Family Iqama for Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, all expatriates are required to possess an Iqama, which serves as both an identification card and a residence permit. This essential document is initially issued to foreign workers in Saudi Arabia, allowing them to live and work legally within the Kingdom. For those planning to bring their families, separate Iqamas must be obtained for each dependent. This ensures compliance with local regulations and enables access to various services such as healthcare and banking.

Table of contents

• Iqama policy for expatriates and family dependents
• Steps of obtaining Iqama for family members
• Iqama photo requirements
• Get an Iqama photo online!
• How much does it cost to get an Iqama for family members?
• Iqama validity and renewal rules

If you plan to bring dependent family members to Saudi Arabia, each member will require their own Iqama. This process involves several steps, including meeting documentation requirements, paying necessary fees, and adhering to strict photo guidelines. Below, we outline the complete process for obtaining Iqamas for your family, including tips for ensuring a smooth and successful application.

Iqama Policy for Expatriates and Family Dependents

The Family Iqama is a residence permit issued to the dependent family members of expatriates or foreign workers residing in Saudi Arabia. To initiate the process, the expatriate must already hold a valid permanent visa and an active Iqama. Only after fulfilling these prerequisites can they begin the Iqama application process for their family members.

Dependent Iqamas are granted without work authorization. This means that family members are not permitted to engage in employment under a dependent Iqama. If a dependent wishes to work, they must secure a job offer and apply for a separate Work Permit through their prospective employer. The employer is then responsible for sponsoring and obtaining the necessary documentation for employment authorization.

Steps of obtaining Iqama for family members

In general, here are the steps to obtain Iqama for your family members (dependants):

Get a Saudi permanent resident visa

Also known as simply the Resident visa, this gives foreigners the legal right to live and work in Saudi Arabia. Your family will also be on permanent visas.

As is usual with foreign workers, such visas are taken care of by, at least partly, the sponsors or employers. You will then need to prepare these documents from your family:

• Valid travel documents and identification (passport);
• Proof of kinship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, as applicable);
• Passed medical testing;
• Proof of qualifications (if applicable).

All documents must be officially translated into Arabic and attested by the relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and Saudi embassies or consulates.

Arrive in Saudi Arabia and undergo a medical testing

Although medical tests are conducted in the home country before visa issuance, Saudi Arabia requires another round of medical testing upon arrival. This is mandatory to prevent the spread of diseases. Ensure your family members undergo testing at authorized centers, and the results are reported to the Ministry of Interior.

Pay the dependent fee

The issuance of the Iqama itself is free of charge, but the residence fee for dependants per month is SAR 400 (about $105). The first 90 days in the country are free. You must pay for the entire period of the sponsor’s Iqama, except for the aforementioned 90 days. You can pay the family Iqama fee online in SNB, Al Ahli, Al Rajhi bank, or at the Absher portal.

Submit a Family Iqama application

To apply for an Iqama, gather the following documents for each family member:

• Completed application form;
• Two recent passport-sized photographs (4x6 cm);
• Passport copies of each family member;
• Copies of Saudi visas for each family member;
• Copy of the sponsor’s (family head) Iqama and passport;
• Medical insurance documents (issued by the sponsor's employer).

To apply for Iqama online, collect all the scans and photocopies in one PDF file. Fill out the application form on the Ministry of Interior website (Absher) or through a Jawazat office.

5. Collect the Iqama

Once the Family Iqama is issued, ensure all dependents carry it at all times, as it is required for accessing services like healthcare, education, and banking.

Iqama photo requirements

The photo you submit with the Family Iqama application must match the following specifications.

• The required Iqama photo size is 4×6 cm;
• The photo must be in color;
• The background should be plain white;
• Your eyes must be open and looking straight at the camera;
• Eyeglasses are only allowed for medical purposes. In this case, you must provide a letter from a registered medical practitioner stating the reason. The frame must not obscure your face;
• The picture must have good contrast and lighting, with no dramatic shadows nor blurs or pixelated parts;
• You must not retouch the picture; it may not have red eyes or glares.

Here is an example:

Get an Iqama photo online!

The process of getting Family Iqama can get drawn out and complicated, so you may choose to save time and resources where you can. One of the ways you can do that is by getting your photo done professionally online on the online photo tool Visafoto.

Simply take a picture of yourself in good lighting, with any background, and the required dress code and posing guidelines. Upload it to our tool below, and we’ll take care of the technicalities. The resulting photo will be applicable both for the online Iqama applications and for printing.

First, take a photo of yours like this one:

You will have two types of photos: a digital one for electronic applications and another one suitable for printing.

Here they are:

How much does it cost to get an Iqama for family members?

While the issuance of the Iqama itself is free, the dependent residence fee is SAR 400 per month per family member as of 2025. This must be paid in advance for the duration of the sponsor's Iqama.

Iqama validity and renewal rules

Iqamas are generally valid for one to five years, depending on the sponsor’s work contract. You can check the Iqama’s validity and renew it through the Absher portal. Ensure that all fees are paid, and there are no outstanding obligations before initiating the renewal process.

As of 2025, dependents can renew their Iqamas even while outside Saudi Arabia, provided their sponsor initiates the process online through Absher or Muqeem.

Last Update: January 2025