saudi residence visa for family cost

Saudi Arabia Family Residence Visa Cost: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats

Navigating the intricacies of Saudi Arabia’s visa system can be a daunting task, especially when it involves family reunification. Understanding the costs associated with obtaining and maintaining a family residence visa (Iqama) is crucial for expats planning to bring their loved ones to the Kingdom. This comprehensive guide delves into the various expenses involved, breaking down each component and providing valuable insights to help you budget effectively.

I. The Foundation: Understanding the Iqama and its Purpose

The Iqama, or residence permit, is the cornerstone of legal residency in Saudi Arabia. It’s a vital document for expats, serving as identification and enabling them to live, work, and access essential services within the Kingdom. For families, the Iqama extends these rights to dependents, allowing spouses and children to reside legally under the sponsorship of the primary Iqama holder (usually the working expat).

II. Initial Visa Application Fees: The First Hurdle

Before the family members can even set foot on Saudi soil, the initial visa application process incurs costs. These fees vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and the type of visa being applied for.

• Entry Visa Fees: This is the initial visa required for family members to enter Saudi Arabia. The cost typically ranges from SAR 2,000 to SAR 3,000 per person. This fee is payable at the Saudi embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country. The exact amount depends on the applicant’s nationality and any prevailing bilateral agreements.

• Visa Processing Fees: In addition to the entry visa fee, there are processing fees charged by the Saudi embassy or consulate. These fees cover the administrative costs of reviewing and processing the visa application. The amount can vary but generally falls between SAR 100 and SAR 300 per applicant.

• Medical Examination Fees: All applicants for a family residence visa are required to undergo a medical examination at an approved medical facility in their home country. This examination is to ensure that the applicant is free from contagious diseases. The cost of the medical examination varies depending on the country and the medical facility, but it typically ranges from SAR 300 to SAR 800 per person.

• Police Clearance Certificate Fees: A police clearance certificate from the applicant’s country of origin is also a mandatory requirement. This certificate verifies that the applicant has no criminal record. The cost of obtaining a police clearance certificate varies depending on the country and the process involved. Expect to pay between SAR 50 and SAR 200 per person.

• Attestation Fees: Certain documents, such as marriage certificates and birth certificates, may need to be attested by the Saudi embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country. This attestation process verifies the authenticity of the documents. The cost of attestation varies depending on the document and the embassy, but it generally ranges from SAR 50 to SAR 200 per document.

III. Iqama Issuance Fees: Securing Residency

Once the family members are in Saudi Arabia, the next step is to obtain their Iqamas. This involves several fees payable to the Saudi government.

• Iqama Fee: This is the primary fee for issuing the Iqama. As of 2024, the Iqama fee for dependents is SAR 500 per person per year. This fee is subject to change and is usually announced by the Saudi government.

• Labor Levy (Expat Levy/Dependent Fee): This is arguably the most significant cost associated with sponsoring dependents. The Saudi government introduced a monthly levy for each dependent of an expat worker. This levy aims to encourage the employment of Saudi nationals and reduce the reliance on foreign labor. As of 2024, the dependent fee is SAR 400 per month per dependent, totaling SAR 4,800 per year per dependent. This fee is in addition to the Iqama fee and other associated costs. It’s crucial to factor this substantial expense into your budget.

• Sponsor Transfer Fee (if applicable): If you are transferring your sponsorship from one employer to another, there may be a sponsor transfer fee involved. This fee is typically borne by the new employer, but it’s essential to clarify this during your employment negotiations.

• Passport Fee (if applicable): If the family member’s passport is expiring soon, renewing it in Saudi Arabia through their respective embassy or consulate will incur passport renewal fees. These fees vary depending on the nationality and the embassy’s policies.

IV. Iqama Renewal Fees: Maintaining Legal Residency

The Iqama is not a permanent document and needs to be renewed periodically, usually annually. The renewal process involves similar fees to the initial issuance, primarily the Iqama fee and the dependent levy.

• Iqama Renewal Fee: This is the same as the initial Iqama fee, currently SAR 500 per person per year.

• Dependent Levy Renewal: The monthly dependent levy continues to apply during the Iqama renewal process. Therefore, the annual cost remains SAR 4,800 per dependent.

• Late Renewal Penalties: It’s crucial to renew the Iqama before it expires. Failure to do so will result in penalties. The penalties for late renewal increase with each subsequent offense. The initial penalty is typically SAR 500, which can escalate to SAR 1,000 or even deportation for repeated offenses.

V. Additional Potential Costs: Unforeseen Expenses

Beyond the standard fees, there are other potential costs to consider:

• Translation Fees: Documents that are not in Arabic may need to be translated by a certified translator. This can add to the overall cost, especially if you have multiple documents to translate.

• Courier Charges: Sending documents between Saudi Arabia and your home country may involve courier charges.

• Power of Attorney Fees: In some cases, you may need to grant power of attorney to someone in your home country to handle certain administrative tasks. This will involve legal fees.

• Legal Consultation Fees: If you encounter any complex issues or have questions about the visa process, you may need to seek legal advice from a lawyer specializing in Saudi immigration law. This will incur legal consultation fees.

• Travel Expenses: Family members will need to travel to Saudi Arabia, which involves airfare and other travel-related expenses. The cost of airfare varies depending on the origin country, the time of year, and the airline.

• Accommodation Costs: Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, family members may need temporary accommodation until they find a permanent residence. This will involve hotel or apartment rental costs.

• Insurance Costs: Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Saudi Arabia. You will need to purchase health insurance for your family members, which will incur additional costs. The cost of health insurance varies depending on the insurance provider and the coverage level.

• School Fees (for children): If you have children of school age, you will need to factor in school fees. International schools in Saudi Arabia can be expensive, with annual fees ranging from SAR 30,000 to SAR 100,000 per child.

VI. Strategies to Minimize Costs: Smart Planning and Execution

While some costs are unavoidable, there are strategies to minimize your overall expenses:

• Thorough Research: Before starting the visa application process, conduct thorough research to understand all the requirements and fees involved. Consult the Saudi embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information.

• Accurate Documentation: Ensure that all your documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays and potential rejections. This will save you time and money in the long run.

• Timely Renewal: Renew your Iqama before it expires to avoid late renewal penalties. Set reminders and plan ahead to ensure timely renewal.

• Compare Prices: Compare prices for medical examinations, translations, and other services to find the best deals.

• Negotiate with Employers: During your employment negotiations, try to negotiate for your employer to cover some of the costs associated with sponsoring your family members, such as the dependent levy.

• Public Schools (for children): If possible, consider enrolling your children in public schools, which are free for residents. However, the language of instruction in public schools is Arabic.

• Health Insurance Options: Explore different health insurance options to find the most affordable plan that meets your family’s needs.

• Utilize Online Resources: Utilize online resources and forums to connect with other expats and share information and tips on saving money on visa-related expenses.

• Plan Travel Strategically: Book flights and accommodation in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts. Travel during off-peak seasons to avoid higher prices.

• Financial Planning: Develop a comprehensive financial plan that takes into account all the costs associated with sponsoring your family members. This will help you budget effectively and avoid financial strain.

VII. The Impact of Nationality: Varying Costs for Different Nationalities

The cost of obtaining and maintaining a family residence visa can vary depending on the applicant’s nationality. This is due to several factors, including bilateral agreements between Saudi Arabia and other countries, visa processing fees, and other administrative charges.

• Bilateral Agreements: Saudi Arabia has bilateral agreements with some countries that may offer preferential visa treatment or reduced fees for their citizens.

• Visa Processing Fees: Visa processing fees can vary depending on the applicant’s nationality. Some nationalities may be charged higher fees than others.

• Embassy/Consulate Policies: The policies of the Saudi embassy or