How to Convert Visit Visa to Iqama for Wife in Saudi Arabia

Jeddah Translation Office
Jun 30
3 min read

+ Required Translations Explained

Bringing your wife to live with you in Saudi Arabia is a key family goal for many expatriates. If she is currently in the Kingdom on a visit visa, you might be considering converting it to a residence permit (Iqama) under your sponsorship.

While direct conversion isn’t the standard legal route, in some exceptional cases, the Saudi General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) can approve such requests.

🧭 Who Can Use This Guide?

You can benefit from this guide if:

Your wife is currently in Saudi Arabia on a family visit visa (تأشيرة زيارة عائلية)
You are a resident with a valid Iqama (هوية مقيم) and a profession that permits family sponsorship
You want her to stay permanently as your dependent

📑 Step-by-Step Guide to Convert Visit Visa to Iqama

🔹 Step 1: Know the Current Policy

As of 2025, the default policy does not permit converting a visit visa into an Iqama. But in some cases — such as spouses or children of residents — Jawazat may approve the change based on humanitarian or family reasons.

You must apply in person to request this exception.

🔹 Step 2: Gather All Required Documents (With Arabic Translation)

Document	Arabic Translation Requirement
✅ Wife's passport copy	No
✅ Visit visa copy	No
✅ Your Iqama copy	No
✅ Marriage certificate	✅ Must be officially translated into Arabic
✅ Proof of relationship	If unclear, include in marriage certificate
✅ Employment letter	✅ Written in Arabic, stamped by your employer and Chamber of Commerce (الغرفة التجارية)
✅ Medical insurance	✅ Valid in Saudi Arabia (covered by approved local insurers)
✅ Completed Jawazat application	✅ we prepare your application and jawazat request letter
✅ Passport-sized photos	No translation needed

🔹 Step 3: Book a Jawazat Appointment

Log into your Absher account (أبشر)
Go to: Appointments > Jawazat > Book New Appointment
Select "Family Services" (خدمات التابعين) and choose a nearby office
Bring all original documents plus copies

🔹 Step 4: Submit the Application to Jawazat

At your appointment:

Politely request conversion of your wife's visa from visit (زيارة) to resident (إقامة)
Submit the documents in a folder
Include a Jawazat Request Letter in Arabic

🔹 Step 5: Wait for the Decision

If approved:
- Pay the Iqama issuance fee (رسوم الإقامة) – around 500 SAR
- Enroll your wife in medical insurance
- Visit a medical exam center (فحص طبي للوافدين) if instructed
- Jawazat will issue her Muqeem Card / Iqama (هوية مقيم)

❌ What If They Reject the Request?

If Jawazat does not approve the request, you will need to follow the official family sponsorship route, which requires your wife to exit the Kingdom and return with a residence visa.

✅ Official Alternative: Exit and Apply for Family Residency Visa

Wife exits Saudi Arabia
Apply through MOFA or Absher for a family residence visa (تأشيرة استقدام عائلية)
Submit:
- Attested marriage certificate (Arabic translation required)
- Salary certificate in Arabic
- Your Iqama copy
- Passport copies
Upon approval, send her the visa document
She processes the visa at the Saudi Embassy or authorized center in her home country
Enters Saudi Arabia on a residence visa
Finalize her Iqama issuance locally

📝 Arabic Document Translation Tips

All official documents (especially marriage certificates and birth certificates if applicable) must be:
- Translated into Arabic by a certified translation office
- Attested by:
  - Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in your home country
  - Saudi Embassy or consulate in your home country
  - Saudi MOFA (داخل المملكة)
It's best to get translations done before arrival if possible.

📌 Final Advice

Always check with Jawazat or your local Istiqdam office (إستقدام) for the latest rules
Use a trusted translation office (مكتب ترجمة معتمد) for accuracy
Avoid overstaying the visit visa — always renew or convert on time
Consider using authorized service offices (مكتب خدمات) to assist in preparing Arabic applications and booking appointments