Saudi Arabia • Immigration Consulting
The Saudi Family Residence Visa, also known as the Dependent or Foreign Spouse Visa, is issued to the legal spouse of a foreign worker in Saudi Arabia who holds a valid Saudi residency permit (Iqama). This visa allows families to reside together in Saudi Arabia for the duration of the worker's employment contract and residency.
The Family Residence Visa enables the spouse of a foreign worker to join and live with them legally in Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival, a Dependent Iqama (residency permit) is issued, allowing the dependent spouse to reside in the Kingdom under the sponsorship of the primary Iqama holder.
New World Immigration provides comprehensive support for family reunification in Saudi Arabia, guiding applicants through the documentation, attestation, and application process to ensure a smooth transition for families relocating to the Kingdom.
The Saudi Family Residence Visa is designed for the legal spouse of a foreign worker who holds a valid Iqama and is employed by an approved Saudi sponsor. The sponsoring employee must meet specific salary and profession requirements to be eligible to sponsor dependants.
We review the sponsoring worker's Iqama status, salary level, and profession to confirm eligibility to sponsor a dependent spouse under current Saudi regulations.
All required documents are prepared, including the official marriage certificate which must be authenticated by relevant authorities and legalised by the Saudi Embassy or Consulate.
The sponsoring worker submits the family visa application through the appropriate Saudi government channels, including the Ministry of Interior.
The dependent spouse completes any required medical examinations at an authorised medical centre in their country of residence.
Once approved, the Family Residence Visa is issued through the Saudi Embassy or Consulate, allowing the spouse to enter Saudi Arabia.
Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, the sponsoring worker processes the Dependent Iqama for the spouse, which serves as the primary identification and residency document.
NWI provides guidance on settling in Saudi Arabia, including medical insurance, accommodation, and orientation to life in the Kingdom.
The costs associated with the Saudi Family Residence Visa include government fees, medical insurance, and dependent levies. Below are the main cost components applicants should be aware of.
Government fees are subject to change. The sponsoring worker is typically responsible for dependent visa costs. Costs may vary by nationality and the sponsor's employment arrangement.
Processing times for the Saudi Family Residence Visa depend on the completeness of documentation, the sponsor's employment status, and the applicant's nationality.
A job offer is not required for the dependent spouse applying for a Family Residence Visa. However, the sponsoring worker must hold valid employment with a licensed Saudi employer and a current Iqama.
The sponsoring employee must meet the minimum salary and profession requirements set by Saudi authorities to be eligible to sponsor family members. These requirements may vary depending on the worker's profession and employer.
New World Immigration can advise on whether the sponsoring worker meets the eligibility criteria to sponsor dependants and guide families through the entire reunification process.
Not directly. The dependent status can be converted to a work permit if the spouse obtains employment with an approved Saudi employer and secures sponsorship transfer approval. This requires a separate application process.
The Dependent Iqama is typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually in line with the sponsoring worker's residency status. The validity is linked to the sponsor's Iqama.
The sponsoring worker must meet minimum salary and profession requirements set by Saudi authorities. These thresholds vary depending on the worker's profession, employer, and nationality. We can advise on the current requirements during your assessment.
The dependent residency is tied to the sponsoring worker's Iqama. If the sponsor's employment and Iqama are not renewed, the dependent residency will also need to be addressed, either through a new sponsorship arrangement or by departing the Kingdom.
Long-term residency options such as Premium Residency may be available if the dependent meets the eligibility criteria independently. Premium Residency provides greater flexibility and is not tied to a specific sponsor.
The official marriage certificate must be authenticated by the relevant authorities in your home country and legalised by the Saudi Embassy or Consulate. Additional documents such as birth certificates and passport copies may also need to be attested.
Yes. Valid medical insurance coverage is mandatory for all dependent residents in Saudi Arabia. The sponsoring worker is typically responsible for arranging and maintaining insurance for their dependants.
If you are looking to join your spouse in Saudi Arabia, the first step is to complete a structured eligibility assessment with our team.
We will review the sponsoring worker's Iqama status, salary level, and documentation requirements to provide clear guidance on the Family Residence Visa process and next steps for your family's reunification in the Kingdom.