Who Can Get a Family Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia?
The Family Visit Visa is one of the most commonly applied-for visas in Saudi Arabia, especially by expatriates wanting to bring their loved ones for short-term visits. Understanding who is eligible to apply for and receive this visa can help reduce application rejections and improve the overall experience.
Let’s explore the criteria, application process, and rules around who can get a family visit visa in Saudi Arabia.
1. Who Can Apply for a Family Visit Visa?
A Saudi resident with an Iqama (residency permit) can apply for a family visit visa for immediate family members. These include:
✅ Eligible Applicants (Primary)
- Foreign nationals legally residing in Saudi Arabia (Iqama holders)
- Only those with approved professions under MOFA (e.g., doctors, engineers, IT specialists, etc.)
2. Who Can Be Invited on a Family Visit Visa?
👨👩👧👦 Immediate Family Members:
- Wife / Husband
- Children
- Parents
- Parents-in-law
✅ These are the only relations currently accepted for a visit visa, as per the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
3. Who Cannot Be Invited?
- Siblings, uncles, aunts, and cousins are not eligible
- Friends or non-immediate relatives are not allowed under this visa type
🛑 Many applications are rejected due to attempts to invite non-eligible relatives.
4. Basic Requirements for Family Visit Visa
To invite eligible family members, you must:
- Hold a valid Iqama
- Have a sponsor/employer approval
- Submit through the MOFA online portal
- Provide attested relationship proof (e.g., birth or marriage certificates)
- Present a passport copy of the visitor (valid for at least 6 months)
5. Additional Factors Affecting Approval
a. Profession on Iqama
Certain professions are restricted from applying. Blue-collar workers may face automatic rejection.
b. Salary Bracket
Although not officially published, applicants with higher salaries (usually SAR 3,500 and above) have better approval rates.
c. Nationality
MOFA may prioritize or restrict visa approvals based on diplomatic or policy changes.
6. Family Visit Visa vs. Permanent Family Visa
| Feature | Family Visit Visa | Permanent Family Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 30 to 365 days | Indefinite (renewable) |
| Eligible Members | Spouse, children, parents | Spouse and children only |
| Extendable? | Yes, up to 270 days | Yes |
| Working Allowed? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Medical Test? | ❌ Not required | ✅ Required |
Know the Rules to Avoid Rejection
To successfully bring your loved ones to Saudi Arabia, it’s essential to know who qualifies for a family visit visa, prepare all required documents, and follow the official procedures closely. By aligning your application with MOFA’s requirements and ensuring semantic completeness, you improve your chances of approval.