Saudi Family Visa (Permanent Residence) 2026: Requirements, Fees and Steps
Quick answer: A resident with an eligible profession can bring his wife, sons under 18 and unmarried daughters to live in Saudi Arabia on a permanent family visa (استقدام عائلي). You apply in Absher, pay a 2,000 SAR visa fee through SADAD, and after arrival you pay 400 SAR a month for each dependent plus their iqama fees.
This is different from the family visit visa, which is a temporary visa for parents, spouse or children to visit. See the family visit visa guide.
Who can apply
- A non-Saudi resident with a valid work iqama (a dependent iqama cannot sponsor).
- The profession on the iqama must allow family sponsorship. Professional and specialist jobs (engineer, doctor, accountant and similar) usually qualify; many labor professions do not. There is no single official public list, so check in Absher.
- A valid work contract, and enough time left on the iqama (guides commonly say at least 3 months).
- Salary: many guides cite a GOSI-registered wage of about 3,500 SAR a month. We could not find this figure on an official page, so treat it as a guide, not a rule.
Which family members qualify
| Family member | Permanent family visa? |
|---|---|
| Wife | Yes |
| Sons | Yes, under 18 |
| Daughters | Yes, if unmarried |
| Parents, brothers, sisters | No (use a family visit visa instead) |
Family visa fees and yearly costs
| Item | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Family visa fee | 2,000 SAR | Before the visa is issued (SADAD, Istiqdam) |
| Dependent fee | 400 SAR a month per dependent | After arrival, paid in advance with the iqama |
| Iqama for a family member aged 18+ | 500 SAR a year | When the iqama is issued and renewed |
| Health insurance | Varies | Required for each family member |
| Attestation and translation | Varies | Marriage and birth certificates |
Sources do not agree on whether the 2,000 SAR is charged per application or per person. The SADAD payment asks for the number of visas, so confirm the amount on the payment screen before you pay.
Example: wife and two children
Visa fee: 2,000 SAR (or more if charged per person). After arrival, dependent fees: 3 × 400 = 1,200 SAR a month, which is 14,400 SAR a year, plus insurance and any iqama fees. Use the dependent fees calculator to work out your own numbers.
Documents usually needed
- Copy of your iqama and passport, and passports of the family members.
- Marriage certificate and birth certificates, attested in your home country and by the Saudi embassy, with Arabic translation.
- Salary certificate and GOSI record from your employer; some offices also ask for your attested degree.
Steps to apply
- Log in to Absher Individuals and open the expatriate services for a family visa (استقدام عائلي).
- Enter your family members' details exactly as in their passports.
- If the request is approved, pay the 2,000 SAR fee through your bank: SADAD → Government payments → Istiqdam → Family visa.
- Track the application on the MOFA visa platform with the application number and your iqama number.
- Send the visa details to your family. They stamp the visa at the Saudi embassy or visa center in their country and travel.
- After arrival, issue their iqamas and pay the dependent fees in Absher.
Calculate dependent fees for your family →
Frequently asked questions
How much is the family visa fee in Saudi Arabia?
The family visa (istiqdam) fee is 2,000 SAR, paid through SADAD. After arrival you pay 400 SAR a month for each dependent.
What salary do I need for a Saudi family visa?
Many guides cite a GOSI-registered wage of about 3,500 SAR a month, but we found no official published figure. Your profession on the iqama matters most.
Can I bring my parents on a family visa?
Not on a permanent family visa. Parents can come on a family visit visa.
Can I bring my son older than 18?
Usually not on a permanent family visa. Sons must be under 18. Unmarried daughters can be sponsored at any age.
What is the difference between a family visa and a family visit visa?
A family visa is for living in Saudi Arabia with an iqama. A family visit visa is a temporary visit visa with no iqama.
Official sources
- Absher: expatriate services (family visa request)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visa platform (application status)
This guide explains the general rules. It is not legal advice.