Quick Summary
- Expat workers with valid iqama can sponsor spouse, children and parents on a family visit visa
- Minimum salary: SAR 4,000/month for spouse — higher for parents
- Apply through Absher — fully online, no Jawazat visit needed
- Processing time: 1 to 5 working days
- Visa duration: 90 days — extendable by 90 more days before expiry
- Family cannot work on visit visa — serious violation with deportation risk
- Convert to dependent iqama within 90 days if planning to stay permanently
- Overstay fine: SAR 100 per day per person
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 entry point for both short family 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.
Since the 2021 Saudi labour reforms the process has been significantly modernised. Most family visit visa applications are now processed through the Absher platform — you apply as the sponsor from inside Saudi Arabia. Your family member then uses the approved visa to enter at any Saudi port of entry.
Who Can You Invite?
Can Be Sponsored
- Spouse — wife or husband with marriage certificate
- Sons — up to age 18
- Daughters — any age if unmarried
- Father — subject to salary conditions
- Mother — subject to salary conditions
- Adult sons (in some cases with conditions)
Cannot Be Sponsored
- Brothers and sisters
- Cousins and extended family
- Friends — not eligible under family visa
- Married daughters (husband's responsibility)
- Anyone with previous Saudi overstay violations
- Persons with active Saudi entry bans
Family Visit Visa Types
Spouse Visit Visa
For your husband or wife. Most common type. Requires attested marriage certificate. Single or multiple entry available.
Children Visit Visa
Sons up to 18, daughters of any age (unmarried). Requires attested birth certificate for each child.
Parents Visit Visa
For your mother and/or father. Higher salary threshold applies. Requires your attested birth certificate to prove relationship.
Sponsor Eligibility — Requirements for You
Before applying check that you meet all these conditions — the Absher system verifies them automatically:
- Valid iqama with at least 3 months remaining
- Iqama showing green status on Absher — not red or blocked
- Minimum salary threshold met (see below)
- At least 3 months employed with current employer
- No active Huroob report against you
- Active Absher account with registered Saudi mobile number
- Employment contract registered on Qiwa
Minimum Salary Requirements
Saudi authorities require the sponsor to earn a minimum salary to ensure financial support for visiting family. The Absher system checks your Qiwa registered salary — not your payslip. If your contract shows a lower figure than what you actually receive, ask your employer to update it on Qiwa first.
Documents Required
Document preparation — especially attestation — is the most time-consuming part. Start this process at least 6 weeks before you plan to apply.
Document Attestation — The 3-Step Process
Every foreign document must go through a 3-step attestation chain. This is mandatory — documents without full attestation will be rejected:
| Step | Where | Who Attests | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Your home country | Your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Authenticates the document is genuine |
| Step 2 | Your home country | Saudi Embassy in your country | Saudi embassy stamps the attested document |
| Step 3 | Saudi Arabia | Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) | Can be done at MOFA office or online at mofa.gov.sa |
How to Apply on Absher — Step by Step
The entire application is done online through your Absher account. No Jawazat visit required. You apply as the sponsor from Saudi Arabia and your family uses the approved visa to enter:
Log Into Your Absher Account
Go to absher.sa or open the Absher app. Log in with your iqama number and OTP sent to your registered Saudi mobile number. Use your personal Absher account — not a business account.
Go to My Services → Visa Services
From the Absher home screen select My Services then Visa Services (خدمات التأشيرات). You will see the visit visa option if you are eligible. If not shown your eligibility condition may not be met — check iqama status and salary threshold first.
Select Issue Visit Visa
Click Issue Visit Visa. The Absher system automatically checks your eligibility — iqama validity, Qiwa salary and employment duration. If ineligible the system shows the specific reason — note it carefully and resolve it before reapplying.
Enter Visitor Details
Enter the visitor's full name exactly as in their passport, passport number, nationality, date of birth and relationship to you. Double-check every detail — any mismatch between the Absher form and the visitor's passport causes rejection at the port of entry.
Upload Required Documents
Upload scanned copies of all required documents — passport photo page, attested marriage or birth certificate, salary certificate and your iqama copy. Files must be clear and legible. Blurry scans and incomplete attestation are the two most common rejection reasons.
Select Duration and Pay
Choose visa duration — 90 days single entry or 180 days multiple entry. Pay the fee through Absher using credit/debit card or mada. Keep the payment receipt as proof of application.
Track and Download
Track status through Absher. Processing takes 1 to 5 working days. You receive an SMS when approved. Download the visa from Absher and share it with your family member — they carry a printed copy or clear phone screenshot to present at the Saudi port of entry alongside their original passport.
Fees and Processing Time
| Item | Cost (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Single Entry Visit Visa — 90 days | SAR 300 per person |
| Multiple Entry Visit Visa — 180 days | SAR 500 per person |
| Visit Visa Extension — 90 additional days | SAR 200 per person |
| Normal processing time | 1 to 5 working days |
| Overstay fine (if applicable) | SAR 100 per day per person |
What Your Family Can and Cannot Do on a Visit Visa
| Activity | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism and sightseeing | Yes | Visit malls, attractions, public areas freely |
| Staying with sponsor | Yes | Can stay at your residence |
| Medical treatment | Yes | Private hospitals — health insurance strongly recommended |
| Umrah and holy sites | Yes | Visit Mecca and Madinah with proper permissions |
| Children attending school | Limited | Short-term only — dependent iqama needed for school enrollment |
| Working in any capacity | Strictly No | Illegal — deportation of visitor + fines for sponsor |
| Starting a business | No | Requires separate business visa and registration |
| Driving in Saudi Arabia | Limited | International driving licence accepted for visitors — check current rules |
How to Extend a Family Visit Visa
If your family member needs more time you can apply for an extension through Absher before the original visa expires. Do not wait until the last few days:
- Log into Absher → My Services → Visa Services → Extend Visit Visa
- Select the visitor from your sponsored visitors list
- Extensions are typically granted for 90 additional days
- Extension fee is approximately SAR 200 per person
- Apply at least 2 weeks before expiry — do not wait to the last day
- Maximum typical combined stay: 180 days (90 + 90 extension)
- If your family plans to stay permanently convert to dependent iqama — extensions have limits
Converting Visit Visa to Dependent Iqama
If your family decides to stay in Saudi Arabia permanently after the visit the visit visa must be converted to a dependent iqama before the visit visa expires. This is the mandatory path — there is no other way to establish permanent family residency.
- Contact your employer HR or PRO immediately after your family arrives — do not wait
- Your employer processes the dependent iqama registration through the Muqeem system
- Additional documents needed: medical fitness certificate for each dependent, attested marriage and birth certificates (same attested set used for the visit visa)
- The dependent iqama is typically ready within 2 to 4 weeks of submission
- Dependent iqama is tied to your iqama — if your iqama expires or is cancelled their status is also affected
- Dependent iqama renewal fees and procedures apply annually
Related Guides You Should Read
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can I invite on a family visit visa in Saudi Arabia?
You can invite your spouse with an attested marriage certificate, children — sons under 18 and daughters of any age if unmarried — and parents subject to additional conditions and higher salary requirements. Siblings, cousins and other extended family do not qualify under a family visit visa sponsorship.
What is the minimum salary to sponsor a family visit visa?
The minimum salary is typically SAR 4,000 per month to sponsor a spouse visit visa. For parents the threshold is higher — typically SAR 6,000 or above. The Absher system checks your registered salary from your Qiwa employment contract automatically. If your contract shows a lower figure than your actual salary ask your employer to update it on Qiwa before applying.
My family arrived on a visit visa 2 months ago. Can I still convert to dependent iqama?
Yes but act immediately. At 2 months you have approximately 30 days remaining before the visit visa expires. Contact your employer HR or PRO today and start the dependent iqama registration urgently. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks — you are cutting it very close. Overstaying the visit visa without converting results in SAR 100 per day fines starting from day 91.
Can my parents come on a family visit visa?
Yes — sponsoring parents is possible but subject to stricter conditions. The salary threshold is higher — typically SAR 6,000 or above. You need to provide your own attested birth certificate to prove the parent-child relationship. Conditions are updated periodically — check the current requirements displayed in your Absher account when applying.
The visit visa expired before my family could travel. What do I do?
An unused expired visit visa cannot be reactivated. You must reapply through Absher from the beginning. The application process is the same — re-upload all documents and pay the fee again. Note the new visa's entry deadline and plan travel accordingly. There is no penalty for an unused expired visa as long as your family never entered Saudi Arabia on it.
Does my employer need to be involved in the family visit visa process?
Your employer is not directly involved in the visit visa application — you apply yourself through Absher. However you will need a salary certificate from your employer to upload as supporting document. For the subsequent dependent iqama conversion your employer's HR or PRO is essential — they process it through the Muqeem system.
What happens if my family overstays their visit visa?
Overstaying results in a fine of SAR 100 per day per person from day one of overstay. Extended overstay can lead to deportation and a re-entry ban for the visitor. It can also cause complications for your future visa sponsorship applications. Always ensure your family extends, converts to dependent iqama or leaves before the visit visa expiry date.
Can my family visit during Ramadan or Hajj season?
Yes — family visit visas are valid year round including during Ramadan and Hajj season. During Hajj season (Dhul Hijja) there may be additional entry restrictions for non-pilgrims to Mecca — check current MOI announcements. During Ramadan visit Saudi Arabia is a particularly meaningful experience for many families. Flight prices and accommodation costs are typically higher during these periods.