Bringing family to Saudi Arabia
Permanent family visa vs visit visa, salary needed and costs.

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
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Choose family residence (permanent) or visit.
1–2 weeks
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Start attestation early
Don’t
- Don’t let visit visas overstay
Cost estimator
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.
Official links
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
- Apply on MOFA visa portal – Choose family residence (permanent) or visit.
- Attest marriage and birth certificates – Home country and Saudi embassy.
- Medical and Iqama for dependants – After arrival.
Watch out
- Visit visa holders need travel health insurance.
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