Saudi Arabia changes family visa rules for skilled expatriate workers

Saudi Arabia has updated its family visa regulations, enabling qualifying skilled expatriate workers to simultaneously apply for entry visas for their dependents when processing their own work visas. This modification eliminates the requirement for workers to first complete their individual work visa process before initiating the entry visa process for eligible family members.

The Ministry of Interior disclosed this alteration on Wednesday, highlighting it was implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

Under the revised rules, eligible family members encompass spouses, sons under the age of 25, and unmarried daughters. The government emphasized that this move is part of their broader strategy to enhance the living conditions of expatriates residing and working in the Kingdom. Previously, skilled expatriate workers typically had to complete their work visa procedures before procuring entry visas for qualifying family members.

The change primarily impacts the timing of the entry visa process rather than removing Saudi Arabia's existing residency requirements for expatriate dependents.

This modification follows Saudi Arabia's ongoing revisions to its immigration and labor framework for foreign workers, especially skilled professionals. The Kingdom had previously implemented a skill-based work permit system, categorizing expatriate workers into three groups: high-skill, skilled, and basic. The classification is determined by factors such as education, professional experience, technical or vocational qualifications, salary, and age.

The new system came into effect for new foreign workers arriving in Saudi Arabia from August 3, 2025.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia has reinforced employment prerequisites for certain foreign residents. In June 2026, the country discontinued the work permit exemption for Premium Residency holders, necessitating that those seeking employment obtain a distinct work permit via the Qiwa platform prior to commencing employment. Furthermore, employment contracts must be registered, and workers must be enrolled with the General Organisation for Social Insurance.

Collectively, these changes illustrate Saudi Arabia's dual approach of tightening oversight of expatriate employment while simultaneously introducing practical measures for skilled foreign professionals and their families to ease relocation and residence processes.