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How to Bring Your Family from the UK to Saudi Arabia. (+required translation)

  • Writer: Jeddah Translation Office
    Jeddah Translation Office
  • 5 days ago
  • 2 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

For Iqama Holders (e.g. Nurses, Engineers, Doctors, etc.)

UKVisit visa to Saudi Arabia

✅ 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

  1. Go to: https://visa.mofa.gov.sa

  2. Choose the appropriate visa application (visit or permanent)

  3. Fill out your and your family’s details

  4. 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:

  1. Register them on Absher

  2. Complete biometrics (fingerprinting)

  3. Provide certified translations of documents to Jawazat

  4. Submit proof of medical insurance

  5. Collect their Iqamas



 
 
 

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