Saudi residence visa for family

Saudi Residence Visa for Family: A Comprehensive Guide

I. Eligibility Criteria for Sponsoring Family Members

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers a residence visa, known as the “Iqama,” which allows foreign nationals working and residing in the country to sponsor their family members. However, stringent eligibility criteria govern who can be sponsored. Understanding these requirements is the first crucial step in the application process.

• Sponsor’s Profession and Salary: The sponsor’s profession plays a significant role. Certain professions are deemed eligible for family sponsorship, typically encompassing skilled professionals, engineers, doctors, teachers, and managers. Unskilled laborers and those in certain restricted professions might not qualify. A minimum salary threshold is also enforced, which varies depending on the profession and nationality. Generally, a monthly salary ranging from SAR 5,000 to SAR 8,000 is often cited as the minimum requirement, but it’s imperative to confirm the exact amount with the Saudi authorities, as these figures are subject to change. Official documentation, such as salary certificates attested by the Chamber of Commerce and employer letters, will be required to prove income. The sponsor’s Iqama should also clearly state their profession.

• Sponsor’s Iqama Validity: The sponsor’s Iqama must be valid for a minimum period, typically three months, at the time of application. Renewing the Iqama well in advance of its expiry is crucial to avoid any delays or rejections in the family visa application. A copy of the valid Iqama is a mandatory document.

• Eligible Family Members: The sponsor can typically sponsor the following family members:

  • Wife: Only one wife is permitted to be sponsored, adhering to Saudi Arabian law. The marriage certificate must be officially attested by the relevant authorities in the sponsor’s home country and the Saudi Embassy or Consulate.
  • Unmarried Daughters: Unmarried daughters are eligible for sponsorship, regardless of age. However, once they get married, their Iqama will be cancelled, and they will need to obtain a separate visa if they wish to reside in Saudi Arabia.
  • Sons Under 18 Years of Age: Sons can be sponsored until they reach the age of 18. After turning 18, they are generally required to obtain their own Iqama, typically through employment or enrollment in a Saudi university. There are exceptional cases where sponsorship can be extended beyond 18, such as for sons who are full-time students in Saudi Arabia, but these require special approval and documentation.
  • Parents (Under Specific Circumstances): Sponsoring parents is significantly more challenging and subject to very strict criteria. It usually requires demonstrating that the parents are financially dependent on the sponsor and that there are no other family members in their home country capable of providing care. The sponsor’s salary requirement is also typically higher for sponsoring parents. Medical reports and proof of dependency are essential.

• Nationality Restrictions: While Saudi Arabia generally welcomes expatriates from various nationalities, certain restrictions might apply to specific nationalities based on government policies. It’s crucial to verify if any such restrictions are in place for the sponsor’s nationality.

• Clean Criminal Record: Both the sponsor and the family members being sponsored must have a clean criminal record in their home country and in Saudi Arabia. A police clearance certificate from the home country is a mandatory document.

• Compliance with Saudi Laws and Regulations: The sponsor must have a good standing in Saudi Arabia and must have complied with all local laws and regulations. Any previous violations or legal issues can negatively impact the application.

II. Required Documents for Family Visa Application

Gathering the necessary documents is a meticulous but essential part of the process. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation is a common cause for delays and rejections.

• Sponsor’s Documents:

  • Original Iqama: A valid Iqama is paramount.
  • Copy of Iqama: Several copies of the Iqama might be required.
  • Passport Copy: A clear copy of the sponsor’s passport, including the visa page.
  • Salary Certificate: An original salary certificate from the employer, attested by the Chamber of Commerce. The certificate should clearly state the sponsor’s monthly salary and designation.
  • Employer Letter: A letter from the employer confirming the sponsor’s employment and stating that the company has no objection to the sponsor bringing their family to Saudi Arabia. This letter should be on the company’s official letterhead and stamped.
  • Saudi Chamber of Commerce Attestation: The employer letter and salary certificate must be attested by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce.
  • Application Form: A completed application form, which can be obtained from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website or through authorized agencies.
  • Bank Statement: A bank statement showing the sponsor’s salary being credited regularly. This provides further proof of income.

• Family Member’s Documents:

  • Passport Copies: Clear copies of the passports of all family members being sponsored. The passports should have at least six months of validity remaining.
  • Passport-Sized Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs of all family members, adhering to Saudi specifications (usually with a white background).
  • Marriage Certificate (for Wife): The original marriage certificate, attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the sponsor’s home country and the Saudi Embassy or Consulate.
  • Birth Certificates (for Children): Original birth certificates of all children being sponsored, attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the sponsor’s home country and the Saudi Embassy or Consulate.
  • Police Clearance Certificates (for Adults): Police clearance certificates from the home country for all adult family members (typically above 18 years of age), proving a clean criminal record. These certificates must also be attested.
  • Medical Examination Reports: Medical examination reports from a designated medical center approved by the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s home country. These reports are required to ensure that the family members are free from contagious diseases.
  • Vaccination Records: Copies of vaccination records for all family members, especially children.
  • Educational Certificates (if applicable): If children are of school-going age, copies of their educational certificates might be required.
  • Affidavit of Support (if applicable): In some cases, an affidavit of support might be required, stating that the sponsor will be financially responsible for the family members.

• Attestation Requirements:

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Home Country): Documents like marriage certificates and birth certificates must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the sponsor’s home country.
  • Saudi Embassy or Consulate (Home Country): After attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the documents must be further attested by the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in the sponsor’s home country. This is a crucial step to ensure that the documents are recognized by the Saudi authorities.

III. Step-by-Step Application Process

The application process for a Saudi family residence visa involves several stages, requiring meticulous attention to detail and adherence to official procedures.

• Online Application (e-Visa Platform): The initial step often involves submitting an online application through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ e-visa platform. This platform requires the sponsor to create an account and provide details about themselves and their family members. The application form must be filled accurately and completely.

• Document Submission: After completing the online application, the required documents must be submitted to the designated authorities. This might involve visiting the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs office or submitting the documents through an authorized agency. Ensure that all documents are original or certified copies and that they are properly attested.

• Medical Examination: All family members being sponsored must undergo a medical examination at a designated medical center approved by the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in their home country. The medical examination is to ensure that they are free from any contagious diseases. The medical examination reports must be submitted along with the other documents.

• Biometrics Enrollment: Biometrics enrollment, including fingerprinting and photograph capture, is typically required for all applicants. The specific procedures and locations for biometrics enrollment will be communicated by the Saudi authorities.

• Visa Issuance: Once the application is approved and all requirements are met, the Saudi visa will be issued. The visa will be stamped in the passports of the family members.

• Iqama Issuance (Upon Arrival in Saudi Arabia): After arriving in Saudi Arabia, the sponsored family members must obtain their Iqama (residence permit). This involves visiting the Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports) and completing the necessary paperwork. The sponsor must be present during this process.

IV. Fees and Processing Time

Understanding the associated fees and processing time is crucial for budgeting and planning.

• Visa Fees: The fees for a Saudi family residence visa vary depending on the nationality of the applicant and the duration of the visa. It’s advisable to check the latest fee schedule with the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s home country.

• Iqama Fees: In addition to the visa fees, there are fees associated with obtaining and renewing the Iqama. These fees are typically paid by the sponsor.

• Medical Examination Fees: The medical examination at the designated medical center also incurs a fee.

• Attestation Fees: Attesting documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Saudi Embassy or Consulate involves fees.

• Processing Time: The processing time for a Saudi family residence visa can vary depending on several factors, including