Conditions for Sponsoring a Wife for Residents in Saudi Arabia 2026

Sponsoring a wife is one of the most important services that residents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia need. If you are a resident and want to bring your wife to reside with you, this guide explains all the conditions, steps, and required documents.

What is Wife Sponsorship?

Wife sponsorship means that the resident can issue a visa for his wife and her residence in the Kingdom as a “dependent.” The wife obtains a special residence (dependent residence) that allows her legal residence and work if she obtains approval.

Conditions for Sponsoring a Wife for Residents

1. Validity of the Sponsor’s Residence: The husband’s residence must be valid and not expired at the time of application.

2. Minimum Salary: The resident’s salary must not be less than 5,000 Saudi Riyals per month. Some sources indicate that the salary must not be less than 3,500 Riyals with suitable housing provided. However, it is best to have a salary of 5,000 Riyals or more to avoid any rejection.

3. Suitable Housing: You must have suitable housing (rented or owned) that can accommodate the wife. The Passports Department may require a notarized rental contract (lease) or a property deed.

4. Profession: Some professions do not allow sponsoring a wife, such as cleaners and domestic workers. Engineering, medical, educational, and administrative professions usually do not face issues.

5. Marriage Contract Authentication: The marriage contract must be authenticated by the competent authorities in your country and then by the Saudi Embassy or Cultural Attaché (depending on your nationality).

Required Documents

  • Copy of the husband’s valid passport
  • Copy of the husband’s residence (Iqama)
  • Copy of the wife’s valid passport
  • Marriage contract authenticated by the competent authorities
  • Salary certificate or salary definition from the employer
  • Notarized rental contract or property deed
  • Passport-sized photos of the wife (white background)
  • Sponsorship application form (filled out electronically)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Authentication of the Marriage Contract
Before anything else, the marriage contract must be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country and by the Saudi Embassy in your country. If you are married in Saudi Arabia, the contract is authenticated by the court and the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Step 2: Registration on Absher
Ensure that your Absher account is active and enabled. Most steps for sponsoring a wife are completed electronically via Absher.

Step 3: Submitting the Visa Application
Log in to your Absher account > Services > Passports > Apply for a dependent visa. Fill in the required data (wife’s details, profession, relationship).

Step 4: Paying Visa Fees
The fees for a wife’s visa vary depending on the duration. Currently, the fees for dependents (including the wife) are 500 Riyals per month, paid annually (6,000 Riyals per year), or can be paid monthly.

Step 5: Printing the Visa
After approval, print the visa and send it to the wife in her country.

Step 6: Arrival and Registration
After the wife arrives in Saudi Arabia, she must be registered in Absher and her residence must be issued within 90 days of arrival.

Fees and Costs

  • Visa Issuance Fees: 300 Riyals (issuance fees)
  • Annual Residence Fees: 500 Riyals per month (6,000 Riyals annually) per dependent
  • Extension Fees: 100 Riyals for each month of extension
  • Health Insurance: Mandatory and varies in price depending on the company and coverage (starts from 600 Riyals annually)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the wife allowed to work after being sponsored?
A: Yes, the wife can work after obtaining the sponsor’s (husband’s) approval and issuing a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources.

Q: Can a wife be sponsored if she is working in Saudi Arabia?
A: If the wife is working under another sponsor, she must first

Transferring her sponsorship to her husband or terminating her services and transferring it to her husband’s sponsorship after obtaining the current sponsor’s approval or the contract’s expiry.

Q: How long does it take to process a wife’s sponsorship request?
A: Usually 3 to 7 working days for electronic approval via Absher.

Q: Is it required to have a rental contract under the husband’s name?
A: It is preferable for the rental contract to be under the husband’s name, but it can be under the establishment’s name if it provides the accommodation.

Q: What if the sponsorship request is rejected?
A: You can submit an objection request via Absher or visit the Passports office. Rejection reasons are usually: insufficient salary, profession not allowed for sponsorship, or missing documents.

Q: Can a wife be sponsored through the Muqeem platform?
A: Yes, employers can apply through the Muqeem platform, but individuals prefer using Absher for individual services.

Q: What if the husband is a resident with a salary less than 5000 SAR?
A: In some cases, a certificate from the employer proving the provision of accommodation and transportation can be added. However, it is better for the salary to be 5000 SAR or more.

Important Tips

  • Ensure all documents are translated and attested before applying
  • Do not submit a request if your residency is about to expire (less than 3 months)
  • Keep copies of all documents
  • Regularly check the request status via Absher
  • If you are in a profession that does not allow sponsorship, you can visit the Passports office to inquire about the possibility of an exemption