attestation Fee: SAR 30 for Chamber of Commerce attestation of your application documents.

Government Employees: If you work for a Saudi government entity, you may be exempt from the SAR 2,000 visa fee.

The fee can be paid through various Saudi banks including Al Rajhi Bank, Saudi National Bank (SNB), and National Commercial Bank (NCB) using their mobile banking apps or internet banking platforms through the SADAD payment system.

Ongoing Dependent Fees After Iqama Issuance

While the SAR 2,000 visa application fee is a one-time payment, you must also budget for ongoing dependent fees once your family arrives and obtains their Iqama.

Monthly Dependent Fee: SAR 400 per dependent per month (SAR 4,800 per year)

This fee applies to:

• Your spouse
• Each child (regardless of age while under your sponsorship)

Important Notes:

• The first 90 days after your family’s arrival are FREE
• After 90 days, you must pay SR 400 per dependent per month
• This fee is paid for the duration of your Iqama validity
• Payment is made when renewing Iqamas (can be paid quarterly, semi-annually, or annually)
• These fees are separate from the initial SR 2,000 visa fee

Example Cost Calculation:

• Family of 4 (spouse + 2 children) = 3 dependents
• Monthly: 3 × SR 400 = SR 1,200
• Annually: SR 1,200 × 12 = SR 14,400

This is in addition to mandatory health insurance costs for each family member.

Required Documents for Permanent Family Visa

Gathering and preparing the correct documents is crucial for a successful application. All documents must be properly attested and translated into Arabic.

Documents You Need to Submit

Istiqdam Form: The official permanent family visa application form with your company seal and authorized signature.

Iqama Copy: A clear copy of your valid Saudi residency permit.

Saudi Visa Copy: A copy of the Saudi visa stamped on your passport showing your border number.

Passport Copies: Valid passport copies for all family members being sponsored. Passports must have at least 6 months of validity.

Degree Certificate: Your educational degree certificate must be attested by both the Saudi Embassy in your home country and the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). It should match the profession listed on your Iqama. This document must also be translated into Arabic by an approved translator.

Marriage Certificate: Attested by the Saudi Embassy in your home country and MOFA, plus Arabic translation.

Birth Certificates: For all children being sponsored, attested by the Saudi Embassy and MOFA, plus Arabic translation.

GOSI Certificate: Shows your registered salary and contributions. This proves you meet the SAR 3,500 minimum salary requirement.

Salary Certificate: From your employer, stamped by the Chamber of Commerce.

Final Exit Visa Copy: If any family member previously held an Iqama in Saudi Arabia, provide a copy of their final exit visa.

Document Attestation Process

Document attestation is a multi-step process that must be completed before you can apply:

1. Have your documents attested by the relevant authorities in your home country (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, etc.)
2. Submit documents to the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in your home country for attestation
3. Once in Saudi Arabia, have the documents attested by Saudi MOFA
4. Get all documents translated into Arabic by an approved legal translator in Saudi Arabia

How to Apply for a Permanent Family Visa Online

Saudi Arabia offers an online application system through the Absher platform, which is the preferred method for most eligible professions.

Step-by-Step Online Application Process

Step 1: Log into Absher

Visit the Absher platform (absher.sa) and log in using your Iqama number and password. Navigate to “My Services” and select “Expatriates Services.”

Step 2: Start New Application

Click on “New Family Visa Application.” The system will automatically populate your details including your Iqama number, passport information, profession, and sponsor details. Verify that all information is correct.

Step 3: Select Family Visa Option

Click on “Apply for Family Visa.” If you receive an error message at this stage, it means you’re not eligible to apply online and must use the offline method through Istiqdam.

Step 4: Enter Family Details

For each family member, enter:

• Full name (as it appears on passport)
• Passport number
• Date of birth
• Religion
• Relationship to you
• Port of boarding (city where visa will be stamped—this should be the city in your home country where a Saudi Embassy or Consulate is located)

Step 5: Review and Submit

After adding all dependents, review all information carefully. Check the terms and conditions box and click “Submit Family Visa.”

Step 6: Print and Sign

Print the application form generated by Absher. Sign it and submit it to your company’s HR department.

Step 7: Company Attestation

Your company must attest the application through the Chamber of Commerce website within 30 days of submission. The attestation fee is SAR 30.

Step 8: Pay Visa Fee

Pay the SAR 2,000 visa fee through your bank using the SADAD payment system. You’ll need your Iqama number and the visa application number.

Step 9: Wait for Approval

After attestation and payment, wait 2-3 working days. Check your application status through Absher. If approved, you’ll receive a visa number that can be sent to your home country for visa stamping.

How to Apply for a Permanent Family Visa Through Istiqdam (Offline Method)

If you cannot complete the online application—either due to system restrictions or your profession—you must apply through the Istiqdam office.

Offline Application Process

Step 1: Book an Istiqdam Appointment

Visit the Istiqdam website and book an appointment at the office in the same city where your documents were attested by the Chamber of Commerce. When booking, select “Permanent Family Visa” (verify this with someone who reads Arabic, as it’s the second option on the appointment screen).

Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee

Before your appointment, pay the SAR 2,000 visa fee online through SADAD using your bank’s app or internet banking. This payment is mandatory before visiting Istiqdam.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all required documents (listed in the documents section above) in a file. Ensure everything is properly attested and translated.

Step 4: Visit Istiqdam Office

On your appointment date, bring:

• Your appointment confirmation (printed)
• All required documents
• SADAD payment receipt
• Your original Iqama and passport

Step 5: Submit Documents

Submit your file to the Istiqdam officer. They will review your documents, verify your eligibility, and process your application.

Step 6: Receive Yellow Slip

If everything is in order, you’ll receive a yellow slip within approximately 30 minutes. This slip contains your visa details and visa number. Verify that all information on the yellow slip is accurate—names, passport numbers, dates, etc.

Step 7: Corrections

If any information is incorrect, you have 3 working days to return to Istiqdam to make corrections.

Step 8: Send to Home Country

Send the yellow slip (or visa number) to your family in your home country. They will use this to apply for visa stamping at the Saudi Embassy or Consulate.

How Long Does a Permanent Family Visa Last?

The permanent family visa issued by Istiqdam or approved through Absher is valid for 1 Hijri year (approximately 354-355 days) from the date of issuance.

This means your family members must enter Saudi Arabia within this period. Once they arrive and obtain their Iqama, their residency will be tied to your Iqama validity and can be renewed annually as long as you maintain your employment and residency in Saudi Arabia.

Can I Get a Permanent Family Visa Without a Degree?

The degree certificate requirement has been a source of confusion for many expatriates. Here’s the current situation in 2026:

Degree Attestation is Generally Required: Degree attestation is commonly requested, especially for professional roles, but requirements may vary by profession and Istiqdam discretion.

Exceptions May Exist: Some expatriates in certain professions (particularly in sales, drivers, and some skilled trades) have reported successfully obtaining family visas without degree attestation, especially when applying through Istiqdam with strong employer support.

MOFA and Saudi Embassy Requirements: Even if Istiqdam in Saudi Arabia issues your visa without a degree, the Saudi Embassy in your home country may still require proof of qualification during the visa stamping process.

Best Practice: Always attempt to provide the attested degree certificate if you have one. If you don’t have a degree or your degree doesn’t match your profession, consult with your company’s PRO (Public Relations Officer) or mandoub, who can advise on your specific situation and profession.

How to Check Your Permanent Family Visa Status

Tracking your visa application status is important to stay informed about the progress and next steps.

Checking Status Through MOFA Website

Step 1: Visit visa.mofa.gov.sa

Step 2: Select “Inquiry” from the menu

Step 3: Choose “Inquiry Type” as “Application Number”

Step 4: Enter your application number (generated when you submitted the visa application)

Step 5: Enter your ID number (Iqama number)

Step 6: Enter the captcha code

Step 7: Click “Search”

The system will display your application status, which may show as:

• Under Processing: Your application is being reviewed
• Approved: Your application has been approved and you can proceed with visa stamping
• Visa Document: The visa is ready and can be used for stamping
• Requires Attestation: Your employer hasn’t attested the application through Chamber of Commerce yet

Checking Status Through Absher

If you applied online through Absher, you can also check the status:

1. Log into your Absher account
2. Go to “Expatriates Services”
3. Select “View Family Visa Applications”
4. Your application status will be displayed

How to Pay the Permanent Family Visa Fee

The SAR 2,000 visa fee can be paid through several banks using their online platforms.

Payment Through Al Rajhi Bank

1. Download the Al Rajhi Bank app or log into internet banking
2. Select “Payments”
3. Choose “Government Payments”
4. Select “Labor Importation”
5. Choose “Payments”
6. Enter:
   • Sponsor ID: Your Iqama Number
   • Number of Visa: 1 (one visa covers entire family)
   • Visa Type: Family Visa
7. The system will display the SAR 2,000 fee
8. Confirm and complete the payment

Payment Through SNB or NCB

Similar process through Saudi National Bank or National Commercial Bank apps:

1. Log into your banking app
2. Navigate to government payments
3. Select SADAD payments
4. Choose “Labor Importation” or “Family Visa”
5. Enter your Iqama number
6. Complete the payment

Keep the payment receipt as proof—you’ll need it for the Istiqdam appointment.

Visa Stamping Process in Your Home Country

Once your permanent family visa is approved in Saudi Arabia, your family members must get it stamped on their passports.

Steps for Visa Stamping

Step 1: Gather Documents

Your family will need:

• Original passports (valid for at least 6 months)
• Visa number or yellow slip from Saudi Arabia
• Passport-sized photographs (as per Saudi requirements)
• Marriage certificate and birth certificates
• Medical examination results (if required))

Step 2: Medical Examination

For certain nationalities, a pre-medical fitness test may be required before processing a Saudi dependent visa.

Step 3: Visit Saudi Embassy/Consulate

Submit all documents to the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Some countries have authorized visa centers that handle applications.

Step 4: Pay Visa Fees

Pay any applicable visa stamping fees at the embassy or visa center.

Step 5: Receive Stamped Visa

Processing typically takes 3-7 working days. Once stamped, the passport is returned with the visa.

Step 6: Travel to Saudi Arabia

Family members must enter Saudi Arabia before the visa expires (within 90 days of stamping in most cases).

Obtaining Iqama After Arrival

Once your family arrives in Saudi Arabia on the permanent family visa, they must obtain their Iqama within 90 days.

Iqama Application Process

Step 1: Medical Tests in Saudi Arabia

Family members are required to undergo medical fitness tests at approved medical centers in Saudi Arabia, as per Jawazat regulations

Step 2: Pay Fees

The required Iqama issuance fees must be paid through the SADAD system via your bank account.

Step 3: Health Insurance

Ensure that all family members are covered under valid health insurance, which is mandatory under Saudi law before Iqama issuance.

Step 4: Iqama Issuance

Once all requirements are completed, the Iqamas will be issued and delivered to the registered National Address.

The validity of your dependents’ Iqamas will match the sponsor’s Iqama expiry date and must be renewed together annually or quarterly.

What If I Have a Newborn After Visa Approval?

If a baby is born after your permanent family visa is issued but before your family travels to Saudi Arabia, the newborn can be added to the existing visa file without applying for a separate family visa.

1. Obtain the newborn’s passport and birth certificate
2. Get the birth certificate attested by Saudi Embassy
3. Submit these documents along with the mother’s passport to your visa agent or the Saudi Embassy
4. The embassy will stamp the visa for the newborn as well

This process doesn’t require a new visa application or additional fees.

How to Cancel a Permanent Family Visa / Yellow Slip

If you change your mind about bringing your family to Saudi Arabia before the visa is stamped on their passports, you can cancel the visa and receive a full refund of SAR 2,000.

Cancellation Process

Documents Required:

• Letter from your sponsor (employer) addressed to the Jawazat officer explaining the reason for cancellation, authenticated by Chamber of Commerce
• Original Iqama and a copy
• Original passport and a copy
• Original yellow slip or copy of the visa issued by Istiqdam

Steps:

1. Obtain the cancellation letter from your company
2. Have it authenticated by Chamber of Commerce
3. Visit the same Istiqdam office where you applied
4. Submit the cancellation request with all required documents
5. Fill out the cancellation form (get help if you don’t read Arabic)

Refund: The SAR 2,000 fee will be refunded to the same bank account used for the original payment. Refund processing typically takes 1-2 months.

Note: Cancellation is only possible before the visa is stamped on passports. Once stamped, the visa cannot be canceled.

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection and How to Avoid Them

Understanding why family visa applications get rejected can help you avoid common pitfalls.

Typical Rejection Reasons

Insufficient Salary: GOSI certificate shows salary below SAR 3,500 threshold

Solution: Ensure your salary is correctly registered with GOSI. If there’s a discrepancy, work with your employer to update your GOSI records.

Ineligible Profession: Your job title may not qualify for family sponsorship

Solution: Consult with your PRO or mandoub. In some cases, updating your profession on Iqama (with employer support) may help.

Incomplete Documents: Missing attestations or translations

Solution: Double-check that all documents are properly attested and translated before submission.

Expired Iqama: Iqama has less than 3 months validity

Solution: Renew your Iqama before applying for family visa.

Lack of Chamber Attestation: Employer hasn’t attested the application

Solution: Follow up with your company’s HR or PRO to ensure they complete the attestation within 30 days.

Medical Issues: Family members fail medical examination

Solution: Address any health concerns before application. Some conditions may be waivable with medical reports.

Tips for a Smooth Application Process

Based on common experiences of expatriates in 2026, here are practical tips:

Start Early: Begin document attestation in your home country well before you plan to apply—the process can take several months.

Keep Copies: Maintain photocopies and digital scans of all documents. You’ll need multiple copies at various stages.

Use Your PRO: Don’t try to navigate the system alone. Your company’s PRO or mandoub knows the process and can help avoid mistakes.

Verify Names: Ensure names on all documents match exactly as they appear on passports. Even small spelling differences can cause delays.

Bank Account: Make sure you have a Saudi bank account set up for fee payment before starting the application.

Translation Quality: Use only approved legal translators. Poor translations can lead to rejection.

Chamber Registration: Confirm your employer is properly registered with the local Chamber of Commerce.

Follow Up: Regularly check your application status and respond quickly if additional documents are requested.

Plan Buffer Time: Allow extra time for unexpected delays, especially when dealing with embassies and medical tests.

Difference Between Permanent Family Visa and Family Visit Visa

Many expatriates confuse these two visa types. Here’s how they differ:

Permanent Family Visa

• Allows family to obtain Iqama
• Family can stay long-term (tied to sponsor’s Iqama)
• Family members can access healthcare, education, and services
• Cannot be converted from another visa type
• Requires degree certificate and higher salary threshold
• Costs SAR 2,000 for entire family
• Valid for 1 Hijri year for entry, then tied to Iqama

Family Visit Visa

• Temporary visit only (30-90 days)
• No Iqama issued
• Multiple entry options available (valid 1 year, 90 days per visit)
• Can be applied for parents, siblings, and other relatives
• No degree certificate required
• Lower cost and simpler application
• Must exit Saudi Arabia before visa expires

You cannot convert a family visit visa to a permanent family visa while in Saudi Arabia. Family members must exit and apply for the permanent visa through proper channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Obtaining a permanent family visa in Saudi Arabia in 2026 requires careful planning, proper documentation, and patience. While the process involves multiple steps and strict requirements, thousands of expatriates successfully reunite with their families each year. The key to success is understanding the requirements, preparing documents thoroughly, working closely with your employer, and following procedures precisely.

The joy of having your family with you in Saudi Arabia makes the effort worthwhile. With this guide, you have the knowledge to navigate the process confidently. Start preparing your documents early, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to seek help from your company’s PRO or experienced colleagues who’ve been through the process.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is based on current regulations and procedures as of January 2026. Saudi Arabia's visa and immigration policies are subject to change. While we strive to maintain accuracy, we recommend verifying all requirements with official sources such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Absher, your employer's PRO, or the Saudi Embassy in your home country before proceeding with your application.