How to Bring Your Family from the UK to Saudi Arabia. (+required translation)
- Jeddah Translation Office
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
For Iqama Holders (e.g. Nurses, Engineers, Doctors, etc.)
✅ Step 1: Confirm Sponsorship Eligibility
To sponsor your family, you must:
Hold a valid Iqama (residency permit)
Have a profession eligible for family sponsorship (e.g. nurse, doctor, engineer)
Earn a minimum monthly salary (typically SAR 4,000 or more)
Live in housing suitable for families (employer-provided or private)
✅ Step 2: Choose the Visa Type
🔹 Permanent Family Visa
Long-term stay; spouse and children receive their own Iqama
Requires full document attestation and translation
🔹 Family Visit Visa
Short-term (up to 6 months, renewable)
Easier process but limited benefits (e.g., no school enrollment, no dependent Iqama)
✅ Step 3: Apply Through the MOFA Portal
Go to: https://visa.mofa.gov.sa
Choose the appropriate visa application (visit or permanent)
Fill out your and your family’s details
Submit to your employer for Chamber of Commerce attestation
✅ Step 4: Prepare and Submit Documents in the UK
These documents must be:
Attested by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Legalized by the Saudi Embassy in London
Translated to Arabic (some will require re-translation in Saudi Arabia, see next section)
📄 Document | Initial Translation in UK? | Requires Translation in Saudi Arabia? |
Marriage Certificate | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Certified by Saudi office) |
Birth Certificates (children) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Medical Report (for permanent visa) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes, if done abroad |
Police Clearance (if requested) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Possibly (case-by-case) |
Passport Copies | ❌ No | ❌ No |
MOFA Visa Authorization | ❌ No | ❌ No |
✅ Step 5: Medical Tests (Permanent Visa Only)
Your spouse and adult dependents must:
Undergo a medical exam from a Saudi Embassy-approved clinic in the UK
Translate the medical report to Arabic
In some cases, it will still require re-translation by a certified Saudi office
✅ Step 6: Visa Stamping & Travel to Saudi Arabia
Once approved:
Submit documents to the Saudi Embassy (or a certified visa agent)
Visa will be stamped in the passport
Family travels to Saudi Arabia
✅ Step 7: Finalize Documents in Saudi Arabia
Re-translate key documents using a certified translation office inside Saudi Arabia
Saudi authorities (Jawazat, MOFA, Absher) often require Arabic translations issued or re-certified by a local, licensed translator.
📄 Document | Must Be Translated by Saudi Translation Office? |
Marriage Certificate | ✅ Required |
Birth Certificates | ✅ Required |
Medical Report | ✅ Required (for Iqama processing) |
Police Clearance | ✅ Possibly (depends on Jawazat request) |
✅ Use a certified translation office licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Commerce. These offices provide stamped, Arabic-language translations that are officially accepted by all Saudi government agencies.
✅ Step 8: Complete the Iqama Process (For Permanent Visa)
Once your family arrives:
Register them on Absher
Complete biometrics (fingerprinting)
Provide certified translations of documents to Jawazat
Submit proof of medical insurance
Collect their Iqamas
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