Iqama Services

Dependent Iqama (Family Residency) in Saudi Arabia

Dependent Iqamas are subject to salary thresholds, profession-list eligibility and the dependent levy. They are not granted automatically — the main Iqama holder must apply via Absher and meet MOI's eligibility criteria.

What is dependent iqama in Saudi Arabia? A dependent Iqama is a residency permit issued to the spouse, children (under 18, or under 25 for unmarried daughters) and (in narrow cases) parents of an Iqama-holder, allowing them to live in Saudi Arabia long-term.

Dependent Iqama — operational guide

A dependent Iqama is a residency permit issued to the spouse, children (under 18, or under 25 for unmarried daughters) and (in narrow cases) parents of an Iqama-holder, allowing them to live in Saudi Arabia long-term.

Dependent Iqamas are subject to salary thresholds, profession-list eligibility and the dependent levy. They are not granted automatically — the main Iqama holder must apply via Absher and meet MOI's eligibility criteria.

Tamra runs dependent iqama as a managed service for foreign employers — including the GOSI, Saudization, Absher and Muqeem touch-points that block most non-specialist providers.

Key facts

ServiceDependent Iqama
CostDependent fee: SAR 400/month per applicable dependent (SAR 4,800/year). Plus Iqama issuance and mandatory health insurance (variable / provider-dependent).
Timeline5–10 working days for issuance once the family-visit visa is converted.
Primary portalMuqeem / Absher / Qiwa
Sponsoring authorityMOI + MHRSD

Process — step by step

5–10 working days for issuance once the family-visit visa is converted.

  1. Salary & profession check. Verify the sponsor's salary is above the MOI threshold (typically SAR 5,000 for spouse, SAR 8,000 for parents) and the profession is on the eligible list.
  2. Family visit visa (if abroad). Spouse and children enter Saudi Arabia on a family visit visa. Dependents already in-country on visit can convert from inside.
  3. Conversion application. Submit the conversion application via Absher with attested marriage and birth certificates.
  4. Iqama issuance. MOI issues the dependent Iqama. Levy is activated immediately on a monthly basis.
  5. Health insurance & schooling. Mandatory health insurance must be in place before Iqama issues. School enrolment requires the Iqama and a school-attendance letter.

Documents required

  • Marriage certificate (attested by Saudi Embassy in country of origin)
  • Children's birth certificates (attested)
  • Sponsor's valid Iqama and salary certificate
  • Dependent's passport (6+ months validity)
  • Family-visit visa or in-country status proof

Common mistakes

  • Sponsor's profession not on the eligible-for-family list (some technical/labour categories cannot sponsor dependents)
  • Sponsor's salary below threshold — application rejected
  • Marriage certificate not attested in country of origin — restart the chain
  • Forgetting the SAR 400/month levy starts immediately on Iqama issuance

Frequently asked questions

What is the salary threshold to bring family on a dependent Iqama?

MOI requires a minimum monthly salary of approximately SAR 5,000 for sponsoring a spouse and children, and SAR 8,000+ for sponsoring parents. The exact threshold varies by profession.

How much does it cost to keep a dependent Iqama active?

Dependent fee: SAR 400/month per applicable dependent (SAR 4,800/year). This is separate from the Iqama fee, the work permit fee and the expat levy charged for the employee. Health insurance is also mandatory; its cost is variable / provider-dependent, depending on the insurer, coverage and the dependent's circumstances.

Can dependents work?

Spouses on a dependent Iqama can apply for a separate work permit through their own employer, which converts them to an independent worker Iqama. Children cannot work until 18 and obtaining their own work visa.

Does Tamra handle this end-to-end?

Yes. Tamra manages this as part of the standard Iqama administration package — including all government portal interactions, fee payments and compliance reporting.

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