Family visa process becomes cheaper in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has introduced a revised visa system aimed at attracting and retaining highly skilled foreign professionals, allowing eligible individuals to apply for entry permits for their family members at the same time as their own visa.

The simplified process was introduced by the Ministry of Interior in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

Previously, foreign workers generally had to enter Saudi Arabia first, obtain an Iqama and complete several administrative procedures before they could sponsor their dependents.

Under the new system, eligible professionals can submit applications for their family members alongside their initial employment and visa documentation, eliminating several of the previous steps.

Once in Saudi Arabia, their families can obtain permanent residence permits through a streamlined process without having to complete additional procedures separately.

The policy forms part of Saudi Vision 2030 and is intended to strengthen the Kingdom’s ability to attract international expertise in areas including science, healthcare, engineering and other specialised fields.

By simplifying relocation procedures for skilled workers and their families, the government aims to make Saudi Arabia a more attractive destination for global talent while supporting the country’s expanding infrastructure and development projects.