Saudi Arabia Sets Six Conditions for Citizenship by Marriage

Saudi Arabia has published six conditions that a non-Saudi individual must meet to obtain citizenship through marriage to a Saudi national, as outlined by Article 16 of the Saudi nationality law. The Minister of Interior has the discretionary authority to approve or deny applications.

The marriage must be legally valid and in force at the time of application. The woman must renounce her original nationality before a judge or notary, a mandatory step prior to citizenship approval.

The marriage must comply with regulations governing unions between Saudis and foreigners. Applicants must also provide a declaration confirming they have no criminal record or public morals offenses and must reside within Saudi Arabia.

The marriage must have lasted a minimum of five years, although exceptions may apply for couples married for four years without children under certain conditions. The minister can revoke citizenship if the marriage ends and the woman reacquires her original nationality or obtains another foreign nationality.