Guide to Obtaining a Saudi Family Resident Visa: Documents, Process, and Common Mistakes

Introduction: Why You Need a Saudi Family Resident Visa

Saudi Arabia has long been a destination for expats seeking employment opportunities and a high quality of life. With its robust economy and significant investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, the Kingdom offers a secure and stable environment for both working professionals and their families. If you're planning to bring your family to Saudi Arabia for an extended stay while you work or live as an expat, obtaining a Family Resident Visa is essential.

This visa allows your family members to legally reside with you in the Kingdom. However, the process can seem daunting due to the various document requirements and official procedures. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the necessary documents, the step-by-step process, and the common mistakes to avoid, so that your application goes smoothly.

Key Documents Required for the Saudi Family Resident Visa

To successfully apply for a Saudi Family Resident Visa, you'll need to submit a specific set of documents. Each document plays a critical role in verifying your eligibility and relationship to the family members you wish to sponsor.

1. Valid Passport copy of all applicant (s)

Requirement: All applicants, including children, must have valid passports with a minimum of 6 months remaining before expiry.
Why It's Important: The passport serves as the primary identification for travel and must be valid for the duration of your stay.

2. Visa Application Form

Requirement: The form must be filled out offline by hand writing or computer type . CLICK HERE TO DOCUNLOAD THE FORM
Why It's Important: This is the official application form that starts the visa process. You will need to provide details about your family, purpose of stay, and relationship to the sponsor.

3. Sponsor’s Iqama (Residence Permit), Passport copy and visa copy

Requirement: The sponsoring family member (usually the employee) must provide a copy of their valid Iqama.
Why It's Important: The Iqama proves that the sponsor is a legal resident of Saudi Arabia, and it is required to initiate the family visa application.

4. Marriage Certificate

Requirement: A certified and translated copy of the marriage certificate, attested by the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in your home country or apostille.
Why It's Important: This document confirms the marital relationship between the sponsor and their spouse, which is essential for visa approval.

5. Children’s Birth Certificates

Requirement: Certified and attested or Apostille birth certificates for all children who will accompany the sponsor to Saudi Arabia.
Why It's Important: These documents establish the legal parent-child relationship and must be translated into Arabic and attested by relevant authorities.

6. Medical Reports (It will required in India)

Requirement: Family members (above a 12 years age) are required to undergo medical examinations to prove they are free of communicable diseases. These reports must be certified by a recognized medical facility and attested.
Why It's Important: Health clearance is mandatory for entry to Saudi Arabia, ensuring that incoming residents are healthy and fit for life in the Kingdom.

7. Proof of Employment

Requirement: A letter from the employer of the sponsor, confirming their position, salary, and the ability to support dependents and it must be attested by chamber of commerce.
Why It's Important: This serves as proof that the sponsor has sufficient financial resources to support their family in Saudi Arabia.

8. Social security bills showing Salary (GOSI Salary certificate, company CR

This you can download online from GOSI platform.
Company CR copy

Step-by-Step Process for Applying for the Saudi Family Resident Visa

Obtain Necessary Documents: Gather all the required documents, including translated and attested marriage and birth certificates.
Submit the Visa Application: The sponsor will submit the family visa application through the Absher platform or Instdam office. All information about the family and the sponsor must be filled out accurately.
Processing and Approval: After the application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Saudi authorities. This process may take a few days if Submitted Online via Absher and same day yellow slip will be issued if applied via Instdam office, during which time they will verify the provided documents and sponsor’s eligibility.
Medical Examination: Family members will need to undergo a medical examination and submit the reports. This step is mandatory and must be done at an GAMCA accredited medical facility.
Visit the VFS: After the visa invitation is approved, the applicants will need to visit the VFS in their home country for final processing and visa stamping.
Receive the Visa: Once the visa is stamped, family members can travel to Saudi Arabia and begin the process of obtaining their Iqamas after arrival.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incorrect Document Translations:
- All foreign documents (marriage, birth certificates) must be accurately translated into Arabic by a certified translator. Incorrect or incomplete translations can delay the visa process.
Submitting Incomplete Forms:
- Ensure that every section of the visa application form is filled out correctly. Missing information or discrepancies between forms and documents can lead to rejection.
Expired Medical Reports:
- Medical reports are typically valid for a limited period of 60 days. Make sure they are current at the time of submission to avoid delays.
Not Attesting Documents:
- Many applicants overlook the requirement for documents to be attested by the Saudi Embassy or consulate in their home country. This step is critical for legal validation.
Applying Too Late:
- The visa process can take few days to several weeks, so start the process well in advance of your intended travel date. Delays in obtaining documents or approval can cause significant disruptions.

Obtaining a Saudi Family Resident Visa is a detailed process that requires careful attention to documentation and procedural steps. By ensuring you have all the necessary documents in order and avoiding common mistakes, you can streamline the application and get your family settled in Saudi Arabia without unnecessary stress.

The Kingdom has a lot to offer expat families, from excellent educational opportunities to a rich cultural experience. With the right preparations, bringing your family to Saudi Arabia can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

Need help with your Saudi visa process? Feel free to ask in the comments!

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