Saudi Family Visit Visa: How to Apply
The family visit visa lets residents bring relatives to Saudi Arabia for a temporary stay. As a resident, you apply as the sponsor through Absher. This guide covers eligibility, the steps, requirements and what to expect.
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A resident sponsor applies for the family visit visa through Absher for eligible relatives. You need a valid Iqama, proof of relationship and to meet income and profession conditions. The visa is temporary and can often be extended. Apply well before the planned visit.
How to apply
The sponsor submits the application through the official portal, attaching the required documents for each relative.
Via Absher
Absher is the main government portal for residents and citizens.
- Go to the Absher portal at absher.sa and log in with your username and password, or register through the Nafath app.
- Open the 'My Services' section and choose 'Services'.
- Select 'Reports' and then 'Documents' (or 'Alien Control').
- Your Iqama details, including the expiry date, will be displayed on screen.
Who can sponsor and who qualifies
Most residents with a valid Iqama can sponsor close family members such as parents, spouse and children. Some professions and income levels affect eligibility, so the rules are not identical for everyone.
Proof of the family relationship is required, and documents may need to be attested. Preparing these in advance is the single biggest time-saver in the whole process.
What you need to apply
- A valid Iqama as the sponsor
- Proof of relationship for each visitor (attested where required)
- Passport details of the visiting relatives
- Any income or profession conditions met
- Government fee paid through the portal
Duration and what comes next
The visa is issued for a set period and can usually be extended online if the visit runs longer. Keep track of the expiry date from the start so you never drift into an overstay.
Before the relative travels, confirm everything is in order. Our guides on checking the status and extending the visa cover the next steps.
Is your Iqama about to expire?
Find out exactly how much renewal costs and what steps to follow before the expiry date.
Frequently asked questions
Which relatives can I sponsor on a family visit visa?
Typically close family such as parents, spouse and children. Exact eligibility can depend on your profession and income, so check the conditions in Absher.
How early should I apply?
Apply several weeks ahead. Document attestation and processing take time, and applying early avoids last-minute problems before travel.
Where can I find official information?
Always rely on the official government portals such as absher.sa and moi.gov.sa for the most accurate, up-to-date information about your residency.
Is this guide official?
No. This is an independent informational guide written to explain the topic in plain English. It is not affiliated with the Saudi government.