Saudi Family Visit Visa: Requirements & Steps

Bringing your parents, spouse, or children to visit you in the Kingdom is one of the most common requests residents and citizens handle each year. The family visit visa lets your close relatives come and stay with you for a defined period, and the whole request is now handled online. In this سعودي ليفنج guide, we walk you through exactly who can apply, what documents you need, and how to submit and track your request step by step.

Who can apply

The family visit visa is intended for first-degree relatives. As a sponsor, you can request a visit for your:

• Parents
• Spouse
• Children

Both Saudi citizens and residents can host these visits. If you are a resident, there is one important condition: you must hold a valid work Iqama. Those on a dependent Iqama are not eligible to sponsor a family visit visa.

What you need before you start

Having your paperwork ready in advance makes the process far smoother. Before logging in, prepare the following:

• A valid passport for each visitor, with passport details on hand to enter during the application.
• A recent personal photograph and passport information to upload.
• Your contact details and the visitor's contact details.
• Clear confirmation of your relationship to each visitor.

Enter all information in Arabic. For non-Arab visitors, make sure the names you type match the passport exactly, letter for letter, to avoid rejection or delays.

How to submit the request step by step

The request is submitted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Saudi Visa platform. The current digital process uses نفاذ for secure login and authentication. Follow these steps:

• Log in to the Saudi Visa platform through نفاذ.
• Select Visit, then Family and Friends.
• Choose the visitor's nationality.
• Select Family Visit Visa and start the application.
• Enter the host details, visitor details, your relationship, passport information, and contact details.
• Upload the required passport and photograph information.
• Read and accept the declarations, then submit.
• The visitor completes the linked visa application that is sent to them by email.

Resident authentication

If you are a resident sponsor, your request must be electronically authenticated by either the Chamber of Commerce or your employer. This is a necessary step before the request can move forward, so coordinate with your employer early if you expect any delay in getting this authentication completed.

Processing time and the fee

The stated standard processing time is 3 business days. Some cases may take longer depending on individual circumstances, so avoid booking non-refundable flights until the visa is actually issued.

On fees, we recommend caution. There is no reliable confirmed official figure we can quote here, and you should not rely on unofficial amounts circulating online. Always confirm the current fee directly on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Saudi Visa platform at the time of your application.

Validity, entry type, and permitted stay

The exact entry type (single or multiple entry), the validity period, and the length of stay permitted are all shown on the issued visa itself. These vary so read the issued visa carefully once it is granted.

Checking your status

Use the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Saudi Visa platform to inquire about your request or the issued visa number at any time. One key point to remember: submitting a family visit request does not mean the visa has been issued. Treat the visit as confirmed only once the visa actually appears as issued on the platform, and then share the details with your relatives so they can plan their trip.

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