Sponsoring a Spouse — Documents Required for Family Sponsorship in Saudi Arabia
For Iqama holders sponsoring their spouse for Saudi family residency. A fully attested marriage certificate is required.
Saudi Iqama holders can sponsor immediate family members (spouse, children, and in certain circumstances parents) through the Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports) via the Absher platform. A minimum salary threshold applies and the sponsor must hold an approved profession on their Iqama. Requirements are subject to change — confirm with Jawazat or Absher before applying.
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Showing 11 documents for Sponsoring a Spouse, 1 case-specific document added.
Document checklist
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Copy of sponsor's valid Saudi Iqama (residency permit) — must be current and in an approved profession category
Copy of sponsor's valid passport
Letter from employer confirming monthly salary — must meet the minimum threshold (broadly SAR 4,000–6,000/month range has been reported; confirm current threshold with Jawazat/Absher).
Minimum salary threshold is set by the authority and subject to change — confirm with Jawazat or through Absher before applying
Tenancy agreement or employer accommodation letter demonstrating adequate housing for dependents. A larger property (e.g. three-bedroom) is commonly expected for a full family.
Original marriage certificate attested through the full chain: home country notary → home MOFA → Saudi embassy in country of issue → Saudi MOFA.
Required for sponsoring a spouse. Incomplete attestation is the most common rejection cause.
Original birth certificates for each child to be sponsored, attested through the full chain: home country notary → home MOFA → Saudi embassy in country of issue → Saudi MOFA.
Required for sponsoring children. Confirm attestation chain requirements with Jawazat.
Original + copy; minimum 6 months validity
Recent colour photographs per Jawazat specifications
GAMCA (Gulf-Approved Medical Centres Association) medical fitness certificate obtained in the dependent's home country before travel
Confirm approved GAMCA centre locations for your dependent's nationality — not all centres are approved for all nationalities
Valid health insurance policy from a CCHI-approved insurer covering each dependent
Health insurance is mandatory for all dependents — arrange before or alongside the visa application
Original marriage certificate attested through the full chain: home country notary → home MOFA → Saudi embassy in country of issue → Saudi MOFA
How to apply — step by step
- 1
Confirm Sponsor Eligibility
Verify your salary meets the minimum threshold for family sponsorship. The threshold is broadly reported in the range of SAR 4,000–6,000/month (no single fixed published figure — confirm the current requirement with Jawazat/Absher). Your Iqama profession must also be an approved category for family sponsorship.
Tip: Obtain a salary certificate from your employer and confirm your Iqama profession code is eligible before starting attestation.
- 2
Attest Family Documents
Marriage and birth certificates must go through the full attestation chain: (1) notarised in the country of origin, (2) attested by that country's MOFA, (3) attested by the Saudi embassy/consulate in that country, and (4) attested by Saudi MOFA (Absher portal). This is the most common cause of delays.
Tip: Allow 4–8 weeks for full attestation — start well before you plan to apply.
- 3
Arrange Health Insurance
Health insurance is required for all dependents. Arrange a policy from a CCHI-approved insurer before or concurrent with the visa application.
Tip: Health insurance is a mandatory part of the application — do not leave this to the last step.
- 4
Apply via Absher Platform
Apply for the dependent family visa through the Absher platform (absher.sa). Upload all required attested documents and health insurance proof.
- 5
Dependents Complete GAMCA Medical
Dependents undergo a GAMCA medical examination at an approved centre in their home country before travelling to Saudi Arabia.
Tip: Confirm the approved GAMCA centres for your dependents' nationalities — not all centres are approved for all nationalities.
- 6
Receive Entry Visa for Dependents
Once the application is approved, dependents receive an entry visa at the Saudi embassy in their home country.
- 7
Iqama Issuance for Dependents
After dependents arrive in Saudi Arabia, the sponsor applies for dependent Iqama through the Absher platform.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary to sponsor family in Saudi Arabia?
Sponsors are generally required to meet a minimum salary threshold — the range broadly reported is SAR 4,000–6,000/month, but no single fixed figure is officially published and requirements can vary by employer category and Iqama profession. Confirm the current requirement with Jawazat or through the Absher platform before applying.
Do family documents need to be attested for Saudi family sponsorship?
Yes. Marriage and birth certificates must go through a full attestation chain: notarised in the home country, attested by that country's MOFA, attested by the Saudi embassy in that country, then attested by Saudi MOFA. Skipping or reversing any step will cause rejection. Confirm the exact chain for your nationality with Jawazat.
Is health insurance required for Saudi family dependents?
Yes. Health insurance from a CCHI-approved insurer is mandatory for all dependents. It must be arranged before or alongside the dependent visa application.
Can I sponsor my parents on a Saudi Iqama?
Parent sponsorship is not routinely available under the standard Iqama system. There are special approval pathways and premium residency schemes. Confirm current eligibility, conditions, and required documents with Jawazat or through the Absher platform.
How do I renew my family's Saudi residency (Iqama)?
Dependent Iqama renewal is managed by the primary sponsor through the Absher platform. Renewals are typically annual. Confirm current fees and requirements through Absher or Jawazat as these are subject to change.
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