Family residency visa (British expat)

usamahbackup · 2025-07-06T18:33:55+02:00

Get insights on the family residency visa process for British expats in Saudi Arabia. Share experiences with degree attestation and istiqdam requirements.

usamahbackup Member

Member since 04 July 2023

usamahbackupMember06 July 2025 16:33:55

Hi need some advice on istiqdam Riyadh process.

i went in 2023 to apply for my wife family residency visa (iqama) but i did not have a degree attested and stamped by UK SACB (saudi cultural attache). I got my iqama/employment visa through a different route which didn鈥檛 require me to be attested..

now the process has changed and UK / Saudi is part of Hague Convention only requiring apostle.

can anyone advise on the process they took. Did you take an apostle degree to the istiqdam office and was this accepted with no stamping from any saudi body??

jomombao New member

Member since 06 July 2025

jomombaoNew member06 July 2025 21:44:22

@usamahbackup

Hi,From what I know, yes since the UK and Saudi Arabia are now both part of the Hague Convention, the apostille is often accepted without needing stamping from the Saudi Cultural Attach茅 or embassy.

Just make sure the apostille is done properly in the UK through the FCDO.

That said, some officers might still ask for SACB just out of habit, so it can depend on the branch or the person handling your file. If you're unsure, maybe visit Istiqdam early with your documents and politely confirm with them directly before proceeding.