Introduction: Family Visit Visa In Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has many expatriates from different countries. If you live in Saudi Arabia and want your family to visit. So We will explain how to apply for the visa, how long it takes, and the costs involved. To understand each step and avoid mistakes that could cancel your visa request, Read this Simple Method until the end. Any error could lead to your application being rejected, and you would need to start over.
Documents Require for the visa
You need the following documents to apply for the family visit visa:
- Iqama: Must be valid for at least 3 months
- Sponsor Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months
- Visitor Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months
- Nafath App: Must be Active
What is a Family Visit Visa?
A Family Visit Visa is a temporary permit from Saudi Arabia for expatriates to invite immediate family members. It allows spouses, children, parents, and parents-in-law to visit for a short duration.
Who is Eligible for a Family Visit Visa?
A family visit visa in Saudi Arabia primarily depends on the relationship between the sponsor (expatriate) and the visitor. The following family members are eligible for this visa:
- Spouse: Husband or wife
- Children
- Parents
- Parents-in-law
Please note: Siblings, cousins, or other extended family members are generally not eligible for this type of visa.
Duration and Validity of the Visa
A family visit visa is typically issued for a period of 30 to 90 days. It can be extended, allowing for a longer stay in Saudi Arabia.
The visa may be:
- Single-entry: Permits a one-time entry into Saudi Arabia.
- Multiple-entry: Allows the visa holder to enter and exit the Kingdom multiple times within the validity period.
How To Apply a Family Visit Visa Saudi Arabia in 10 Steps
- Visit the official MOFA website
- Register and Log In Using Nafath Application
- Complete Personal Information
- Fill Visitor Details
- Enter The Passport Information
- Choose the Right Application Type
- Verify and Submit Application
- Approval From Chamber of Commerce and Visa Issuance
- Pay the Fee for Stamping (Chamber of Commerce)
- Submit the Documents to the Saudi Embassy For Visa Stamping
Visit the official MOFA website
To apply for a family visit visa, you must have an account on MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Platform or Nafath Application.
Visit the Official Website: visa.mofa.gov.sa
- Choose the ‘Citizen and Resident’ option to start the process.
- Upon choosing the ‘Resident’ option, click on the first option ‘Family Visit Visa Application for Residents’.
Before applying for a Family Visit Visa I will tell you one thing. To apply for a Family Visit Visa you will need a Nafath Application which is very important in Saudi Arabia. To use any government services you will need a Nafath application. To start this process, we will login through Nafath App.
That’s why I’m providing you with a link to an article below, which you can read to understand how to register.
Read: Easy Steps to Register Nafath App
Register and Log In Using Nafath Application
After registering, you have to enter Iqama number and then login.
- Enter your Iqama number, and you will see Two Digit Number on the screen
- Go to the Nafath application
- Accept the request you made
- Once you accept it, enter the same number you saw on the screen and click on it
For example, this is the number 50. You have to select 50 on Nafath App.
After clicking, your information will sync here. Your account on the MOFA website will be created, and your information will be displayed.
Complete Personal Information
The first section will display your personal details including your:
- Iqama number
- Applicant’s Name
- Expiry date
- Mobile number
- Email ID
- Company name
Visa Information:
Enter your entry visa number stamped on your passport when you initially entered Saudi Arabia. Though sometimes applications are processed without this number, entering it speeds up the process.
Fill Visitor Details
Next, add the details of the family members you wish to bring on a visit visa. This includes details such as the passport number, name, nationality, age, type of visa (single or multiple), and more. Fill in these details accurately for each person.
Details Include:
- First Name and Last Name: Match exactly with the passport
- Nationality (Example: Pakistan)
- Date of Birth
- Place of Birth
- Religion: Islam
- Occupation: Housewife or Unemployed
- Gender: Female
- Relation (Wife, Daughter, Mother, etc.)
- Mobile Number and Email
Enter The Passport Information
Enter passport information such as:
- Passport number
- Type (normal)
- Issue date
- Expiry date
- Place of issue (Example: Lahore)
- Coming Place (usually Islamabad for Pakistani citizens)
Choose the Right Application Type
Specify the type of visa:
- Single Entry: Which allows a stay of up to 3 months
- Multiple Entries: Valid for 1 year but requires an exit/entry visa renewal every 3 months
Once all information is filled out, click Add.
Verify and Submit Application
If you want to add more than one applicant, click the Add button and follow the same steps. If not, click Agreement Approval and then click the Save button to continue.
- The MOFA website generates Applicant’s Number
- Request a Family Visa application form displayed
- Review all information carefully
- Click Print to download and Save the Document
Approval From Chamber of Commerce and Visa Issuance
For Final Step for Visa Issuing submit the application to your employer for their signature and stamp of chamber of commerce.
- For Private Employees: The HR department will send the application to the chamber of commerce
- For Government Employees: Submit their application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- For Domestic workers: Employer (Kafeel) approves visa via Absher account
The Chamber of Commerce approval process typically takes 3-4 days after which the visa is issued.
Gurfa Tijaria = Chamber of Commerce
Pay the Fee for Stamping (Chamber of Commerce)
The fee for Chamber of Commerce approval by your sponsor is usually 35 Saudi Riyals. The fee structure might change if you are applying for multiple visas at once.
Submit the Documents to the Saudi Embassy For Visa Stamping
Once the visa is Issued, it needs to be sent to Home Country for visa stamping. Your family can contact an agent or submit the documents directly to the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in their country. Depending on location, they may receive the visa by mail. Saudi Arabia has approved agencies globally for visa applications.
Read: How to Book a Etimad/Tasheer Appointment For Visa Stamping Online
Conclusion: Family Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia
This guide explains the detailed steps to apply for and obtain a multiple-entry family visit visa to Saudi Arabia through the MOFA portal. Getting a family visit visa for Saudi Arabia is a simple process. Follow the steps in this guide and prepare well to make your application easy and successful.
- MOFA: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saudi Arabia
- Iqama: Residence permit for foreigners in Saudi Arabia
- Nafath portal: Online platform for identity verification
- Chamber of Commerce: The entity that attests company-related applications for the visa.
FAQs of Family Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia
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Can labor and house drivers apply for a family visit visa?
Yes, expatriates with any Iqama profession can apply.
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What is the validity period of the multiple-entry visa?
The multiple-entry visa is valid for one year with a maximum of 90 days per visit.
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How do I check my visa application status?
You can check the status by returning to the MOFA portal and entering your application number and Iqama number.
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Do I need to be in Saudi Arabia to apply for the visa?
No, physical presence in Saudi Arabia is not required.
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What is the role of the Nafath app in the application process?
It is used for secure login and identity verification.
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What do I do once I receive the visa document?
Submit it along with other required documents and fees to the nearest Saudi Embassy office for final processing.
