Quick Summary
- Parent sponsorship is possible but restricted — higher salary threshold applies
- Minimum salary requirement is approximately SAR 6,000/month or higher — verify at hrsd.gov.sa
- You can sponsor both parents simultaneously if you meet the threshold
- Parents enter on a family visit visa then convert to dependent iqama within 90 days
- Parents cannot work in Saudi Arabia on a dependent iqama
- You pay dependent levy, renewal fees and health insurance for each parent
Important Disclaimer
Parent sponsorship rules and salary thresholds change periodically. The information in this guide reflects requirements as of 2026. Always verify current requirements at hrsd.gov.sa, absher.sa or the Saudi embassy in your home country before applying.
Who Is Eligible to Sponsor Parents?
Not every expatriate can sponsor parents. You must meet all of the following conditions:
- Valid Iqama — you must hold a valid work iqama in Saudi Arabia
- Minimum salary threshold — your monthly salary must meet or exceed the minimum requirement set by HRSD
- Private or public sector employment — you must be in active employment with a Saudi registered company
- Clean iqama status — no violations, outstanding fines or Absher service suspensions on your record
- Valid attested documents — all required documents must be officially attested
Minimum Salary Requirement
Salary Threshold for Parent Sponsorship (Verify at hrsd.gov.sa)
| Dependent Type | Approximate Minimum Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse + Children | SAR 4,000 – 5,000/month | Standard dependent threshold |
| Parents (one or both) | SAR 6,000+/month | Higher threshold — verify at hrsd.gov.sa |
| Both parents simultaneously | SAR 6,000+/month | Same threshold — verify current rules |
Salary Threshold Varies by Nationality
The exact minimum salary may vary depending on your nationality and current HRSD policy. These figures are approximate. Always confirm the exact threshold applicable to your situation at hrsd.gov.sa or through your HR department before starting the process.
Documents Required
You will need the following documents for each parent you wish to sponsor:
- Your valid iqama — as the sponsor
- Your valid passport
- Salary certificate from your employer confirming your monthly salary meets the threshold — on company letterhead, signed and stamped
- Your Qiwa employment contract — confirming active employment
- Parent's valid passport — minimum 6 months validity
- Birth certificate — proving your relationship to the parent — officially translated into Arabic and attested
- Parent's national ID from their home country — attested
- Medical fitness certificate for the parent — issued by an approved medical centre
- Valid health insurance for each parent — mandatory before iqama issuance
- Recent passport-size photographs of each parent
- Marriage certificate of your parents (if sponsoring both) — attested and translated
Step-by-Step Application Process
Verify Your Eligibility First
Confirm your salary meets the current threshold. Check your iqama status on Absher. Ensure you have no outstanding fines or violations. Do not start collecting documents until eligibility is confirmed.
Collect and Attest All Documents in Home Country
Gather birth certificate, parent's passport copy, national ID and marriage certificate. Begin the attestation process — this is the longest step. Allow 4–8 weeks minimum for full attestation chain completion.
Get Salary Certificate from Employer
Request an official salary certificate from your HR department. It must state your monthly salary, job title, and confirm active employment. Ask HR to include a statement supporting your parent sponsorship application.
Apply for Family Visit Visa at Saudi Embassy
Your parents apply for a family visit visa at the Saudi embassy in your home country. Submit all attested documents with the application. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. You may need to provide supporting documents from Saudi Arabia electronically.
Parents Travel to Saudi Arabia
Once the family visit visa is issued your parents can travel to Saudi Arabia. Keep all original documents safe. The clock starts ticking — you have 90 days from arrival to register their dependent iqamas.
Arrange Health Insurance Immediately
Before iqama registration your parents need valid health insurance. Contact your insurance provider to add them as dependents or arrange a separate policy. Health insurance is mandatory and must be active before iqama is issued.
Register Dependent Iqamas Through HR or Muqeem
Inform your HR or PRO immediately after your parents arrive. Provide all attested documents and health insurance proof. Your employer submits the dependent iqama registration through Muqeem or Absher Business. Processing takes 5–10 working days.
Iqamas Issued — Verify on Absher
Once issued each parent receives their iqama card. Log into Absher under "My Family" to verify all details — name spelling, date of birth and expiry date. Report any errors to HR immediately for correction.
Fees Involved
Estimated Annual Cost Per Parent (Verify at absher.sa)
| Cost Item | Approximate Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent levy | SAR 4,800 | SAR 400/month — verify at absher.sa |
| Iqama issuance fee (first time) | SAR 650 – 800 | Verify at absher.sa |
| Iqama renewal fee (annual) | SAR 650 – 800 | Verify at absher.sa |
| Health insurance | SAR 2,000 – 5,000+ | Higher for older parents — varies by provider |
| Medical fitness certificate | SAR 200 – 400 | One-time at application |
| Document attestation | SAR 500 – 1,500 | One-time — varies by country |
| Exit re-entry visa | SAR 200 – 400 | Each time parent travels abroad |
| Total annual estimate (1 parent) | SAR 8,000 – 12,000+ | Budget carefully before proceeding |
Processing Time
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Document attestation in home country | 4 – 8 weeks |
| Family visit visa application | 2 – 4 weeks |
| Travel and arrival in Saudi Arabia | Depends on flights |
| Dependent iqama registration after arrival | 5 – 10 working days |
| Total from start to iqama in hand | 2 – 4 months |
Ongoing Responsibilities as Sponsor
- Annual iqama renewal — renew each parent's iqama before expiry through Absher. Track expiry dates monthly — they may differ from your own
- Annual dependent levy payment — SAR 4,800 per parent per year — paid at renewal time
- Health insurance renewal — keep health insurance active and valid at all times for each parent
- Exit re-entry visas — issue before any international travel for each parent through Absher
- Passport updates — update new passport details on the dependent iqama when parents renew their passports
- When your employment ends — your parents' iqamas are tied to your sponsorship. Plan their exit well in advance if you are leaving Saudi Arabia
Can My Parents Work in Saudi Arabia?
No. Parents on a dependent iqama cannot work in Saudi Arabia. To work they would need their own separate work visa through a Saudi employer — which is very uncommon for older dependents. If your parent wants to work in Saudi Arabia they would need to go through a completely separate employment visa process independent of your sponsorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sponsor my in-laws (wife's parents)?
Generally no — under standard rules you can only sponsor your own biological parents. Sponsoring in-laws is not typically permitted under the dependent visa framework. Your wife would need to be the primary iqama holder to sponsor her own parents — which requires her to have her own work visa rather than being on your dependent iqama.
What happens if my salary drops below the threshold after sponsoring my parents?
If your salary drops below the required threshold you may face complications at the next iqama renewal. Renewal could be refused if you no longer meet the eligibility criteria. It is important to inform your HR and check with HRSD if your salary changes significantly. In some cases you may need to arrange for your parents to exit Saudi Arabia.
Can I sponsor one parent and not the other?
Yes — you can sponsor one parent independently. You do not have to sponsor both at the same time. Each parent's sponsorship is handled separately with their own iqama and fees. Many expats sponsor one parent at a time depending on their financial situation.
How long can my parents stay in Saudi Arabia on a dependent iqama?
There is no fixed maximum duration. Your parents can remain as long as their dependent iqama remains valid and renewed, you meet the sponsorship requirements and the dependent levy and all fees are paid. When you leave Saudi Arabia permanently your parents must also exit.
What medical tests are required for my parents?
Parents typically need a medical fitness certificate from an approved medical centre in Saudi Arabia or their home country. Tests usually include chest X-ray for tuberculosis screening and blood tests for certain communicable diseases. The exact requirements vary — confirm with the Saudi embassy in your home country at the time of application.