- محمد امام عبد الرحيم
- certified translation, dependent visa, marriage certificate translation, Saudi Arabia, Saudi family visa
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On 6 October 2026, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior announced that skilled foreign workers can apply for entry visas for their families at the same time as their own work visa. Until now, many workers had to wait until their own visa and residency were complete before starting the family process. For Egyptians planning a move to the Kingdom, this could save weeks, but only if the right documents are ready.
This guide explains what the Ministry has confirmed, what it has not yet explained, and how to prepare the Arabic and English documents your family is likely to be asked for.
What did Saudi Arabia announce?
According to media reports of the Ministry of Interior announcement, which was developed together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development:
- Skilled foreign workers who are heads of households can apply for entry visas for eligible family members while their own work visa is being completed.
- The eligible family members named are the spouse, sons under 25 and unmarried daughters.
- After the family arrives in Saudi Arabia, residence permit procedures are completed inside the Kingdom under the applicable laws and guidelines.
- Entry visas are issued only if the relevant requirements are met.
What has not been explained yet
Several important details were not published in the announcement or in the reports we reviewed:
- Which professions or skill levels count as “skilled” or “highly skilled”
- Any salary or income threshold for the sponsor
- The official list of documents for each family member
- Processing times
The Ministry’s own post refers to “highly skilled” workers, while some reports say “skilled.” Until Saudi authorities publish the implementing guidance, ask your employer’s HR or government relations team whether your job qualifies. Do not pay anyone who promises a guaranteed family visa before this guidance is out.
Who can be included?
| Family member | Mentioned in the announcement? |
|---|---|
| Wife or husband | Yes |
| Sons under 25 | Yes |
| Unmarried daughters | Yes |
| Parents and other relatives | Not mentioned |
If you are planning for parents or other relatives, ask your employer or the relevant Saudi authority, because the reports we reviewed do not cover them.
Documents Egyptian families should start preparing
There is no official document list yet for this new route, so this is a practical preparation list based on what family-related applications normally involve. Always confirm the exact requirements with your employer or the Saudi authority handling your case.
- Marriage certificate (the official Egyptian certificate, preferably the computerised version). This proves the relationship between the worker and spouse.
- Birth certificates for each child, showing both parents’ names.
- Passports valid for the period required by the visa rules.
- Photos and civil registry details that match the passport exactly.
- Education or professional documents of the worker, if the employer or authority uses them to confirm the skill category.
Some Saudi procedures ask for civil documents to be attested through official channels in Egypt before use. Attestation is separate from translation. Ask which steps apply to you before you start, because the order matters. Our guide to Saudi professional verification for Egyptians explains how document steps usually fit together for Saudi applications.
Translation: what to expect
Egyptian marriage and birth certificates are issued in Arabic. Saudi authorities work in Arabic, so an Arabic document may not need translation for a Saudi authority, but an employer, a school, or a foreign institution in the Kingdom may ask for an English version. Check this before you pay for translation.
When you do need an English translation, these habits prevent problems:
- Match every name to the passport. A spelling difference between a marriage certificate and a passport is a common reason for delay.
- Translate the whole document, including stamps, seals, handwritten entries and the notes in the margins.
- Keep dates in one format and check them against the original after translation.
- Translate each family member’s documents as a set, so names, spellings and relationships are consistent across the file.
COT provides certified translation of civil documents such as marriage certificates and birth certificates. A certified translation does not replace attestation, and it does not mean any Saudi authority has approved our translation. If an authority requires a particular type of translator or stamp, confirm that requirement first.
A simple plan for the next weeks
- Ask your employer whether your role qualifies and whether they will submit the family application with your work visa.
- Collect originals of marriage and birth certificates and check every name against passports.
- Ask which documents need attestation or translation for your case, and in what order.
- Prepare the documents early, so you can submit them as soon as the process opens for you.
- Watch for official guidance from the Ministry of Interior and the other ministries involved.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for the work visa before collecting family documents. The new route lets the family process run in parallel, so late paperwork can now be the slowest part.
- Using old handwritten or damaged certificates. Request a fresh computerised copy from the Civil Registry if your copy is old, torn or hard to read.
- Different spellings across documents. Egyptian names can be written in several ways in English. Choose the passport spelling and use it everywhere.
- Relying on social media posts for requirements. Many posts repeat rumours. Use the Ministry of Interior, your employer and the official visa channels as your sources.
- Ordering translations too early. If an authority asks for a specific format, a translation done before you know the rule may need to be repeated.
Frequently asked questions
Can my family travel to Saudi Arabia with me on the new visa?
According to the announcement, skilled workers can apply for entry visas for eligible family members while their own work visa is being completed. Whether and when your family can travel depends on your visa and the requirements being met.
Does my job count as “skilled”?
The announcement did not list qualifying professions. Ask your employer, and wait for official guidance before assuming you qualify.
Do I need to translate my marriage certificate?
It depends on who asks for it. An English translation is often requested by employers, schools and foreign institutions. Ask which version your authority or employer accepts before ordering one.
Is attestation the same as translation?
No. Attestation is an official verification step for a document. Translation is the conversion of its content into another language. Some applications need both, in a specific order.
How fast can COT translate a marriage or birth certificate?
Standard civil documents are usually ready within one to two working days, and faster service is often possible. Send your documents on WhatsApp and we will confirm the price and timing before we start.
Planning to bring your family to Saudi Arabia? COT, Consulting Office for Translation, has provided certified translation in Cairo since 1992, with branches in Maadi, Mohandessin and Downtown and online service across Egypt. Send your marriage and birth certificates on WhatsApp 01111760177 or call the same number.
This article is for general information and is based on the Saudi Ministry of Interior announcement of 6 October 2026 as reported in the media. Requirements may change, so always confirm the latest rules with the Saudi authorities or your employer before you apply.
