Which Professions Can Get a Family Visa in Saudi Arabia?
In Saudi Arabia, your profession listed on your Iqama (residency card) plays a critical role in determining whether you’re eligible to sponsor family members on a permanent family visa. This isn’t just a bureaucratic formality—it’s part of a broader regulatory framework that governs who can bring dependents into the Kingdom.
Why Does Profession Impact Family Visa Approval?
The Saudi Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) use your profession to evaluate:
- Your financial capability to support dependents
- Your contribution to national development
- Whether your role fits within the “skilled labor” category
Professions considered “white-collar” or professional generally receive family visa approval. Meanwhile, manual labor or domestic roles may be restricted from sponsorship.
Professions Commonly Eligible for Family Visas
✅ Approved White-Collar and Skilled Professions:
- Engineers (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Software)
- Doctors, Surgeons, Dentists
- Pharmacists
- Nurses & Medical Technicians
- University Professors & Lecturers
- IT Specialists / Developers
- Finance and Accounting Professionals
- Project Managers / Consultants
- HR Professionals
- Legal Advisors / Lawyers
- Architects / Designers
- Marketing Managers
- Banking Professionals
- Business Development Managers
These roles align with KSA’s Vision 2030 goals and are typically approved quickly.
Professions Often Rejected or Not Eligible
❌ Commonly Ineligible Professions:
- Construction Workers / Laborers
- Drivers (Private or Company)
- Cleaners
- Farm Workers
- Shepherds
- Barbers / Beauticians
- Waiters / Hotel Housekeepers
- Tailors / Cobblers
- Sales Assistants (General retail)
These jobs are considered part of unskilled labor categories, and in most cases, their holders are not allowed to bring family under a permanent visa, though a visit visa might still be an option.
How to Check If Your Profession Is Eligible
💡 Steps:
- Log in to your Absher or Qiwa account to see your current Iqama profession.
- Compare it with the official MOFA family visa eligibility list (usually updated via government channels).
- If your profession is not eligible, consult your HR department to see if it can be reclassified.
Can You Change Your Profession to Become Eligible?
Yes, in many cases you can request a profession change if:
- You meet the qualification and experience criteria
- Your employer supports the application
- You’re prepared to pay the associated Iqama profession change fee
This change can unlock family sponsorship rights, especially for long-term expats in KSA.
Choose Your Job Title Wisely
If you’re planning to bring your family to Saudi Arabia, choosing or updating your Iqama profession is more than a formality—it directly affects your eligibility. For professionals aiming to stay long-term, this is a critical step toward stability and family life in the Kingdom.