The Most Restrictive Countries for Family Visas

Family reunification is a fundamental aspect of immigration policies worldwide, yet some countries impose stringent restrictions that make it exceptionally difficult for families to stay together. Whether due to national security concerns, economic priorities, or bureaucratic hurdles, these nations maintain some of the most rigid visa regulations for family members. Below, we explore the countries with the most restrictive family visa policies and the challenges applicants face.

1. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia enforces strict sponsorship laws, requiring expatriates to meet high income thresholds before bringing family members into the country. Male workers must earn a minimum salary (often around SAR 3,500–5,000 per month) and hold specific professions to qualify. Women, unless employed in select high-status roles, are generally barred from sponsoring family members at all. Additionally, visa approvals are subject to unpredictable bureaucratic delays.

2. Qatar

Like Saudi Arabia, Qatar ties family visas to employment status and income. Expatriates must earn at least QAR 10,000 per month to sponsor their families, effectively excluding lower-wage workers from reuniting with loved ones. The country also imposes housing restrictions, requiring proof of adequate accommodation—a challenge given Doha’s high rental costs.

3. Singapore

Singapore’s family visa policies prioritize skilled professionals, making it difficult for lower-income workers to bring dependents. Long-term Visit Passes (LTVPs) for spouses and children are granted based on the sponsor’s employment pass type and salary. Those on lower-tier work permits often find family reunification nearly impossible without meeting elevated financial criteria.

4. Switzerland

Despite its reputation for high living standards, Switzerland imposes strict financial and integration requirements for family reunification. Sponsors must prove they can support their family without public assistance and provide suitable housing—a significant burden given Switzerland’s high cost of living. Non-EU nationals face even tougher scrutiny, with lengthy processing times and additional documentation demands.

5. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE requires expatriates to earn a minimum salary (typically AED 4,000–5,000 for men, higher in Dubai and Abu Dhabi) to sponsor family members. Women can only sponsor dependents if they work in specific professions, such as medicine or engineering, and earn a substantially higher income. Housing requirements further complicate the process, as sponsors must prove they reside in accommodation deemed suitable for family life.

The Broader Impact

These restrictive policies often force families to live apart for years or relocate to more accommodating countries. While governments justify such measures as necessary for economic stability or security, they create emotional and financial hardships for migrant workers. Advocates continue to push for more humane family reunification laws, emphasizing the social and economic benefits of keeping families together.

For those navigating these systems, thorough preparation, legal consultation, and persistence are essential—though even then, success is never guaranteed.