Simple Guide To Getting Your Family Iqama In Saudi Arabia

Simple Guide To Getting Your Family Iqama In Saudi Arabia. If you’re an expatriate working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and want your family to live with you, securing a Family Iqama in Saudi Arabia is essential. This official residency permit enables your dependents such as your spouse and children to reside legally in the country. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the Saudi Family Iqama process, from the required documents to online application through Absher and Jawazat.

A Family Iqama is a residence permit issued to dependents of expatriates working in Saudi Arabia. It allows family members to:

• Reside legally in the Kingdom
• Access healthcare services
• Enroll in educational institutions
• Open a bank account
• Travel in and out of the country (with re-entry visas)

This Iqama applies to your spouse, children, and sometimes even parents, depending on your job designation and sponsor’s approval.

1. Complete the Medical Test

Every dependent must undergo a mandatory medical examination at an authorized Saudi hospital—even if they were tested in their home country. The results are automatically linked to the Ministry of Interior (MOI) system within 2 working days.

2. Dependent Fee Exemption (First 90 Days)

Newly arrived families enjoy a 90-day grace period from the Iqama issue date, during which no dependent fee is charged. After this:

• You must pay SR 400 per dependent per month.
• These payments must be made annually, typically through SADAD via your bank.

3. Required Documents for Saudi Family Iqama

To avoid delays, make sure you gather all necessary documents. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sponsor’s Documents: Copy of sponsor’s Iqama and passport.
• Dependent’s Passport: Copy of passport with visa and entry stamp.
• Dependent’s Photos: Recent passport-sized photos (4×6 cm).
• Arrival Stamp: Page showing entry into KSA.
• Border Number: Found on the passport (or given during entry).
• Family Iqama Form: Completed Iqama application form.

4. Apply for Family Iqama Through Absher

You can submit your application digitally through Absher, the Saudi government’s official online portal.

Steps to Follow:

• Step 1: Log in to Absher: Visit Absher.sa and log in to your account.
• Step 2: Go to Passport Services: Navigate to: My Services > Services > Passports

• Step 3: Choose “Tawasul” Service: This section allows you to submit Iqama-related requests.

• Step 4: Click on “New Request”: Initiate a new application for dependent Iqama.

• Step 5: Configure the Following Options:

• Language: Change to Arabic for system compatibility
• Sector: Choose “خدمات للمقيمين داخل المملكة”

• Service Type: Select “إضافة – فصل تابع”

• Step 6: Provide Details Add all dependents’ border numbers. Mention if you have a daughter above 18 who is unmarried, as that’s required.

• Step 7: Upload Documents Combine all documents into a single PDF (use online tools to reduce file size). Ensure:

• No spaces or special characters in the file name.

After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation message. Track your request status via the “Inquire for Requests” option in Absher.

5. Visit the Jawazat Office (If Required)

If instructed, or if you prefer manual submission, follow these steps:

• Visit your local Jawazat office
• Collect a token number
• Submit your original documents
• Get your family’s Iqama printed on the spot

Make sure to verify all personal information immediately. If there are any errors, the correction desk can assist you.

Use your online banking app to pay for the new Iqama:

1. Log in to your bank account
2. Navigate to: SADAD > Government Payments
3. Select “Alien Control” > “Issue New Iqama”
4. Enter:

• Border Number
• Sponsor’s Iqama number (Employer ID)
• Set duration to 12 months
• Job Category: Choose Relatives (Family Visa)

Additional Fees:

Type	Fee (SAR)
Visa Issuance for Dependents	2,000
Iqama Issuance (Spouse)	500

There is no fine if you’re correcting Iqama information. However, if the Family Iqama is not issued within 3 months of arrival, you will be charged a late fee of SR 1,000.

In case of a lost dependent Iqama:

• File a report immediately
• Prepare required documents again
• Pay SR 1,000 fine
• Reapply via Absher or Jawazat

Obtaining a Family Iqama in Saudi Arabia is a vital step toward uniting and securing your loved ones’ stay in the Kingdom. Whether you use Absher or Jawazat, following the correct steps and having the proper documents will save you time and stress.

Keep in mind the fees, deadlines, and the 90-day grace period. With proper planning, your family can enjoy all the benefits of life in Saudi Arabia without legal complications.

For more Iqama-related guides including how to check Iqama status, update Iqama online, or change profession on Iqama, browse our dedicated blog section.