Are you planning to bring your family to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)? Applying for a family visa in KSA is important in reuniting with your loved ones. This guide will walk you through applying for a family visa in KSA, ensuring you understand the requirements and procedures.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia values family unity and allows foreign workers to bring their families to live with them. To apply for a family visa In kSA, you must meet certain criteria and follow the required procedures. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the process to help you successfully apply for a family visa in KSA.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a family visa in KSA, you must fulfill the following requirements:
- It would help if you had a valid residency permit (Iqama).
- Your profession should be eligible for family visa sponsorship.
- Your monthly income must meet the minimum salary requirement.
- It would help if you had suitable accommodation for your family.
Required Documents
Before starting the application process, ensure you have the following documents:
- Valid passport and copies for both you and your family members.
- Marriage certificate (authenticated and translated, if necessary).
- Birth certificates of children (authenticated and translated, if necessary).
- Proof of relationship (e.g., family photos, affidavits).
- Copy of your employment contract.
- Copy of your Iqama (residency permit).
- Salary certificate or bank statements.
- Rental agreement or property ownership documents.
- Medical insurance for family members.
- Police clearance certificates.
Sponsorship Transfer
If you are employed in KSA, but your family resides in another country, you need to initiate a sponsorship transfer. This process involves transferring your sponsorship from your current employer to your family. Contact your company’s HR department or the Ministry of Interior (MOI) to understand the exact procedures and requirements for sponsorship transfer.
The Application Process
To apply for a family visa in KSA, follow these steps:
- Fill out the visa application form accurately.
- Submit the required documents along with the application.
- Pay the visa processing fee.
- Wait for the application to be processed.
- Collect the visa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) upon approval.
Medical Examination
Before traveling to KSA, your family must undergo a medical examination in their home country. This examination typically includes tests for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Ensure to obtain the medical examination report and prepare it for the visa stamping process.
Visa Stamping
Once your family arrives in KSA, you must get their visas stamped at the designated visa stamping centers. Carry all the required documents, including the medical examination report, and follow the instructions provided at the center. Visa stamping is crucial, as it validates your family members’ entry into the country.
Duration and Renewal
The initial family visa is valid for one year. Before the visa expires, you must renew it to continue the residency of your family members in KSA. To renew the family visa, you must submit the required documents, including updated medical examination reports, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Initiating the renewal process well in advance is important to avoid any complications or delays.
Cost and Fees
Applying for a family visa in KSA involves various costs and fees. These may include:
Visa processing fees: The amount varies depending on the type of visa and the duration.
Medical examination fees: Your family members will need to undergo medical tests, and there will be associated fees.
(FAQs)
A1: Yes, you may be able to sponsor other relatives, such as parents, siblings, or in-laws, depending on the specific rules and regulations set by the Saudi authorities.
A2: Generally, temporary visas do not allow family sponsorship. To bring your family to KSA, you must have a valid residency permit (Iqama) and meet the eligibility criteria for family sponsorship. Temporary work visas are usually limited to single individuals.
A3: The processing time for a family visa application varies and depends on several factors, including the workload of the immigration authorities and the completeness of your application. It is advisable to submit your application well in advance and follow up regularly for updates.
A4: Your spouse can obtain a work permit and be employed in KSA while on a family visa. However, they need to meet the specific requirements for employment, such as obtaining a job offer from an employer and fulfilling the necessary documentation and procedures.
A5: If you change jobs in KSA, you must transfer your family’s sponsorship to your new employer. The process involves obtaining a sponsorship transfer letter and completing the necessary paperwork with the Ministry of Interior (MOI). Transfer sponsorship within the specified timeframe to avoid legal issues.
Conclusion
Applying for a family visa in KSA is important in reuniting with your loved ones and ensuring their legal residency there. By understanding the eligibility criteria, gathering the required documents, and following the application process diligently, you can successfully bring your family to KSA. Remember to stay updated with the latest regulations and seek professional advice when needed to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process.
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I am Saif. I am the founder and chief writer for his own website called KSA Expat Guide and a freelance writer and web developer for many other websites. I live in Saudi Arabia as an ex-pat. Love to research all about KSA. I use my spare time to learn new things, travel, and write about them, especially when it comes to technology and things from the past.