The Complete Guide to Family Visa & Dependent Fees in Saudi Arabia 2026

Bringing your family to live with you in Saudi Arabia is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make as an expat. Your spouse and children by your side, shared experiences, and the comfort of family life in the Kingdom — it is the dream.

But that dream comes with a significant financial commitment. Between the expat dependent levy, Iqama fees, medical insurance, and Exit/Re-Entry visas, the annual cost of sponsoring a family in Saudi Arabia can easily range from SAR 15,000 to SAR 30,000 or more, depending on your family size and travel needs.

Many expats underestimate these costs and face unpleasant surprises when renewal time comes. This comprehensive guide breaks down every single fee, shows you how to calculate your total annual cost, and gives you practical strategies to save money. Use the Sauditoolhub Family Visa & Dependent Fee Optimizer to get an instant personalized estimate for your family.

Dependent Fee at a Glance

• Monthly rate: SAR 400 per dependent.
• Annual cost per dependent: SAR 4,800 (400 x 12).
• Who pays: The expat sponsor (employee).
• Collection method: Annual lump sum via Absher or SADAD.
• Consequence of non-payment: Fines, visa delays, potential deportation.

• Per dependent: SAR 400/month = SAR 4,800/year.
• Wife + 1 child: SAR 800/month = SAR 9,600/year.
• Wife + 2 children: SAR 1,200/month = SAR 14,400/year.
• Wife + 3 children: SAR 1,600/month = SAR 19,200/year.
• * The levy is non-negotiable and must be paid annually in full.

• New Iqama (first issuance): SAR 2,000 per dependent.
• Annual Iqama renewal: SAR 2,000 per dependent.
• Validity period: 1 year (must be renewed annually).
• * This is a one-time fee per renewal cycle, separate from the monthly levy.

• Single Exit visa: SAR 200 per person.
• Multiple Exit (6 months): SAR 3,000 per person.
• Multiple Exit (1 year): SAR 5,000 per person.
• * Single entry visas make sense for 1-2 trips per year, while multiple-entry visas are more economical for frequent travelers.

• Mandatory health insurance: Required for all dependents.
• Average annual cost: SAR 1,000 - 2,500 per dependent.
• * Costs vary based on provider, coverage level, and age of dependents.

• Annual work permit: SAR 960 per dependent who wishes to work.
• * Only applicable if your spouse or dependent child plans to work in Saudi Arabia.

• Expat workers: All expatriate employees on a work visa who sponsor family members must pay the dependent levy and Iqama fees for each dependent.
• Dependents: The sponsor's wife and all children under 18 are classified as dependents and incur fees. Children over 18 must obtain independent residency or leave the Kingdom.
• Parents: Sponsoring parents (mother/father) also incurs dependent fees at the same rate of SAR 400/month per person, plus Iqama issuance costs.
• Domestic workers: Sponsoring maids, drivers, or nannies incurs different fee structures regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources.

1. Step 1: Count your dependents. Include your spouse and all children under 18 who will be sponsored under your Iqama.
2. Step 2: Calculate the annual dependent levy: number of dependents x SAR 4,800.
3. Step 3: Add Iqama fees: number of dependents x SAR 2,000 for new issuance or renewal.
4. Step 4: Estimate Exit/Re-Entry visa costs based on planned travel frequency.
5. Step 5: Add medical insurance costs for all dependents.
6. Step 6: Add optional work permit fees if applicable.
7. Step 7: Sum all costs to get your annual family visa budget.

Family: 1 wife + 1 child = 2 dependents.

Family: 1 wife + 2 children = 3 dependents.

Family: 1 wife + 2 children + 2 parents = 5 dependents.

Child Turning 18

When a dependent child turns 18, they are no longer eligible for sponsorship under a parent's Iqama. You have several options:

• Transfer to a mother or father's sponsorship (if the child is female and unmarried).
• Obtain an independent work visa if the child finds employment with a Saudi employer.
• Apply for the Saudi Premium Residency (Premium Iqama) if eligible.
• Leave Saudi Arabia and return on a visit visa for short stays.
• For sons: continued sponsorship is not possible after 18 unless enrolled in higher education with special approval.

Sponsor Loses Their Job

If you lose your job while sponsoring family members, you have a grace period — typically 30 to 90 days depending on your visa status — to find a new sponsor and transfer your sponsorship. During this period:

• Your dependents' Iqamas remain valid until their expiration date.
• You remain responsible for dependent fees during the grace period.
• If you cannot find a new sponsor, you and your family must exit Saudi Arabia before the grace period ends to avoid overstay fines.
• Use the Sauditoolhub Jawazat Overstay Calculator to check potential fines if you overstay.

Monthly vs. Yearly Payments

The dependent levy is collected annually in advance. While you cannot pay monthly to the Ministry of Interior, you can — and should — budget monthly to avoid a large lump-sum shock at renewal time. The Sauditoolhub Family Visa Optimizer shows you exactly how much to set aside each month.

1. Log into your Absher account (absher.sa).
2. Navigate to "My Services" > "Ministry of Interior Services."
3. Select "Dependent Fees" or "Family Members."
4. View outstanding fees and select "Pay Now."
5. Complete payment using your preferred method.

1. Log into your bank's mobile app or online portal.
2. Go to the SADAD payment section.
3. Select "Ministry of Interior" as the biller.
4. Enter your Iqama number as the billing reference.
5. View outstanding dependent fees and confirm payment.

1. Open your bank's mobile app.
2. Search for "SADAD" or "Bill Payment."
3. Select "Government Services" > "Ministry of Interior."
4. Enter your sponsor Iqama number.
5. Review and pay the outstanding amount.

Cost-Saving Tips from Sauditoolhub

How much is the dependent fee in Saudi Arabia 2026?

The dependent fee (expat levy) is SAR 400 per month per dependent, which equals SAR 4,800 per year per person. This applies to the sponsor's wife and each child. The fee is charged by the Saudi Ministry of Interior and is payable annually in advance.

How much does a family visa cost in Saudi Arabia in 2026?

The total annual cost for sponsoring a family in Saudi Arabia includes: SAR 4,800/year per dependent for the expat levy, SAR 2,000 per person for Iqama issuance or renewal, and additional costs for Exit/Re-Entry visas (SAR 200-5,000 depending on type). For a wife and 2 children, the annual cost is approximately SAR 20,400-28,400.

What is the expat dependent levy in Saudi Arabia?

The expat dependent levy is a monthly fee of SAR 400 per dependent introduced by the Saudi government. It applies to expat workers who sponsor family members. The levy is collected annually in advance through Absher or SADAD payment systems. Failure to pay results in fines and visa processing delays.

Are dependent fees the same for wives and children?

Yes, the dependent fee of SAR 400 per month is the same for both wives and children. Each family member you sponsor incurs the same monthly levy. Iqama issuance fees are also identical at SAR 2,000 per person for new issuance or renewal.

Can I pay dependent fees monthly instead of yearly?

The Saudi Ministry of Interior collects dependent fees annually in advance as a lump sum. However, you can save gradually each month to prepare for the annual payment. The Sauditoolhub Family Visa Optimizer helps you calculate a monthly budget to spread the cost.

What happens if I dont pay the dependent fees in Saudi Arabia?

Non-payment of dependent fees results in fines, visa processing delays, and potential Iqama suspension. Continued non-payment can lead to deportation (huroob) and re-entry bans. If your sponsor delays payment, both the sponsor and the dependent may face legal consequences.

What happens when my child turns 18 in Saudi Arabia?

When a dependent child turns 18, they are no longer eligible for a dependent Iqama under their father's sponsorship. Options include: transferring to a parent's sponsorship if the child is a female, obtaining an independent work visa if employed, applying for a premium residency, or leaving Saudi Arabia.

Do I need an Exit/Re-Entry visa for my dependents?

Yes. If your wife or children need to travel outside Saudi Arabia, they require an Exit/Re-Entry visa. A single exit visa costs SAR 200, while a multiple-entry visa valid for 6 months costs SAR 3,000. Annual multiple-entry visas are also available for SAR 5,000.

How do I check my dependent fees in Absher?

Log into your Absher account, go to "My Services," select "Family Members," then choose "Inquire About Violations." You can view all outstanding dependent fees, Iqama renewal charges, and any overstay fines. Payments can be made directly through Absher or via SADAD.

Can I get a refund for dependent fees if I leave Saudi Arabia permanently?

Dependent fees paid annually in advance are generally non-refundable, even if you leave before the year ends. However, you should cancel your dependents' Iqamas through Absher or Jawazat before leaving to avoid future fines. Consult your sponsor or HR department for your specific case.