MOFA Family Visit Visa 2024: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Expats in Saudi Arabia

What is a MOFA Family Visit Visa?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) family visit visa is the primary mechanism by which expatriates holding a valid Saudi Iqama (residence permit) can invite their immediate family members — specifically their spouse, children, and in some cases parents — to visit them in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Unlike tourist visas, the MOFA family visit visa is tied to the sponsor (the Iqama holder) and requires the sponsor to take responsibility for the visiting family members during their stay.

Who Can Apply?

To apply for a MOFA family visit visa, the sponsor must:

• Hold a valid Saudi Iqama (residence permit)
• Have a stable employment and salary history
• Have a valid Absher account
• Provide all required documents in the correct format

The visiting family members must be immediate relatives: spouse, children (typically under 18), and in some cases parents of the sponsor. Extended relatives (siblings, cousins) generally require different visa types.

Required Documents: Complete Checklist

Sponsor's Documents:

• Valid Iqama copy (front and back) — must be valid for at least 3 months
• Salary certificate or employment confirmation letter
• Bank statement for the last 3 months
• Absher account credentials (the sponsor's MOFA portal)

Family Member Documents:

• Valid passports for all family members (at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
• MOFA-attested marriage certificate (see attestation section below)
• MOFA-attested birth certificates for each child
• Recent passport-size photographs (white background, 4cm × 6cm)

Processing Time & Fees

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Prepare all documents — gather attested marriage/birth certificates, passports, and Iqama.
2. Submit via WhatsApp or office visit — send scanned copies to us for review.
3. Document verification — our team checks for completeness and accuracy.
4. MOFA portal submission — we submit through the official Absher MOFA system.
5. Application tracking — we monitor status daily and update you on WhatsApp.
6. Visa approval — once approved, the visa number is shared; family can book flights.

Common Rejection Reasons & How to Avoid Them

• Unattested documents: Always ensure all documents go through the full 3-step attestation.
• Expired passport: Passports must have at least 6 months validity — many forget to check children's passports.
• Incorrect photographs: Use white background, recent photos in the correct size.
• Sponsor's Iqama nearing expiry: Iqama should be valid for at least 3 months at time of application.
• Salary below threshold: Some nationalities require the sponsor to meet a minimum salary. Our team will verify eligibility.