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.
Require Documents for Family Visit Visa Application
Before we dive into the process, make sure you have these documents ready:
- Iqama : Must be valid for at least 3 months
- Your passport : Must be valid for at least 6 months
- Visitor’s passport : Also needs to be valid for at least 6 months
- Nafath App : Your account must be active (this is used for identity verification)
💡 Tip: If you’re not familiar with Nafath, take a quick look at how to register for it before starting the visa process.
What Exactly Is a Family Visit Visa?
A Family Visit Visa is a temporary visa that allows expatriates in Saudi Arabia to invite their immediate family members to visit them.
Eligible Visitors:
- Spouse (husband or wife)
- Children
- Parents
- Parents-in-law
⚠️ Note: Unfortunately, siblings, cousins, or other extended relatives usually aren’t eligible for this type of visa.
Visa Duration & Types
Most applications are processed within 3–4 days , depending on your sponsor and embassy processing times.
The visa itself can be issued as:
- Single Entry : Valid for up to 90 days
- Multiple Entries : Valid for up to 1 year (with each stay limited to 90 days)
Type | Validity | Stay Per Visit |
---|---|---|
Single Entry Visa | Up to 90 days | One-time entry |
Multiple Entry Visa | Up to 1 year | Up to 90 days per visit |
How Much Does It Cost?
There’s a small fee involved:
- Chamber of Commerce stamping fee : Usually around SAR 35
- Embassy fees may vary depending on country
Service | Cost Approximation |
---|---|
Chamber of Commerce | SAR 35 per visa |
Embassy Visa Stamping | Varies by country |
Agent Fees (optional) | Varies |
Apply Family Visit Visa in 10 Simple Steps
Alright, let’s get into the actual steps.
Step 1: Go to the MOFA Website
Start by visiting the official Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website:
Click on the “Citizen and Resident” option, then choose “Family Visit Visa Application for Residents”


Step 2: Log In Using the Nafath App
Now, you’ll need to log in using the Nafath app . Here’s how:
- Enter your Iqama number
- The system will show a two-digit code
- Open the Nafath app
- Accept the request and enter the same two-digit number
For example, this is the number 50. You have to select 50 on Nafath App.
Once done, your account will sync automatically.

Step 3: Fill in Your Personal Info
You’ll see a form with your personal details already filled in from your Iqama, such as:
- Name
- Mobile number
- Company name
Also enter your entry visa number (from when you first came to Saudi Arabia). Even though some people skip this, adding it helps speed things up.


Step 4: Add Visitor Details
Now it’s time to add info about the family member(s) you’re inviting. For each visitor, you’ll need:
- Full name (must match the passport exactly)
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Religion (usually Islam)
- Occupation (e.g., housewife or unemployed)
- Gender
- Relationship to you (spouse, child, parent, etc.)
- Mobile number and email
Make sure everything matches the passport. Even a small mistake can delay or cancel the application.

Step 5: Enter Passport Details
Next, enter the visitor’s passport information:
- Passport number
- Type (usually “Normal”)
- Issue date
- Expiry date
- Place of issue (e.g., Lahore)
- Coming place (e.g., Islamabad for Pakistanis)
Double-check everything before moving on.
Step 6: Choose Visa Type
You can choose between:
- Single Entry Visa : Good for one visit within 3 months
- Multiple Entry Visa : Valid for 1 year, but each stay cannot exceed 90 days
Select what works best for your situation. Once all information is filled out, click Add.

Step 7: Review & Submit Application
If you’re applying for more than one person, click Add and repeat the previous steps.
When done:
- Click Agreement Approval
- Then Save
- Print the document and keep it safe

Step 8: Get Chamber of Commerce Approval
Now, your employer or sponsor needs to submit the application to the Chamber of Commerce.
Depending on your job type:
- Private sector employees : HR sends it to the chamber
- Government employees : Submit directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Domestic workers : Sponsor (Kafeel) approves via Absher
This usually takes 3–4 days .
💰 Fee: Around SAR 35 (may vary slightly)
Gurfa Tijaria = Chamber of Commerce
Step 9: Send the Visa to the Home Country
Once approved, the visa is sent back to your home country.
Your family can either:
- Submit the documents themselves at the Saudi Embassy or Consulate
- Or use an authorized visa agent
They’ll need to pay any local fees and get the visa stamped in their passports.
🎉 Final Step: Visa Approved!
Once the visa is stamped, your family can plan their trip to Saudi Arabia.
And guess what? You did it all without stepping into an office. Just a few clicks and a bit of patience.

📲 Final Thoughts: Family Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia
Applying for a Family Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia doesn’t have to be stressful. Just follow the steps carefully, double-check your entries, and make sure all documents are in order.
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with friends or colleagues who might be going through the same thing.
Got stuck somewhere? Drop a comment below. I’m happy to help!
FAQs About Family Visit Visa in KSA
-
Can laborers or domestic workers apply for this visa?
Yes, anyone with a valid Iqama can apply.
-
How long does the multiple-entry visa last?
Up to 1 year, with each visit lasting up to 90 days.
-
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.
-
Can I apply if I’m not in Saudi Arabia?
No, you need to be in the Kingdom to start the process.
-
What is the role of the Nafath app in the application process?
It is used for secure login and identity verification.
-
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.
Related Articles:
- Nafath Registration Guide: Easy Steps to Register Nafath App
- Visa Status Checker: Check Your Saudi Visa Status
- Absher Account: Create a Absher Account: Step by Step Guide