How to Sponsor Your Family in Saudi Arabia
Bringing your spouse and children to live with you in Saudi Arabia follows a defined process, from the family visa through to each dependent receiving their own Iqama. This guide walks through the steps, the typical requirements, and what to prepare so the process goes smoothly.
To sponsor family, you generally need to be eligible based on your profession and meet the requirements, then apply for a family visa for your dependents to enter. Once they arrive, you convert their status into residency by issuing a dependent Iqama for each, which includes their fees and medical insurance. The process runs largely through your employer and Absher.
The family sponsorship process, step by step
Step 1 — Confirm your eligibility
Check that your profession and situation allow family sponsorship before starting. This is the most common stumbling block, so confirm it early.
Step 2 — Apply for the family visa
With your employer's involvement, apply for the visa that allows your dependents to enter the country. Requirements typically include marriage and birth documentation, often attested.
Step 3 — Your family enters Saudi Arabia
Once the visa is issued, your dependents travel and enter the country, beginning the window to set up their residency.
Step 4 — Issue each dependent's Iqama
Convert each dependent's status into residency by issuing their Iqama, which includes paying the dependent fee and enrolling them in medical insurance.
Step 5 — Track and renew together
Keep each dependent's Iqama expiry aligned where possible and renew on time, just as you do for your own.
What you typically need to prepare
- Proof of eligibility based on your profession and situation.
- Attested marriage certificate for a spouse.
- Attested birth certificates for children.
- Valid medical insurance arranged for each dependent.
- Funds for the dependent fees and issuance costs.
After they arrive
Once your family's Iqamas are issued, they become residents in their own right, each with their own Iqama number, expiry date and insurance. From then on, you manage their residency much like your own — tracking expiry dates and renewing on time.
Because requirements and document attestation rules can be detailed and change over time, confirm the current specifics with your employer and the official channels before you begin. This guide explains the shape of the process; the exact paperwork is best confirmed officially.
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
Can everyone sponsor family?
No. Eligibility depends on factors like your profession and sometimes salary. Confirm yours before planning, as it is the most common barrier.
Do my family's documents need attestation?
Marriage and birth certificates typically need to be attested. Requirements vary, so confirm the current process through official channels.
What happens once they have an Iqama?
Each dependent is a resident with their own Iqama to track and renew. See our guide on Iqama for family and dependents.
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.