Expatriates in Saudi Arabia Face New Family Visa Salary Rules

Expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia seeking to sponsor their families for residency must adhere to specific salary requirements, which vary based on nationality, profession, and family size. While there is no universal salary table, many expats aim for a registered monthly salary between SAR 4,000 and SAR 6,000.

The family residence visa allows spouses and children to obtain dependent Iqamas, unlike the family visit visa, which is limited to short-term stays for first-degree relatives. Sponsors must ensure their Iqama is valid and eligible, obtain an Arabic salary certificate, and prepare attested marriage and birth certificates.

The dependent levy is calculated at SAR 400 per dependent monthly or SAR 4,800 annually. Additionally, dependents do not automatically receive work permission; separate authorization is required.

Sponsors are advised to verify all information through official channels like Absher and Jawazat before making financial commitments related to their family's relocation.