Marriage in Saudi Arabia for foreigners is a complex subject that combines local laws and cultural traditions, especially when it comes to marriage between Saudis and foreigners. It requires a thorough understanding of the applicable laws and procedures, as requirements vary based on nationality and social status. In this article, we will review the laws and regulations related to marriage in Saudi Arabia for foreigners, as well as the basic steps necessary to complete the marriage process legally in the Kingdom.
المحتويات
- 1 Regulations Regulating the Marriage in Saudi Arabia for Foreigners
- 2 Basic Procedures for Marriage Contracts for Foreigners in Saudi Arabia
- 3 Procedures for Online Marriage in Saudi Arabia for Foreigners
- 4 Stages of Completing a Marriage between a Saudi Man and a Foreign Woman Residing in Saudi Arabia
- 5 FAQ
Regulations Regulating the Marriage in Saudi Arabia for Foreigners
This regulation, issued on 20 Dhu al-Hijjah 1422 AH and published on 29 Muharram 1423 AH, includes the provisions and conditions for the marriage of Saudis to non-Saudis, identifying the categories prohibited from marrying foreigners, the legal procedures for documenting marriage contracts, and clarifying the penalties for violating the provisions of the regulation.
Article 1
Marriage of a Saudi Man to a Non-Saudi Woman or a Saudi Man to a Non-Saudi Man is prohibited if the Saudi party belongs to one of the following categories:
- Ministers and those of similar rank, as well as those holding excellent ranks and the fourteenth and fifteenth ranks.
- Members of the judiciary, such as judges, notaries, and employees of the Ministry of Justice and the Board of Grievances.
- Employees of the Royal Court, the Council of Ministers, and members of the Shura Council
- Diplomatic and administrative employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Personnel working outside the Kingdom.
- Members of the armed forces in the Ministry of Defense and Aviation, the National Guard, and the Internal Security Forces, whether officers or enlisted.
- Personnel in the General Investigation and Intelligence Service, whether civilian or military.
- Students studying abroad or studying at their own expense.
- Chairmen of the boards of directors of joint-stock companies, as well as the company’s managing directors.
- Civilian employees of the Ministry of Defense and Aviation, the Ministry of Interior, and the National Guard.
- Members of the Public Prosecution.
- Customs employees.
- Employees in positions of a special nature, as determined by the competent authorities.
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Article 2
Marriage between non-Saudis and those outside the prohibited categories mentioned in Article One may be permitted, provided permission is obtained from the Minister of Interior or his authorized representative. The other party must be of Arab or Islamic nationality, and in cases of necessity, of other nationalities, while adhering to Sharia regulations.
Article 3
Marriage between Saudis and citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries is permitted, provided the Saudi party does not belong to the prohibited categories mentioned in Article One. Saudi representations shall verify the profession and the absence of any reservations, and shall issue approval to the competent authorities to complete the marriage contract. Sharia courts shall also verify that the conditions are met before notarizing the marriage contract for residents of the Kingdom.
Article 4
Women born in the Kingdom to Saudi mothers and non-Saudi fathers are permitted to marry Saudis, provided the Saudi husband does not belong to the prohibited categories mentioned in Article One. The notarization procedures shall be completed in the Sharia courts.
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Article 5
A Saudi man is permitted to marry a non-Saudi woman born in the Kingdom to non-Saudi parents, provided that she has a birth certificate issued by the Civil Registry, holds a valid residency permit or special permit, and that the husband does not fall into the prohibited categories mentioned in Article One.
Article 6
Marriage to a non-Saudi woman requires that the foreign partner not be undesirable for reasons related to their personality, nationality, or religion, especially if they adhere to beliefs not recognized by Islamic law.
Article 7
Sharia courts in the Kingdom shall verify that the conditions set forth in the preceding articles are met before registering the marriage contract. Saudi representations shall also verify that the data complies with the provisions of Article Six.
Article 8
A Saudi man married to a non-Saudi woman may not hold any of the positions stipulated in Article One.
Article 9
If a violation of the provisions of the Regulations is proven, the following measures will be taken:
- The married person will be tried disciplinary before the Board of Grievances.
- The competent authorities will refuse to register the marriage.
- The foreign husband or wife will be prevented from entering the Kingdom and their residency will be terminated if they are residing within the Kingdom.
Article 10
The Minister of Interior may approve a marriage that violates the provisions of Article Two, with the exception of the cases stipulated in Article One, in which marriage is not permitted except by order of the highest authority.
Article 11
These Regulations will be published in the Official Gazette and will become effective from the date of their publication. Any conflicting provisions will be repealed.
Basic Procedures for Marriage Contracts for Foreigners in Saudi Arabia
1. Submitting an Official Application
The Saudi party must submit the marriage application along with the required documents, such as a national ID certified by the competent authorities, in addition to the identity of the foreign party.
2. Review of the application by the competent authorities
The application is transferred to a committee composed of representatives from the Ministry of Interior and relevant authorities to study the application and ensure it meets the requirements.
3. Ensuring the absence of legal impediments
Saudi embassies outside the Kingdom verify that there are no legal impediments to the marriage.
4. Marriage documentation in the Sharia court
- If the woman was born in Saudi Arabia to a Saudi mother and a foreign father, the marriage is documented in the Sharia court.
- If the wife was born in the Kingdom and holds a valid birth certificate and residency permit, the legal procedures stipulated in the Personal Status Law must be adhered to.
5. Dealing with violations
In the event of violating the laws, penalties may be imposed by the Board of Grievances, and the foreign husband may be banned from entering the Kingdom or have his residency revoked if he is a resident.
Procedures for Online Marriage in Saudi Arabia for Foreigners
- Log in to the (Najiz) platform using your National Access Account.
- Select the Electronic Services menu.
- Select the (Social Status) package.
- Select the (Marriage Documentation of One Spouse to a Non-Saudi) service.
- Enter the required information, then click the (Use Service) icon to complete the application.
Following these steps ensures official recognition of the marriage and avoids any future legal issues.
Stages of Completing a Marriage between a Saudi Man and a Foreign Woman Residing in Saudi Arabia
The marriage process for a Saudi man to a foreign woman residing in the Kingdom involves three main stages:
1. Submitting the Marriage Application to the Emirate
The procedure begins with submitting an official application to the emirate to which the husband resides. At this stage, a marriage permit is required to marry a foreign woman. This is done after ensuring that all necessary conditions for the marriage are met in accordance with applicable regulations.
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2. Contacting the Saudi Embassy in the Wife’s Country
After obtaining the marriage permit, the husband moves to the second stage, which involves contacting the Saudi Embassy in the wife’s country. This step aims to complete all the required documents to complete the marriage contract.
3. Documenting the Marriage Contract in the Emirate
In the final stage, the husband submits an official application to have the marriage contract documented in the emirate to which he resides. This requires attaching all required documents to verify the validity of the contract and completing the legal procedures.
Once these three stages are completed, the marriage contract is officially documented in accordance with Saudi law, ensuring legal recognition of the marital relationship.
For further information or legal inquiries, it is recommended to contact a personal status lawyer from Etqan Law Firm, who can provide legal advice on marriage and annulment procedures before the Personal Status Court.
In conclusion, marriage in Saudi Arabia for foreigners is a process that requires compliance with a set of laws and formal procedures. It is essential for individuals wishing to marry to be aware of all legal requirements and procedures to avoid any future complications. With the necessary information and clear guidance, foreigners can realize their dream of marrying in the Kingdom legally and safely. It is always advisable to consult specialized lawyers for appropriate legal advice to ensure a smooth process.
The Etqan Al Mutamayza Law Firm can provide the necessary support. You can contact their team
- through the following mobile numbers: 056113776, 0541110440, 504315333
Alternatively, you can visit our branches:
- Jeddah: Al-Aziziyah District–Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street (Tahlia)
- Riyadh: King Abdulaziz Street – In front of Kingdom
- Dammam: Al-Ashri’a Street, Al-Badeea, Dammam 32415.
FAQ
1- What are the requirements to get married in Saudi Arabia?
To get married in Saudi Arabia, the following general requirements must be met:
Presence of both parties: The bride, groom, and the bride’s guardian (wali) must be present.
Valid identification: Original national IDs or passports for both parties and the guardian are required.
– Witnesses: Two male witnesses (preferably relatives) with valid identification must be present.
– Pre-marital medical examination: Both parties must undergo and present a medical test from an approved hospital.
– Consent of the bride: The bride’s verbal consent is necessary and must be verified by the officiant (ma’zoon).
– Marriage contract: The marriage contract must be drawn up and signed in the presence of an authorized marriage official.
2- What happens when a Saudi wants to marry a foreigner?
If a Saudi citizen wishes to marry a foreigner, the process includes additional steps and requirements:
– Application submission: The Saudi citizen must submit a marriage application to the local Emirate (province) where they reside.
– Age requirement: The applicant must be between 30 and 70 years old to marry a foreigner (exceptions apply for medical reasons).
– Marital status proof: If the applicant is already married to a Saudi, medical proof of infertility or health issues may be required.
– Income verification: Employment and salary statements are required; if working in the private sector, the document must be certified by the Chamber of Commerce.
– Approval from the Ministry of Interior: After verification, the Ministry of Interior must approve the marriage.
– Documentation of the foreign spouse: Copies of the foreign spouse’s passport, residency permit (if applicable), and family details must be submitted.
3- How can a Filipino get married in Saudi Arabia?
For Filipino citizens, marriage procedures depend on whether both parties are Filipinos or if one party is Saudi or of another nationality:
Marriage between two Filipinos:
The marriage can be conducted at the Philippine Embassy or Philippine Consulate in Saudi Arabia.
Requirements include:
Completed Marriage Application Form
Valid passports and residence permits (Iqama)
Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from the Philippines
Witnesses with valid ID
Pre-marital medical examination report
The marriage must be reported to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Marriage between a Filipino and a Saudi citizen:
The Saudi citizen must obtain approval from the Ministry of Interior.
The Filipino citizen must provide a Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) and other required personal documents.
The marriage should be registered with both Saudi authorities and the Philippine Embassy.
4- Can I get married in Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa?
No, Saudi law does not permit marriage on a tourist visa.
A valid residency permit (Iqama) or a work visa is required to complete a marriage contract under Saudi law.
Tourists are allowed to visit the Kingdom for religious, cultural, and recreational purposes only—not for legal or marital processes.