Saudi Family Visit Visa 2025: Step-by-Step Guide for Applicants in KSA and Pakistan

Visa Aug 28, 2025 0 11 Add to Reading List

The Saudi Family Visit Visa allows a Saudi citizen or resident to invite immediate family members (spouse, children, parents) for a short visit. This detailed guide covers every step—from eligibility and online application to required documents, attestation, fees, and timelines. We specifically address the procedures for sponsors in Saudi Arabia and applicants in Pakistan, using platforms like the Saudi MOFA visa portal (visa.mofa.gov.sa) and the Enjaz system for Saudi missions abroad. Follow each step carefully to avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth family reunion in Saudi Arabia.

Eligibility: Who Can Sponsor and Visit

Only first-degree relatives can qualify for the Saudi family visit visa. The sponsor (host) must be a Saudi citizen or a foreign resident with a valid Iqama (residency permit) on a work visa (not on a dependent visa)01. The Iqama should ideally have several months of validity remaining. Eligible visitors include the sponsor’s spouse, children, parents, and (in some cases) in-laws. Minors traveling alone (or with one parent) require a notarized consent letter from the absent parent2. All visitors need valid passports (at least 6 months’ validity and two blank pages)3. If a Pakistani applicant is not a Saudi resident, they must also hold valid Pakistani civil documents (CNIC) and any required Pakistani visas or entry stamps.

Step-by-Step Application Process (MOFA, Enjaz, Absher)

Submit Family Visit Request (Saudi Sponsor): The process begins in Saudi Arabia. The sponsor logs into the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) e-visa portal (visa.mofa.gov.sa) and fills out the Family Visit visa request form. All data must match the visa applicant’s passport exactly4. The request must then be digitally signed and electronically “stamped” by the sponsor’s employer and/or the local Chamber of Commerce56.
Chamber of Commerce Attestation: After submission, the sponsor’s company (or the sponsor personally) must authenticate the MOFA application at the Saudi Chamber of Commerce. This step certifies the invitation request. It is usually done online via the sponsor’s business account or in person at a chamber office. The attestation confirms the sponsor’s employment and business details78. (Note: The Chamber stamp and employer sign-off are mandatory; without them the application will be rejected.)
MOFA Approval: Once properly submitted and attested, MOFA will review the invitation. Processing typically takes a few business days (around 3 days on average)9. If approved, MOFA issues a visa “referral note” containing a reference number and date10. This approval must be printed. The sponsor then sends the MOFA approval document (invitation letter or referral note) to the family members abroad. If any data was incorrect, the sponsor can correct and resubmit the request on the MOFA portal.
Apply for Visa via Enjaz (Pakistan Applicant): With the MOFA approval in hand, the visitor in Pakistan completes the online visa application on the Enjaz portal (visa.mofa.gov.sa under “individual – visa from Saudi missions abroad”). They select “Family Visit Visa” as the type and enter the MOFA reference number. The visitor uploads a passport photo (matching the one used on the MOFA form) and any other required information11. All information must be in English or Arabic, matching the passport exactly. After filling out the form, they pay the visa fee online (via credit card) as instructed by the Enjaz system12.
Submit Documents to Saudi Embassy/Visa Center: After payment, print the completed Enjaz application. The visa applicant (or a representative) then submits this form along with required documents to the Saudi Embassy or an authorized visa center in Pakistan (such as Gerry’s / VFS TasHeel). The submitted package should include the printed visa form, the MOFA approval (referral) letter, passport-size photos, passport, and other documents listed below1314. The Enjaz instruction page explicitly advises applicants to attach the printout to the visa packet15.
Embassy Processing and Visa Stamping: The Saudi Embassy (Islamabad) or consulate (Karachi) will process the application. Typical processing time after submission can range from a few days up to 1-2 weeks (varies by mission workload). If approved, the Embassy/Visa Center will affix the Family Visit Visa sticker to the applicant’s passport. Applicants should check the visa details carefully. MOFA provides an online status check (also on the MOFA portal) to see if the visa has been issued1617.
Travel and Absher Registration: Upon receiving the visa, the visitor can travel to Saudi Arabia. After arrival, local entry procedures (biometrics, etc.) are completed. If the family plans to extend the stay beyond the initial visa duration, the sponsor can use the Saudi Absher portal (absher.sa) to apply for a visa extension (extensions are usually possible up to 180 days for single-entry family visas)18. (If an Absher account does not already exist, the sponsor should register on absher.sa.)

Attestation Process via Chamber of Commerce

For Saudi employers and sponsors, Chamber of Commerce attestation is a critical step. Once the MOFA form is filled online, the sponsor’s company must sign it and have it certified by the Chamber. This is often done through the company’s electronic services (e.g., Sanad service on the chamber portal) or in person. A small fee is charged (roughly 25 SAR in Riyadh as of 2024, subject to change). The Chamber stamp verifies the sponsor’s business registration. After attestation, the MOFA application goes back online as “Chamber-attested”19. Without this stamp, the visa will not be approved. (If the sponsor is an individual or work at a small company, some offices allow the employer’s signature plus a notarized business letter instead.)

Required Documents

Documents from Saudi Sponsor (KSA):

Copy of the sponsor’s valid Saudi Iqama (residence permit) and passport. The Iqama must be on a work visa with sufficient validity20.
A copy of the sponsor’s Saudi employment contract or a company letter (attested if needed) and a salary certificate, if requested. The sponsor’s company Commercial Registration (CR) or company ID may also be attached.
The printed MOFA application form and visa referral note (approval) issued by MOFA21.
Proof of Chamber of Commerce attestation: a stamp or certificate from the local Chamber confirming the application. This should be shown on the MOFA form itself22.

Documents from Visa Applicant (Pakistan):

Original passport (with at least 6 months validity remaining)23, plus photocopy. The passport should have two blank pages.
Completed Saudi visa application form (from the Enjaz portal). Print the form after online submission24.
The MOFA approval letter (visa referral note) sent by the sponsor25.
Two recent passport-size photographs (color, white background) that match the uploaded photo26.
Proof of relationship: Original marriage certificate (for spouse) and/or birth certificate(s) (for children), translated into English or Arabic. These Pakistani documents should be attested by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad (and by the Saudi Embassy in Pakistan if required). Certified translations may be needed if requested.
Copy of the applicant’s Pakistani CNIC (national ID card).
Saudi health insurance: purchase an insurance plan from a Saudi provider after MOFA approval27. The Enjaz system will prompt purchase during application. Carry proof of insurance payment or policy.
Any NOC or authorization letters: e.g., if a minor is applying with one parent, include a notarized letter from the other parent authorizing travel28.
Other: A return flight booking is often required; prepare any additional documents (bank statements, invitation letters) that the visa office may ask for.

Fees and Processing Time

The Saudi Family Visit Visa involves several fees: the MOFA electronic service fee (if any), the visa issuance fee, and the Chamber attestation fee. Exact visa fees can vary (often around USD $100, payable in local currency). The Enjaz portal will display the required fee when applying. Processing times are generally as follows: MOFA processing ~3 business days29; Embassy/Visa Center stamping ~3-10 business days after submission (depending on workload). Applicants should factor in time for document preparation, chamber attestation, MOFA review, and embassy processing—overall, allow 2–4 weeks from start to visa in hand.

Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Data Accuracy: Double-check that all names, passport numbers, and details match exactly between the MOFA form, passport, and submitted documents30.
Document Attestation: Do not forget the Chamber of Commerce stamp on the MOFA application. If the Chamber attestation is missing, the application will be invalid31.
Applicant Eligibility: Make sure the sponsor’s Iqama is a work visa (not a family visa) and valid well beyond the intended visit.
Authorized Submission: Submit the visa application only through authorized channels (Saudi Embassy Islamabad or a visa center like Gerry’s/VFS TasHeel). Unofficial agents may cause delays.
Insurance & Health: Purchase the required Saudi health insurance promptly after MOFA approval, since you need to provide proof during visa stamping32.
Timely Application: Apply early. Delays can occur if documents need rechecking or if the MOFA portal is busy. Allow extra time for Pakistani MOFA attestation of certificates and any translations.
Minor Travel: If a minor is visiting, ensure you have the proper consent letter signed by the non-traveling parent33.
Extension Plan: Note that most Saudi family visit visas are single-entry. If multiple entries or longer stays are needed, discuss alternatives (like separate tourist visas) with your sponsor or use Absher to extend the visa before it expires.
Follow Official Guidelines: Always refer to the official Saudi MOFA visa platform and Saudi Embassy resources for updates. (For reference, see the MOFA portal and Saudi Embassy pages3435.)

By carefully following these steps and preparing each document, applicants can navigate the Saudi family visit visa process efficiently. Always keep copies of submissions and stay in communication with the sponsor in Saudi Arabia throughout the process. Best wishes for a successful application and happy family reunion!