Nationality of Saudi Arabia: all obtaining pathways
Saudi Arabia requires ten years of residence for its ordinary naturalization — one of the Gulf's most restrictive regimes, though with recent reforms for highly skilled talent. Nationality is transmitted by descent — ius sanguinis — and marriage is assessed at the authorities' discretion.
1Naturalization by residence (extremely restrictive)
Naturalization by residence (extremely restrictive)
Requirements
- Continuous legal residence in Saudi Arabia for at least 10 years
- Stay on a regular residence permit (iqama) for at least 5 consecutive years at the time of the application
- Being of legal age
- Good conduct and no conviction for moral offences carrying over 6 months
- Legitimate income and means of subsistence
- A profession the country needs (a points system: 23 of the 33 points required)
- A medical examination of physical and mental soundness
- Saudi Arabia does not allow dual citizenship (it must be renounced)
Documentation
- Foreign passport with a valid iqama
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical report
- Academic qualification certificates (translated into Arabic)
- Declaration of assets and income inside and outside the Kingdom
- Declaration of religious affiliation, political activity and prior military service
- Application to the Ministry of the Interior's Civil Affairs section
We could not verify the official portal
The official portal was not reachable during our latest review. The information was cross-checked against the sources listed below. Please confirm the requirements on the official portal before starting your application.
2By descent (ius sanguinis)
By descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- The child of a Saudi father obtains citizenship automatically
- The child of an unknown or stateless father and a Saudi mother can obtain citizenship
- Registration in the Saudi civil register
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Saudi father's national identity card (Tabiya)
- Saudi civil register
We could not verify the official portal
The official portal was not reachable during our latest review. The information was cross-checked against the sources listed below. Please confirm the requirements on the official portal before starting your application.
3By marriage
By marriage
Requirements
- A foreign woman married to a Saudi has the right to citizenship provided she renounces her previous citizenship
- A Saudi woman who lost citizenship through marriage to a foreigner can recover it upon divorce or return (after 10 years of marriage and 3 children)
- The marriage of Saudis to foreigners is restricted for certain professions and members of the royal family
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Saudi spouse's national identity card
- Declaration of renunciation of the previous citizenship
- Marriage permission from the Ministry of the Interior
We could not verify the official portal
The official portal was not reachable during our latest review. The information was cross-checked against the sources listed below. Please confirm the requirements on the official portal before starting your application.
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Saudi Arabia
How many years of residence does Saudi Arabia require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Saudi Arabia (Naturalization by residence (extremely restrictive)), the term is 10 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Saudi Arabia allow dual nationality?
Saudi Arabia does not allow dual citizenship (it must be renounced)
Can the nationality of Saudi Arabia be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the By marriage pathway (Discretionary). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Saudi Arabia require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Foreign passport with a valid iqama; Criminal record certificate; Medical report; Academic qualification certificates (translated into Arabic); Declaration of assets and income inside and outside the Kingdom; among 2 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia provides 3 pathways: Naturalization by residence, By descent, By marriage.
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