Quick Summary
- Family visit visa allows family to enter Saudi Arabia for a temporary stay
- Issued by the Saudi embassy in your family's home country
- You sponsor the visit as the iqama holder
- Typical validity: 90 days — extendable in some cases
- Can be converted to dependent iqama within 90 days of arrival
- Family cannot work on a visit visa — work requires a separate work visa
What Is a Family Visit Visa?
A family visit visa is a temporary entry visa that allows the immediate family members of an expatriate worker in Saudi Arabia to visit and stay in the Kingdom for a defined period. It is the gateway both for short visits and for families who plan to relocate permanently — since permanent residents must first enter on a visit visa before converting to a dependent iqama.
Who Can You Invite on a Family Visit Visa?
- Spouse — wife with valid marriage certificate
- Children — sons under 18, daughters of any age if unmarried
- Parents — subject to additional conditions and salary requirements
Siblings, cousins and other extended family members generally do not qualify for family visit visas under your sponsorship. They would need to apply for a tourist or business visa separately.
Documents Required
The sponsoring expat worker in Saudi Arabia typically needs to provide the following to support the application:
- Copy of your valid iqama
- Copy of your valid passport
- Salary certificate from employer confirming your position and salary
- Marriage certificate (attested and translated to Arabic) for spouse applications
- Birth certificates (attested and translated to Arabic) for children
- Invitation letter — in some cases the Saudi embassy requires a formal invitation letter from you as the sponsor
The visitor (your family member) applies at the Saudi embassy with their own documents including their valid passport, photographs and the supporting documents you provide.
How the Application Process Works
Prepare and Attest Documents
Gather all required documents and complete the attestation process for any official certificates. This is usually the longest step — allow 4–6 weeks minimum.
Family Member Applies at Saudi Embassy
Your family member submits the visa application at the Saudi embassy or consulate in their country — or in some countries through an authorised visa application centre. They submit their passport, photographs, application form and all supporting documents including your sponsoring documents.
Visa Issued and Family Travels
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Once the visit visa is stamped in the passport, your family member can travel to Saudi Arabia. Note the entry deadline — visit visas must be used within a specific period from issue date or they expire unused.
Family Arrives — 90-Day Stay Begins
From the date of entry into Saudi Arabia the 90-day visit period begins. Your family can stay for up to 90 days as visitors. During this time they cannot work. If you decide they should stay permanently, the iqama conversion process must begin well within this 90-day window.
Convert to Dependent Iqama (If Staying Permanently)
If your family will stay in Saudi Arabia long-term, notify HR as soon as they arrive and begin the dependent iqama registration process. The iqama must be registered before the visit visa expires — do not wait until close to the 90-day limit.
Extending a Family Visit Visa
In some circumstances a family visit visa can be extended beyond the initial 90 days without converting to a full dependent iqama. Extension options:
- Extensions are processed through the Jawazat (Passport Authority) — your employer's PRO can assist with this
- Extensions are not guaranteed — they are at the discretion of the Jawazat and valid reasons are generally required
- A fee is payable for each extension
- If your family plans to stay long-term, converting to a dependent iqama is usually more practical than repeated visit visa extensions
- Overstaying a visit visa without extension or conversion results in daily fines — similar to iqama overstay fines
Can Family Members Work on a Visit Visa?
No — absolutely not. A family visit visa permits residence only — not work. Working on a visit visa is a serious immigration violation that can result in deportation and a ban on future entry to Saudi Arabia. To work, a family member must obtain their own independent work visa through a Saudi employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
My family arrived on a visit visa 2 months ago. Can I still convert to dependent iqama?
Yes — but you need to act immediately. You have 90 days from arrival to complete the conversion. At 2 months you have approximately 30 days remaining. Contact your HR or PRO today and start the dependent iqama registration process urgently. Overstaying the visit visa without converting results in daily fines starting from day 91.
Can my parents come on a family visit visa?
Sponsoring parents on a family visit visa is possible but subject to stricter conditions than spouse and children. Salary thresholds are higher and additional documentation proving dependency may be required. Check current requirements at the Saudi embassy in your home country as conditions are updated periodically.
The visit visa expired before my family could travel. What happens?
An unused visit visa that expires before use means your family must reapply from the beginning. There is no way to reactivate an expired unused visa. Reapply at the Saudi embassy with fresh documents. Note the validity-from-issue-date on the new visa and plan travel accordingly.
Does my employer need to be involved in the family visit visa process?
Your employer is not directly involved in the visit visa application itself — your family applies at the Saudi embassy directly. However you will need documents from your employer such as your salary certificate and possibly an employment confirmation letter to support the application. For the subsequent dependent iqama conversion your employer's HR or PRO is essential.
Planning to Bring Family to Saudi Arabia?
The family visit visa and dependent iqama process can be confusing — especially when document requirements vary by nationality. Book a consultation for a clear personalised checklist for your specific situation.