Family Visit Visa for Saudi Arabia: Steps & Fees

Bringing your parents, spouse, or children to Saudi Arabia for a visit is one of the most common requests we get from residents. The good news is that the process is now almost entirely digital and predictable. In this guide, سعودي ليفنج walks you through exactly who can invite whom, what documents you need, how the health insurance works, the online steps, and the fees to expect — so your family reunion goes smoothly.

Who can apply and who can visit

The family visit visa is available to both Saudi citizens and Saudi residents (Iqama holders). As the inviter (sponsor), you can bring your first-degree relatives — parents, spouse, and children, and in some cases siblings.

• The sponsor must hold a valid Iqama with a work profession — a dependent or relative Iqama does not qualify to sponsor visitors.
• The sponsor's Iqama should have at least 3 months validity remaining, and ideally 6 months.
• The visitor's passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
• The visitor must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a legal guardian.

Documents you'll need

Preparing your paperwork in advance is the single best way to avoid delays. Have the following ready:

• Clear copies of the visitor's passport (valid 6+ months).
• Proof of the family relationship — for example, a marriage certificate for a spouse, or birth certificates for parents and children.
• A certified Arabic translation of any document that is not originally in Arabic.
• The sponsor's valid Iqama details.

When filling in the application, everything is entered in Arabic — except non-Arab visitor names, which must be written exactly as they appear in the passport.

Mandatory visitor health insurance

Every visitor must have health insurance covering Saudi Arabia, purchased through the approved electronic channels linked to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The premium depends heavily on the visitor's age:

• Younger adults: typically around SAR 40–100.
• Older parents: this can rise to SAR 500 or more.

Expect small non-refundable digital service fees on top of the premium (commonly around SAR 40 for insurance digital services).

The online application steps

The core process runs through the MOFA Visa Services Platform, reachable via the National Government Services Portal:

• Complete the Family Visit Request form, entering visitor and relationship details in Arabic.
• Submit the request and pay the electronic fees.
• The request goes through electronic stamping and authentication — by the Chamber of Commerce for residents, or through the employer. Note that the Chamber of Commerce city must match the employer's registration city.

Typical processing time for the MOFA family visit request is about 3 business days, though exceptional cases can take longer.

After MOFA approval: visa stamping abroad

Once MOFA approves the request, the visitor completes the final visa stamping at the Saudi embassy, consulate, or an authorized visa center in their home country. They will need:

• The MOFA reference number from the approved request.
• Passport and photos.
• Relationship proof and valid insurance.

Fees to budget for

Fees vary by entry type and duration, and portals may categorize them differently. As a general guide:

• MOFA issuance fee: commonly around SAR 300 for single-entry, and roughly SAR 300–500 depending on single- or multiple-entry and duration.
• Some categories reference a government issuance fee of about SAR 200 per person, plus a processing fee (~SAR 35) and a Chamber of Commerce attestation fee (~SAR 35)
• Visa digital services fee: around SAR 40 (non-refundable).
• Insurance premium and its digital service fee (see above).

Payments are made electronically. Because fee structures are updated periodically, always confirm the exact current amounts on the official MOFA visa platform before you pay.

Practical tips from سعودي ليفنج

• Double-check that visitor names match the passport letter-for-letter — mismatches are the most common cause of rejection at stamping.
• Buy insurance appropriate to the visitor's age; premiums for elderly parents can be significant, so budget accordingly.
• Keep your own Iqama and profession up to date before applying.
• Confirm all fees and requirements on the relevant official Saudi government portal, as details can change.

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