Family residence (iqama) for dependants of foreign residents
Saudi Arabia · Official name: Family visa (Istiqdam) and Issuing a Residence Permit (Iqama) for family members
Foreign residents can sponsor their wife and children to live in Saudi Arabia. The resident requests a family (Istiqdam) visa, the family enters, and the sponsor then issues each family member's iqama online through Absher once they are registered as the sponsor's dependants. Family members must be in Saudi Arabia, pass a medical exam at an approved centre, and hold valid passports; fees and any fines must be paid.
2 entry rules for Saudi Arabia based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Entry refused after a stay in DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan in the last 21 days
If you've stayed in DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the last 21 days, including on the way through other countries, Saudi Arabia won't let you in and has stopped issuing visas to you.
Saudi MOH News: Entry Suspended for Travelers from Three African Countries Over Ebola (25 Jun 2026) SPA (Arabic): travel and entry suspension for arrivals from three African countries Checked October 19, 2026
Yellow fever certificate needed after a stay in countries on Saudi Arabia’s yellow fever list
Travellers older than 9 months arriving from one of 41 listed yellow fever risk countries must be vaccinated and carry a valid certificate. Without one: health authorities at points of entry may take additional preventive measures based on risk assessment.
Saudi Ministry of Health: Health Requirements and Recommendations for Travelers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj - 1447H (2026) WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring proof of vaccination against yellow fever (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) WHO ITH Country List: Vaccination requirements and WHO recommendations for international travellers, 2022 edition (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in Saudi Arabia
Finance
3
Currency
Saudi Riyal
SAR
Saudi Riyal
Cost of living
50
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Living
1
Happiness
#21 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Premium
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Spouses and children of foreign residents holding a valid iqama.
Eligibility
SponsorSponsor
Sign in to check this route against your profileA foreign resident with a valid iqama and an Absher digital ID.
Family memberFamily member
Sign in to check this route against your profileRegistered electronically as the sponsor's dependant in Absher, physically in Saudi Arabia, holding a valid passport and having passed a medical exam at an approved centre in the Kingdom.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklist
- Fees
- Steps to apply
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 3 documents
- 1 fee
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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