Family Visa In Saudi Arabia

Introduction

Saudi Arabia is a popular destination for expats due to its booming economy and job opportunities. Many expats choose to bring their families with them, which requires obtaining a family visa. In this article, we will go over the process and requirements for obtaining a family visa in Saudi Arabia.

Types of Family Visas

There are two types of family visas that can be obtained in Saudi Arabia: permanent family visas and visit visas. Permanent family visas are for those who plan on living in Saudi Arabia for an extended period of time, while visit visas are for temporary stays. Both types of visas have their own sets of requirements and restrictions.

Requirements for Permanent Family Visas

To obtain a permanent family visa in Saudi Arabia, the following requirements must be met:

• The sponsor must have a valid residency permit (iqama)
• The sponsor must have a minimum monthly salary of SAR 4,000
• The sponsor must have a valid passport
• The sponsor must be able to provide suitable accommodation for their family
• The sponsor must obtain a letter from their employer stating their job position and salary
• The sponsor must obtain a marriage certificate (if sponsoring a spouse) or a birth certificate (if sponsoring a child)

Requirements for Visit Visas

To obtain a visit visa for your family in Saudi Arabia, the following requirements must be met:

• The sponsor must have a valid residency permit (iqama)
• The sponsor must obtain a letter from their employer stating their job position and salary
• The sponsor must obtain a letter from their embassy stating that their family member is eligible for a visit visa
• The sponsor must provide proof of relationship (marriage certificate for spouses, birth certificate for children)
• The sponsor must have a valid passport

Application Process

The application process for family visas in Saudi Arabia can be lengthy and complicated. It is recommended to hire a visa agent to help with the process. The following steps are required:

• The sponsor must obtain a letter of invitation from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• The sponsor must submit the letter of invitation along with the required documents to the Saudi embassy in their home country
• The embassy will review the application and may request additional documents or information
• If approved, the embassy will issue the visa

Restrictions

There are several restrictions to keep in mind when obtaining a family visa in Saudi Arabia:

• Women are not allowed to sponsor family members
• Male children over the age of 18 are not eligible for family visas
• Family members on visit visas are not allowed to work or attend school
• Visit visas are only valid for up to 90 days and cannot be extended
• Permanent family visas must be renewed annually

Conclusion

Obtaining a family visa in Saudi Arabia can be a complicated process, but with the right documentation and assistance, it can be done. Be sure to carefully review the requirements and restrictions before beginning the application process. With a valid family visa, you can enjoy the benefits of living and working in Saudi Arabia with your loved ones by your side.