Moving to Saudi Arabia 2026: Family Visas and Doctors
Most people move to Saudi Arabia with a job: the employer sponsors the work visa, then issues the work permit and residence permit (iqama). Once you are a resident, your close family can join you on a residence visa. Doctors and other health practitioners also need professional registration with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). This guide covers each step, as published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), the SCFHS and the Ministry of Finance, read on 14 October 2026.
Quick answer
Get a job offer and an employer-sponsored work visa through the KSA Visa Platform. Your employer must issue your work permit within 90 days of arrival and pays the iqama and permit fees under Article 40 of the Labor Law. Residents can bring first-degree relatives on a MOFA residence visa, listed at 379 SAR, valid for the length of your residency. Doctors register through Mumaris+: a direct decision takes 7 business days, while routes with an exam take 30 to 60 business days.
Step 1: the job and the work visa
- Approval: MOFA says the work visa request must be approved by the Ministry of Human Resources under the employer's name, and health and professional requirements must be met.
- Process: the request is filed on the KSA Visa Platform, followed by professional accreditation, a medical examination and biometric fingerprinting, then MOFA approval.
- Not on a tourist visa: MOFA states that the purpose of a tourist visa must be tourism and not work.
The full steps, the status check and the fees for Pakistani workers are in our Saudi Arabia work visa guide.
Step 2: work permit and iqama
- Your employer must issue your work permit within the first 90 days after you enter the Kingdom. HRSD says the work permit is one of the conditions for issuing or renewing regular residency.
- Under Article 40, the employer bears the fees for recruiting non-Saudi workers, for issuing and renewing the iqama and work permit, for exit and re-entry visas, and for your return ticket at the end of the contract.
Moving to Saudi Arabia with family
| Visa | Who it covers | MOFA service cost |
|---|---|---|
| Residence visa | First-degree relatives of residents, for the validity period of the residency (permanently for relatives of Saudi citizens) | 379 SAR |
| Family visit visa | Family visitors of a legal resident or citizen, with certified proof of the family relationship | 379 SAR |
| Premium residency visa | First-degree relatives of premium residency holders, approved by the Premium Residency Center and MOFA | 379 SAR |
How the residence visa works
- On the KSA Visa Platform, select Visitor Services, then Residence Visa Request.
- Enter each family member's details as shown in the passport and attach the documents: a valid passport, the approval document or issued visa, an approved medical report and a personal photo.
- Submit, keep the request number, and await MOFA approval. A visa number is issued on approval.
- Your family member then completes the procedures at the Saudi embassy or consulate.
MOFA requires approval of the competent authority for residence in the Kingdom, and health and regulatory requirements must be met.
The dependents fee
The Ministry of Finance's 2018 Fiscal Balance Program update describes a fee on dependents from July 2017, rising by SR 100 a year and paid monthly: 100 in the first year, then 200, 300 and 400 Riyals. We found no newer official schedule, so check the current amount on Absher before you budget.
Moving to Saudi Arabia as a doctor
Health practitioners must register with the SCFHS, which reviews your qualifications and experience to assess your ability to practise safely. You apply through the Mumaris+ platform.
- Log in to Mumaris+ and select the Professional Registration service.
- Complete the application and upload the documents for your professional category.
- Pay the service fees and submit.
- The SCFHS reviews the application and notifies you. If approved, it issues your professional registration card.
| Registration route | SCFHS service duration |
|---|---|
| Direct decision | 7 business days |
| Electronic written examination (Prometric, Pearson VUE) | 30 business days |
| Practical assessment | 45 business days |
| National electronic licensing examination | 60 business days |
The documents include an employment letter issued within the last three months if you are currently employed, confirming clinical practice in your specialty, a residence permit for non-Saudi applicants, and a medical report for applicants over the age of 65. The SCFHS phone line is 920019393.
Costs and first weeks
For budgets, see our cost of moving to Saudi Arabia, and for setup after landing, first steps after moving to Saudi Arabia.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move to Saudi Arabia with my family?
Yes. As a resident, you can bring first-degree relatives on a MOFA residence visa, valid for the validity period of your residency.
How much is a Saudi family residence visa?
MOFA lists a service cost of 379 SAR for the residence visa and for the family visit visa.
Is there a monthly fee for dependents in Saudi Arabia?
The Ministry of Finance described a monthly dependents fee rising to 400 Riyals in its 2018 program update. Check the current amount on Absher.
How do doctors get licensed in Saudi Arabia?
By applying for professional registration with the SCFHS on Mumaris+, which reviews qualifications and experience and may require an exam or practical assessment.
How long does SCFHS registration take?
7 business days for a direct decision, 30 for an electronic written exam, 45 for a practical assessment and 60 for the national licensing exam.
Who pays for my iqama in Saudi Arabia?
Your employer. Article 40 of the Labor Law makes the employer bear the fees for issuing and renewing the iqama and work permit.
Can I move to Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa?
No. MOFA states that the purpose of a tourist visa must be tourism and not work.
Official sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Permanent work visa
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Residence visa
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Family visit visa
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Premium residency visa
- HRSD — Fees and costs borne by the employer (Article 40)
- HRSD — Issue and renew work licence
- Saudi Commission for Health Specialties — Professional registration
- Ministry of Finance — Fiscal Balance Program 2018 update
All rules, fees and time frames verified against the official sources above on 14 October 2026. Information, not legal advice.