Family Reunification with Iqama in Saudi Arabia

A question many people ask: "Can I work in Saudi Arabia with my job?"

The answer: In many cases, yes – finding a job is often not that difficult. Of course, it depends on the city, the industry, and sometimes a bit of luck. But two other questions are usually much more decisive:

1. How high is my salary?
2. Can I bring my family permanently to Saudi Arabia?

This article focuses on exactly this second question. It shows you under which conditions an employee with a regular Iqama – i.e. without permanent residence, Premium Residency or own company – can bring their spouse and children permanently to Saudi Arabia. Step by step, with all important requirements and documents.

Legal Requirements for Family Reunification

If you want to bring your family over, you need to meet a few basic requirements:

• You need a valid Iqama that is ideally still valid for at least three months.
• You should have been living and working in Saudi Arabia for at least three months.
• Your job title on the Iqama must be among the qualified occupations – simple jobs like "driver" or "labourer" are unfortunately not sufficient.

Additionally, reunification is limited to the immediate nuclear family: spouse and minor children. Sons over 18 need their own visa (e.g. student visa), parents or siblings cannot be brought over through this route.

👉 Only those with a Premium Residency have extended options here – including the possibility to bring over parents.

Family Reunification Without a Degree (Status 2025/2026)

A real obstacle that affects many: A proven university degree (at least Bachelor's) is mandatory to obtain a permanent family visa.

Even with a good salary and a "qualified" Iqama job title (e.g. technician, administrator, specialist), this is not enough – without an officially certified and Arabic-translated degree certificate that matches the job title, the application will be rejected.

Are there professions that don't require a university degree?

Unfortunately not. Today there are practically no more recognised professions that allow family reunification without a degree. In the past, this was still conceivable for some technical or office jobs – today these are only isolated cases with a lot of luck and mostly on a goodwill basis.

Required Documents for the Visa Application

For your application to have a chance of success, you need a whole range of documents:

• Passports of all family members joining (valid for at least 6 months)
• Marriage and birth certificates in original, Arabic translated and certified
• Medical clearance certificate from the home country
• Biometric passport photos
• Iqama and passport copy of the applicant
• Salary certificate from employer (chamber-certified)
• GOSI insurance proof (shows official salary)
• University degree (certified and legalised)
• Health insurance proof for all family members

Important: All documents must be complete, correctly translated and legalised in time – otherwise your application will be rejected.

Minimum Salary – What Really Counts?

A central point is the official income. This must be at least 5,000 SAR (≈ €1,185) per month – and in the GOSI system, not just in the employment contract.

Many employers report a lower salary to save on insurance contributions. This can break your neck when applying for a visa! So definitely: Compare contract and GOSI.

This regulation has existed for several years and is part of Saudi strategy to only allow qualified workers with family reunification.

Visa Types for Spouses and Children

There are two main types of visas for family members:

1. Family Residence Visa – for permanent residence + own Iqama
2. Family Visit Visa – for short visits (typically: 90 days, extendable)

For actually living together, only the Residence Visa is an option. The visitor visa is only intended for short-term visits – it must be renewed regularly and does not allow permanent residence.

Children over 18 are no longer allowed as "dependents" and need a separate visa.

Application Process – Step by Step

1. Prepare fees & documents: Legalise everything, pay 2,000 SAR visa fee in advance
2. Submit application: Online (Absher) or in person (Istiqdam), depending on profession
3. Employer confirmation: Get chamber stamp via the Chamber of Commerce
4. Visa approval: If successful, you receive the "Yellow Slip" (paper) or online confirmation
5. Apply for visa in home country: At the Visa Center or Saudi Embassy with all documents
6. Entry & Iqama: After arrival, within 90 days: take out health insurance, pay Dependent Fee, apply for Iqama

Are There Differences by Nationality?

No – the system applies equally to all nationalities. An EU citizen has no special rights compared to other expats.

The only difference may lie in practical implementation – e.g. which visa service provider is responsible or how translations are recognised.

How Long Does the Entire Process Take?

Overall, you should expect about 4 to 8 weeks – depending on the application system, appointment availability and embassy processes.

• Istiqdam applications: sometimes approved the same day
• Absher applications: usually a few days to a few weeks
• Visa in home country: 1-3 weeks (incl. biometrics and certificates)

Planning a buffer is worthwhile – delays are not uncommon.

Cost Overview (Status 2025)

Family Reunification via Own Company

If you are self-employed or start a company, you can employ your wife as an employee in your own company – and thus obtain an Iqama for her.

This route is more expensive, but for some a good solution.

• Annual costs: approx. €2,600, depending on industry, licence and structure

Requirements:

• A company in Saudi Arabia in your name
• Your wife must actively work in the company
• Depending on the company type (e.g. sole proprietorship, LLC), different requirements apply

👉 More information on company formation: How to start a business in Saudi Arabia

Conclusion

Despite bureaucracy and costs, family reunification with an Iqama is possible – if you meet all the requirements.

This means specifically: Bachelor's degree, qualified profession, official salary over 5,000 SAR, complete documents.

With good preparation and realistic expectations, you can bring your family over – and build a life together in Saudi Arabia.