Your Guide to Saudi Permanent Family Visa Application

Saudi Permanent Family Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

Family with travel documents outdoors

Key Highlights

  • Saudi Arabia’s permanent family visa lets expats live with their close family members for a long time.
  • The application process is handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You need to show the right paperwork at this stage.
  • Only people in specific jobs can sponsor a family visa. There is also a minimum salary you must have to apply.
  • Family visas are not the same as visit visas. Family visas give more rights and let families stay longer in Saudi Arabia.
  • You will need things like a marriage certificate, original passports, and medical reports for each family member.
  • Expats should check their application status online often. This can help get approval on time and avoid problems in the application process.

Introduction

Moving to Saudi Arabia as an expat can make you want to have your loved ones with you. The Saudi family visas system helps expats bring their families over and settle in the Kingdom. The rules and steps to get a permanent family visa might look hard at first. But knowing the basics makes it much easier. This guide will help you understand family visas in Saudi Arabia. It tells expats what they need to know about who can apply, how to apply, and how to get approval for the visa.

Understanding the Saudi Permanent Family Visa

If you live in Saudi Arabia as an expat, getting a permanent family visa is important. It lets your family join you and stay for a long time. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the one that handles these family visas. This type of visa is not the same as a short-term visit visa. It is made for people who want their family to stay in Saudi Arabia for a longer period.

With a permanent family visa, family members can live with you in Saudi Arabia. They can also study at schools and use healthcare in the country. This visa gives more security and stability for your family than a visit visa does. Let’s look at what a permanent family visa is, and how it is different from a normal visit visa.

What is a Permanent Family Visa in Saudi Arabia?

A permanent family visa in Saudi Arabia lets expats bring their close family members, like a spouse and children, to live with them in the country. This visa is made for those who have an Iqama. They must also follow the rules set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

To get this visa, you have to have an eligible job. Your monthly pay should be at least 3,500 SAR. You should also have lived in Saudi Arabia for at least three months. With this visa, your family members can get their own residence permits, and use important services.

One thing to know is that this permanent family visa does not cover parents or in-laws. It is only for your closest family. This makes life stable for you and your family in Saudi Arabia. It also helps expats feel more settled, knowing the people close to them can be with them.

Key Differences Between Permanent and Visit Family Visas

Expats often wonder how permanent family visas differ from visit visas in Saudi Arabia. The main distinction lies in the length of stay and rights granted. Permanent family visas allow family members to reside long-term and obtain residence permits, whereas visit visas are temporary and generally issued for short stays.

Visit visas usually cover parents or other relatives, but do not grant the right to work or gain access to long-term services. In contrast, permanent family visas focus on immediate family and enable access to education, healthcare, and employment for eligible dependents.

Here’s how the two visas compare:

FeaturePermanent Family VisaVisit Family Visa
Eligible Family MembersSpouse, children (under 18)Parents, in-laws, other relatives
Length of StayLong-term, renewableShort-term (up to 1 year)
Rights & ServicesResidence permit, healthcareNo residence permit, limited
Application RequirementsProfession, salary, IqamaSponsorship, basic documents

Who is Eligible for a Saudi Permanent Family Visa?

Eligibility for a Saudi permanent family visa depends on a few things. Not every expat in Saudi Arabia can apply. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that only people working in approved jobs and earning a certain amount of money can get this visa. You must also be living in Saudi Arabia for at least three months before you apply for the visa.

There are limits on who you can bring to Saudi Arabia. You can only sponsor certain family members for this visa. When you know these rules, you can save time and avoid problems with your application.

Eligible Professions and Applicants

Professions be very important when you want to get a visa in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a long list of jobs that are over 200. The main jobs that often get approved be in healthcare, engineering, sales, pharmaceuticals, and maritime industries.

To apply, you must:

  • Have a valid Iqama and work in a job that be approved
  • Get a minimum salary of 3,500 SAR
  • Live in Saudi Arabia for at least three months before applying

People like accountants, engineers, nurses, or marketing professionals usually meet the rules. But there be limits for some jobs. For example, domestic workers or those in low-skilled jobs may not be allowed. It’s very important to check if your job title be allowed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you start your visa application.

Family Members You Can Sponsor

Sponsorship for this visa is for the close family of the applicant. The Saudi permanent family visa covers:

  • Spouse (you need a valid marriage certificate)
  • Sons who are not yet 18 years old
  • Daughters who are not married, no matter what their age is

You cannot use this visa to sponsor your parents, your in-laws, or other relatives. You must show proof of your relationship, like a marriage certificate or birth certificates. These papers need to be certified by the right authorities.

If any of your children has special needs or you have unmarried daughters over 25, sometimes exceptions are possible. This will only be allowed if the ministry of foreign affairs says so. Be sure to check the latest rules to avoid problems or having your visa refused.

Essential Requirements and Documents Needed

Getting ready for your Saudi family visa means you have to collect the right papers. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs decides what you need, and they are very strict about it. If you have all your documents ready, the process goes faster. It also lowers the chance of your visa being turned down.

Every person you add to the visa application must give some documents. This includes the original passports and medical reports signed by a doctor. Let’s talk about the main papers you must have and the other reports you may need for special cases.

Mandatory Documentation Checklist

To apply for a Saudi permanent family visa, you need to gather these documents:

  • Original passport for each family member. Make sure each passport is good for at least 6 months.
  • Marriage certificate for the spouse. This must be checked and stamped by the Saudi embassy.
  • Birth certificates for all children.
  • Filled-out visa application form.
  • Three new passport-sized photos for each applicant.
  • Medical reports that are certified for family members who are over 16.

You also need a copy of the sponsor’s Iqama and passport. Be sure to show proof that the salary meets the minimum needed. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will check all your papers, so they all need to be certified in the right way.

When you ask, “What documents are needed to successfully apply for a Saudi permanent family visa?”—the answer is having this full list ready. If you leave out something or if the marriage certificate or other paperwork is not certified right by the embassy or other offices, it could make your visa get denied. So, check everything well before you turn in your visa application.

Additional Supporting Documents for Specific Cases

Some cases need extra paperwork, mostly when the family has special situations or if there is international paperwork involved. You may need:

  • Translation and legalisation of documents that are not in Arabic or English
  • Divorce or custody papers, when needed
  • More medical reports for children with special needs
  • A letter from the employer to confirm job title and salary

If your family members come from different countries, you may have to get consular attestation from the Saudi embassy.

The most common reasons why people get their Saudi permanent family visa refused are incomplete forms, missing or not certified documents, or if there is a mismatch in official records. To avoid this, double-check all paperwork. If you get stuck, use a professional visa service to help you feel peace of mind.

Beginner’s Guide: How to Apply for a Saudi Permanent Family Visa

Starting your application for a Saudi permanent family visa can be simple if you take each step with care. The online portal run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs makes this process smoother for expats. You have to get all needed papers ready, send your application online, and pay the fees to get started.

If you stay organised and take action at each stage, you will have a better chance to succeed. Let’s go over what you need and the full application process from start to end.

What You Need to Get Started

Before you send in your application, you need to have all of the following ready:

  • Original passports for each family member
  • Certified marriage and birth certificates
  • Medical reports for applicants over 16
  • Copy of your Iqama and your employment contract

Make sure the salary shown in your papers meets the minimum amount needed. Your job title must be on the approved list too. Gather all your documents in a folder, either on paper or on the computer. This helps you keep track of them. Missing documents can slow down or even stop your visa application.

If you want to know the steps to apply for a Saudi permanent family visa in 2024, the first thing to do is collect all the needed documents. Check that you have medical reports and all forms are certified and translated, if needed. Check every form to make sure it’s still valid. Do all of this before you go online to apply for the visa.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The application process for a Saudi permanent family visa is simple, but you have to be accurate.

First, go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ online portal and log in. Then, fill out the application form and upload all papers they ask for. Make sure each paper is certified, and if needed, translated well. Enter every detail carefully so there are no mistakes, as the wrong information can lead to rejection.

After you finish, send in your application and pay the fees through one of the accepted payment ways. You will get an application reference number, so keep it safe, as you will need it to track your application.

Keep checking your email and the online portal to see if there is any news or if they ask for more documents. When your visa gets approved, your family members can go to the embassy to collect their visas and get ready for travel.

Step 1: Preparing Your Documents

Preparation is very important for a successful visa application in Saudi Arabia. Be sure to gather these:

  • Marriage certificate (must be certified, and get it translated if needed)
  • Birth certificates for all the children
  • Original passports (should be valid for at least six months)
  • Medical reports for everyone who is 16 or older

Check every document for the correct details, right spelling of names, and proper certification. If your documents come from outside of Saudi Arabia, make sure they are legalized by the Saudi embassy in the country where they were issued.

What documents are needed to apply for a Saudi permanent family visa? Careful preparation of your files will answer this. Having all your papers in order can cut down on delays and keep you from extra follow-up. This will also make it more likely that you get your family visa approved on your first try.

Step 2: Submitting the Online Application

With your paperwork ready, go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official visa portal. Sign up or log in as an applicant. Then fill out the online family visa application form.

Upload scanned copies of all the documents you need. Make sure they fit the portal’s size and format rules. Check what you put in each field. Mistakes can cause delays or even get your application rejected.

When you finish and send everything, you will get a confirmation and your special application number. Keep this number safe. You need it to track your visa application online and to talk with the ministry if there are questions.

If you want to check or track your Saudi permanent family visa application, use the MOFA portal. Log in, enter your application number, and you can see where your case stands as it moves forward.

Step 3: Paying the Required Fees

Visa application fees must be paid for the process to move forward. Fee amounts are set in Saudi Riyals (SAR) and can vary depending on the number of family members and the type of visa.

Payment is typically made online through secure gateways on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ portal or through authorised payment centres. Always save your payment receipt and confirmation.

Fee TypeAmount (SAR)Payment Methods
Permanent Family Visa (per person)300Online (credit/debit card), SADAD
Medical test processing200-400Online, Embassy-approved agents
Document attestation50-100Online, Embassy, Local office

“What are the costs and fees associated with obtaining a Saudi permanent family visa?” Refer to these official charges and remember to account for additional costs such as translation, legalisation, or courier fees if required.

Step 4: Tracking Your Application Status

After you send in your application, it is important to keep track of it. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has an easy-to-use online tracking system.

  • Log in to the MOFA portal by using your application number
  • Check for updates or if they need more details from you
  • Reply quickly to any alerts or questions from the ministry

This clear process helps you not miss anything and lets you fix any problems fast. Always watch your email and portal notifications, as the ministry of foreign affairs might ask for more information.

If you want to know, “How can I track the status of my Saudi permanent family visa application online?” you should use the MOFA portal. This place lets you handle your visa process in a simple and user-friendly way.

Step 5: Receiving Approval and Next Steps

When your application gets approved, you will get a confirmation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After that, you need to collect your family visas from the right embassy or consulate in your home country.

Your family members have to travel to Saudi Arabia while the visa is still valid, usually within 90 days. When they get there, they will have to do a medical check and apply for their residence permits (Iqama). Health insurance and school enrolment, if needed, should be arranged as soon as possible.

“How long does it take to process a Saudi permanent family visa from application to approval?” Usually, it takes about two to four weeks. However, sometimes it can take longer if they ask for more paperwork. Keeping track of your application from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and replying quickly to their requests can make things go faster.

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Processing Times, Fees, and Common Pitfalls

Timelines and costs are very important when you want to get family visas in Saudi Arabia. Processing times for the visa can change. This can happen because your documents might not be complete, or the ministry might have a lot of work.

You should know about the official fees, payment ways, and the most common reasons people do not get the visa. This can help you not run into problems. This part tells you how long the process can take. It also shows fee details and tells about mistakes that often make people lose their chance to get the visa. With this, you can be ready for each step when you apply for family visas or any other visa.

Typical Processing Duration and Factors Affecting Timelines

Processing a Saudi permanent family visa usually takes about two to four weeks. But, this time can be longer. Things like the number of people applying, how correct your papers are, and if the ministry of foreign affairs needs more checks will affect the time.

If you give papers that are not finished or are not checked by the right person, you may have a delay. When there are many people traveling or it is a holiday, it will also take longer to get the visa because of the extra demand.

When people ask, “How long does it take to process a Saudi permanent family visa from application to approval?” you can say two to four weeks is normal. But, if you get ready early and check your application often, this will help. Using a visa service can help, too. They know how to avoid simple mistakes and this can make the process faster.

Official Costs and Payment Methods

Understanding the full range of fees is essential before applying. Visa fees and associated charges are generally paid in Saudi Riyals (SAR) and include processing and medical exam costs.

Fee TypeAmount (SAR)Payment Methods
Permanent Family Visa300 per personOnline (credit/debit card/SADAD)
Medical Tests200–400 per applicantOnline, authorised agents
Document Legalisation50–100 per documentEmbassy, Local Office, Online

Applicants pay via the MOFA online portal, authorised payment centres, or electronic channels. Save receipts and confirmations as proof.

“What are the costs and fees associated with obtaining a Saudi permanent family visa?” These official charges are mandatory, so plan your budget accordingly and check for the latest updates on the ministry’s website.

Common Reasons for Rejection and How to Avoid Them

Rejections can make you feel down, but many of the visa rejections can be stopped if you prepare well. Most of these issues come from problems like:

  • Missing or not properly approved documents
  • Details not matching, like names or birthdays
  • A form that is wrong or not fully filled out
  • Jobs that are not allowed, or pay that is not enough

To stop this from happening to you, look over what is needed not just once, but two times. Be sure to use certified translations. Legalise every document you need to. Always check that you fit the visa rules before you send in your form. If you are not sure about things, you can get help from an expert.

So, if you ask, “What are the most common reasons for Saudi permanent family visa rejection, and how can they be avoided?” you need to know that how you get ready and watch for small things will matter a lot. Go through the whole checklist. Answer all calls or messages from the ministry right away. This can help you avoid having to start over or face long delays when trying to get your visa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Going through the application process for a Saudi permanent family visa can be confusing for many expatriates in Saudi Arabia. Many people want to know which documents they need to give to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The marriage certificate and medical reports are usually needed. Some also ask if they have to submit the original passport with the visa application or not. It is common to wonder how to get help by reaching out to the embassy if you need support. Knowing about these steps helps family members make the process smoother when they want to come together in Saudi Arabia.

Can I bring parents or extended family on a permanent family visa?

No, Saudi Arabia’s permanent family visa lets expats bring only their closest family members. This means you can sponsor your spouse and your children on this visa. But parents, in-laws, or other family members are not able to come in with this visa. If you want to bring them, you need to make other plans and check with the embassy about how they can get a visa.

Are there profession-specific restrictions for the Saudi permanent family visa?

Yes, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs shares a list of jobs for people who want to get a permanent family visa. You have to be in one of the approved roles to apply. For example, jobs like engineers, accountants, or those who work in healthcare are allowed. If someone is working in a low-skilled job, they often do not get to apply for this visa. Only people with jobs from the list given by the ministry of foreign affairs can get a chance to have their families come and live with them in Saudi Arabia.

How can I check or track my Saudi permanent family visa application status online?

You can check the status of your Saudi permanent family visa on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website. To see updates, use your application number and login details. You will be able to reply to any requests, see what is needed, and keep track of your visa application process by logging in.

Is it possible to convert a family visit visa into a permanent family visa in Saudi Arabia?

No, you cannot change a visit visa to a permanent family visa in Saudi Arabia. People from other countries have to apply for a new permanent family visa. You need to do this with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To get this visa, you must meet all the needed requirements.

Conclusion

To sum up, getting a Saudi Permanent Family Visa can help make your family’s life more stable and better in Saudi Arabia. When you know the eligibility rules, basic requirements, and the application process, the whole thing gets easier for you. It is important to know about the common mistakes people make. You should also have all the needed paperwork ready. This helps you stay away from delays or getting your visa refused. If you plan well and get ready, you can get your visa and make a happy home for your family. If you want to begin the application process or you need help with your visa, you should not wait to ask for guidance.