Bringing family to Saudi Arabia

Permanent family visa vs visit visa, salary needed and costs.

Saudi Arabia3 min readLast updated 29 Oct 2026Fact-checked 29 Oct 2026

In short

Expats with a professional job title and sufficient salary can bring spouse and children on a family residence visa. Others can use a family visit visa. Each dependant pays the SAR 400 monthly levy.

Eligibility
Professional job title
Visa type
Family residence or visit
Levy
SAR 400/dependant/month
Portal
MOFA eVisa

Step by step

Your progress0 / 3

Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.

  1. Choose family residence (permanent) or visit.

    1–2 weeks

Documents checklist

Documents ready0 / 4

Do’s and don’ts

Do

  • Start attestation early

Don’t

  • Don’t let visit visas overstay

Cost estimator

Your estimateSAR 300 – 2,000

Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.

Watch out

  • Visit visa holders need travel health insurance.

Common questions

Can my spouse work?

Yes, by transferring to a work visa with an employer.

Background and more detail

Expats with a professional job title and sufficient salary can bring spouse and children on a family residence visa. Others can use a family visit visa. Each dependant pays the SAR 400 monthly levy.

Key facts

  • Eligibility: Professional job title
  • Visa type: Family residence or visit
  • Levy: SAR 400/dependant/month
  • Portal: MOFA eVisa

Steps

  1. Apply on MOFA visa portal – Choose family residence (permanent) or visit.
  2. Attest marriage and birth certificates – Home country and Saudi embassy.
  3. Medical and Iqama for dependants – After arrival.

Watch out

  • Visit visa holders need travel health insurance.

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