Official procedure, steps and required documents
In Saudi Arabia, when a wife already owns a Iqama valid but that it is registered under a other sponsor (company, former tutor, or other), it is It is possible to transfer sponsorship. so that the husband becomes his legal sponsor.
This procedure is different from a Istiqdam (family visa application): this is a change of sponsor in the official residence system.
1. What is a sponsor transfer to the husband?
THE Transfer of Sponsorship consists of changing the sponsor registered with the Jawazat so that the wife's Iqama may be performed:
- of a business
- or a other individual sponsor
➡️ to the husband, which then becomes his legal sponsor inasmuch as dependent resident (Dependent Iqama).
This change is officially recognized by the Saudi administration, but It is not done via Istiqdam, because the wife already legally resides in the Kingdom.
2. Mandatory prerequisites
Before starting the procedure, all of the following conditions must be met :
- THE husband has a valid Iqama
- His profession and situation allow him to sponsoring dependents
- L'’The wife's iqama is valid (not expired)
- THE The wife's current sponsor accepts the transfer
- THE marriage is legally recognized and documented
⚠️ Without the agreement of the current sponsor, The transfer cannot be completed..
3. Competent authority
The procedure falls exclusively under the jurisdiction of the General Directorate of Passports – Jawazat, with appointment booking and follow-up via the platform Absher.
4. Official steps of the sponsorship transfer
Step 1: Preparing the file
The husband must gather all original documents and their copies (see full list below).
Step 2: Agreement of the current sponsor
If the wife is currently sponsored by:
- a company,
- or another person,
➡️ a Official letter of no objection (NOC) is required, explicitly authorizing the transfer to the husband.
Step 3: Booking a Jawazat appointment
A An appointment is made via Absher to present oneself at the relevant Jawazat office with the complete file, or to present oneself directly
Step 4: Submission and verification
Agent Jawazat checks:
- the validity of the Iqamas,
- the authenticity of the marriage,
- the agreement of the previous sponsor,
- the husband's eligibility to sponsor his wife.
A internal administrative transfer form is then recorded in the system.
Step 5: Approval and updating of the Iqama
Once approved:
- THE The wife's official sponsor becomes the husband,
- a New Iqama update is issued,
- the status of the wife becomes dependent resident.
5. Documents usually requested
Here is the complete list of required documents by Jawazat:
Husband's documents (new sponsor)
- Original Iqama + copy
- Original passport + copy
- Letter requesting a transfer (in Arabic)
- Proof of ability to sponsor (profession/salary if requested)
Wife's documents
- Original current Iqama + copy
- Original passport + copy
- Recent passport photos (official format)
Common documents
- Official marriage certificate,
- legalized by the competent authorities
- translated into Arabic if necessary
- Letter of No Objection (NOC) of the current sponsor
- Proof of residence (sometimes required depending on the region)
⚠️ Jawazat may ask additional documents depending on the location of the marriage or the administrative situation.
6. Important points to know
- The transfer does not give the right to work to the wife
- To work, a separate work permit or a change of status is mandatory
- The rules may vary slightly depending on the region.
- The file must be complete from the first deposit to avoid delays
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