How to Get Family Iqama in Saudi Arabia: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Moving your family to Saudi Arabia is a significant decision for any expatriate. Among the many requirements, securing a Family Iqama is essential for allowing your dependents to reside with you legally and benefit from local services in the Kingdom.

This blog will walk you through how to get family iqama in Saudi Arabia in 2025, including a deep dive into eligibility, process, documentation, and renewal requirements.

What is a Family Iqama?

A Family Iqama is a residence permit issued by the Saudi government, allowing expatriate workers to bring their immediate family members (spouse and children) to live with them in Saudi Arabia.

It gives your family access to vital services such as healthcare and education and enables you to enjoy life in the Kingdom with peace of mind.

Eligibility Criteria for Family Iqama

You must have certain documents required for family iqama in Saudi Arabia, hold a valid individual Iqama (work permit), meet government requirements regarding profession and salary, and have adequate accommodation for your dependents. The Saudi government will assess your:

Profession and work contract status
Salary and financial stability (often proven via bank statements)
Availability of suitable housing

Iqama Process for Family in Saudi Arabia

The iqama process for family in Saudi Arabia is systematic and includes several stages. Here’s how to get iqama for family in Saudi Arabia:

1. Employer Approval & Block Visa

Start by obtaining approval from your employer, who applies for a block visa at the Ministry of Labor and Social Development or Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The block visa determines the eligibility for bringing family into Saudi Arabia.

2. Collect and Prepare Documents

You’ll need to provide a range of official documents (see list below). All documents should be translated into Arabic and attested by authorized bodies.

3. Apply for a Family Visa—Two Methods

A. Online Application (Recommended)

Log into your Absher account at Absher.sa.

Go to “My Services” > “Expatriate Services” > “New Family Visa Application”.

Enter all required details, including earnings, education, and dependent info.

Submit and print the application. Your company must sign, stamp, and have it attested by the Chamber of Commerce (for a small fee).

Wait for application status to update. Upon approval, you’ll receive the visa number for stamping in your home country.

B. Offline (Istiqdam Office)

Use only if the online method fails.

Schedule an appointment via Absher under “Expatriate Affairs.”

Pay the family visa fee (SAR 2,000 for the application) in advance.

Submit attended and original documents at the Istiqdam office.

Receive the “Yellow Slip” upon approval for family visa stamping back home.

Documents Required for Family Iqama in Saudi Arabia

The list of documents required for family iqama in saudi arabia typically includes:

Document	Details/Notes
Iqama (original and copy)	Sponsor’s current residency permit
Family Visa Request/Appointment Letter	Generated via Absher/Istiqdam
No Objection Certificate (NOC) / Employer Letter	States job title, salary, date of joining, signed and stamped
Marriage Certificate (copy and translation)	Authenticated and translated to Arabic
Birth Certificates (children, translated)	Authenticated and translated to Arabic
Valid Passports for all dependents	Copies and originals required
Passport-sized photographs	2-3 recent photos per applicant
Company Commercial Registration copy
Degree Certificate (if required), translated
Proof of housing	Rental contract or equivalent
Medical reports (if required)	As per latest health guidelines
Proof of income/bank statements	To establish financial stability

All non-Arabic documents must be officially translated and fully attested.

Final Steps: Arrival and Iqama Issuance

After visa stamping, your family enters Saudi Arabia.

Arrange for a medical check-up at approved centers if required.

Submit arrival details to your HR and initiate the final Iqama issuance from Jawazat (Passport Office).

The Iqama for dependents can often be issued in a matter of days, provided documents are in order.

Iqama Renewal and Modifications

It is important to know how to renew family iqama in Saudi Arabia

Family Iqama is valid for one year; start renewal at least one month before expiration to avoid penalties.

Update all personal/family details (newborns, new addresses, etc.) at the Jawazat or Ministry of Interior promptly.

Use online platforms (like Absher and Muqeem) for many updates and renewals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting incomplete or non-attested documents

Delay in renewing the Iqama

Failing to show sufficient financial stability or suitable housing

Not updating changes in family status promptly

Seek expert or legal advice if you encounter complex cases or visa delays.

Why Choose Expert Guidance?

The entire process, though transparent, can feel overwhelming—especially if facing language and legal challenges. Service providers like DuVolks can simplify the procedure, provide translation and document attestation, and ensure your application goes smoothly the first time.

Start Your Journey with DuVolks

Bringing your loved ones to Saudi Arabia is possible with careful planning and paperwork. By following these clear steps on how to get family iqama in Saudi Arabia, you can ensure your family enjoys uninterrupted residency and access to vital services.

Ready to reunite your family in KSA hassle-free? Let DuVolks handle your application, document translation, and legal formalities! Contact DuVolks today for expert help on all things related to how to get iqama for family in Saudi Arabia.

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Author Bio

Salman Thorop is the Founder of DuVolks, with a deep-rooted presence in Saudi Arabia since 2009. His entrepreneurial journey began in 2014 when he established his business under the SAGIA (now MISA) license. A compliance expert by profession, Salman has developed extensive expertise in Saudi Arabia’s regulatory landscape and specializes in business setup and PRO services. He maintains a keen understanding of government initiatives and policy changes through active engagement with official Saudi government Twitter handles.

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