Expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia, including Kenyans, seeking to bring their families to the Kingdom must meet specific immigration and documentation requirements. A key consideration is the sponsor's monthly salary, which often needs to be around SAR 4,000 to SAR 6,000 or more, depending on individual circumstances. However, there is no single publicly stated salary threshold applicable universally to every nationality, profession, family size, and sponsorship situation.
The Saudi government distinguishes between family residence visas and family visit visas, each serving different purposes and having separate application procedures and requirements. A family residence visa allows eligible first-degree family members of a Saudi resident to live in the Kingdom for the duration of the sponsor's residence permit. This visa is intended for families of Saudi residents and citizens.
In contrast, a family visit visa is designed for visits by first-degree relatives such as parents, spouses, and children. To apply for this visa, residents must have a valid work Iqama, and visitors must be first-degree relatives. Applicants should ensure their Iqama and employment information are valid and up-to-date, and that their supporting documents meet the relevant requirements.
Sponsors should also prepare documents proving the family relationship, a valid passport, and medical insurance. For residence applications, families should follow the requirements provided through the Saudi Visa Platform and other official government channels. Additionally, workers should consider the costs associated with bringing dependents to Saudi Arabia, including residence-related charges, medical insurance, accommodation, education, and travel expenses.
Expatriate workers should also account for dependent fees, which have historically been charged for eligible dependents of non-Saudi employees. The commonly cited dependent levy is SAR 400 per dependent per month, equivalent to SAR 4,800 per dependent per year. However, workers should confirm the amount applicable to their circumstances through the relevant Saudi government payment and residence systems.
Bringing a spouse or child to Saudi Arabia as a dependent does not automatically provide that person with unrestricted permission to work. Anyone seeking employment in the Kingdom must comply with the applicable Saudi work and employment regulations and obtain the required authorization. Workers should therefore avoid assuming that a family residence status automatically provides employment rights.
Before submitting an application or paying fees, Kenyan and other expatriate workers should verify the latest requirements through the Saudi Visa Platform, Absher, Muqeem, SADAD, or the relevant Saudi government authority. They should also be cautious about salary thresholds and visa requirements circulated on social media or messaging platforms, as requirements can vary according to the type of visa, the applicant's circumstances, and the applicable government rules.
Key points
- Expatriates in Saudi Arabia must meet specific salary and documentation requirements to sponsor family members.
- The Saudi government distinguishes between family residence visas and family visit visas, each with separate application procedures and requirements.
- Dependent fees are charged for eligible dependents of non-Saudi employees, with a commonly cited levy of SAR 400 per dependent per month.
