Marriage rules in Saudi Arabia are based on religion and are very important in the country. Understanding the marriage laws for foreigners in Saudi Arabia is especially important, as the rules differ for men and women and depend on their religion and nationality.
Marriage Laws for Foreigners in Saudi Arabia
So, if you’re an expat living in Saudi Arabia, whether for work or with your family, the first question that often comes to mind is, “Can Muslim expats get married in Saudi Arabia?”
The answer is YES!
Muslim expats can legally marry in Saudi Arabia at the Sharia Court, following the rules of marriage in Islam. The bride and groom must attend the ceremony along with two witnesses. However, non-Muslim expats cannot marry under Saudi law and must complete their marriage at their embassy or consulate following their country’s rules. Furthermore, a Muslim cannot marry a non-Muslim unless the non-Muslim partner converts to Islam.
What does the Saudi Government verify when a Saudi woman marries a foreigner?
Now next question: in the case of a Saudi woman marrying a foreign man, “What does the government usually check when a Saudi woman marries a foreign man?”
When a Saudi woman applies for marriage in Saudi Arabia with a foreign man, the government conducts a comprehensive review before granting approval. Authorities verify several important factors, including:
- Legal status and residency of the foreign man in Saudi Arabia
- Age difference between the couple (it must not exceed 10 years to prevent exploitation)
- Criminal record or background check of the foreign partner
- Health and medical clearance for both individuals
- Financial stability and employment status of the foreign man
- Consent from the Saudi woman’s guardian (wali)
- Previous marital history, ensuring neither party is already married
- Approval is granted only if all requirements are met according to Saudi regulations.
In such cases, the foreign husband may face challenges getting a residency permit (Iqama), which can affect his legal rights in Saudi Arabia. All marriages must have proper documentation. Which include valid Iqamas, passports, medical reports, and approval from the woman’s guardian and relevant authorities. Cohabitation or living together without marriage is not permissible.
Following these rules makes sure your marriage is legal and recognized. Recently, Saudi Arabia has made it easier for foreigners to marry Saudi citizens while providing better legal protection for both spouses.
Who Can Marry in Saudi Arabia?
If you wonder, “Who can marry in Saudi Arabia?” the country follows Islamic law (Sharia). So, marriage rules depend on religion. For foreigners, the rules differ for Muslims and non-Muslims.
1. Muslim Expats
- A Muslim man and a Muslim woman can marry at any Sharia court.
- Both the bride and groom must attend the ceremony in person.
- Two male witnesses (or one male and two female witnesses) must also be present.
- You must provide your Iqama (residency card), passport, and medical report.
2. Non-Muslim Expats
- Saudi courts do not register non-Muslim marriages.
- You must marry at your embassy or consulate according to your home country’s laws.
- After the embassy ceremony, you can live together in Saudi Arabia with a legal marriage certificate.
3. Mixed-Religion Couples
- A Muslim can only marry a non-Muslim if the non-Muslim partner converts to Islam first.
- You must provide proof of conversion, such as a certificate from a recognized mosque, when registering the marriage at court.
Can Foreigners Get Residency After Marrying a Saudi Citizen?
Many foreigners want to know if they can get residency after marrying a Saudi citizen. In fact, Saudi law does not grant automatic citizenship or permanent residency to overseas spouses. However, there is a legal process:
- After issuing the marriage certificate, the Saudi spouse applies to the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) for a Family Residency Permit (Iqama Al-Aa’ila) for the foreign spouse.
- The application requires:
- A legally authenticated marriage certificate
- Security checks and health examinations
- Proof of the Saudi sponsor’s financial capability
In this case, the foreign spouse receives an Iqama, allowing them to live legally in Saudi Arabia with their Saudi partner. However, this is not permanent residency — the Iqama must be renewed annually, and a family levy fee also applies.
What are the Children’s Rights and Citizenship Rules in Saudi Arabia?
Children’s rights and nationality depend on the parents:
- Saudi Father and Foreign Mother: Children automatically get Saudi nationality. However, the foreign wife does not automatically get permanent residency in Saudi Arabia, even if her children are Saudi citizens. She can apply for a residence permit (Iqama) sponsored by her Saudi husband, but permanent residency or Saudi nationality is not granted automatically.
- Saudi Mother and Foreign Father: Children do not automatically receive Saudi citizenship, though recent reforms allow them to apply under certain conditions. The foreign husband does not automatically get residency and must obtain a separate Iqama, which requires government approval and is generally only granted in special cases, such as having children and obtaining permission from the Ministry of Interior.
- Residency for Non-Saudi Children: Children with lawful residency (Iqama) can access schools and healthcare with proper documentation.
Families have to consult legal experts to complete all documents, birth registrations, and residency applications correctly.
Can a Foreign Mother Sponsor Her Children in Saudi Arabia?
Normally, the Saudi father is the legal sponsor. In cases of divorce or widowhood, a foreign mother can request an exception to sponsor her children. This allows children to maintain residency and access services even if the father is not alive.
How Does Divorce or Remarriage Affect Residency in Saudi Arabia?
Divorce and remarriage can affect residency for foreign spouses in Saudi Arabia.
Divorce in Saudi Arabia
- Divorce usually ends the sponsorship for foreign spouses. They must leave Saudi Arabia once their Iqama expires unless they have children with their Saudi spouse or special legal arrangements.
- Secondly, for foreign spouses of Saudi citizens, residency may end after divorce unless they have children or can provide humanitarian reasons. Furthermore, an ex-wife may need her ex-husband’s permission to return to Saudi Arabia.
Second Marriage in Saudi Arabia
- Remarriage does not automatically give new residency rights. Foreign spouses must find a new sponsor to stay in Saudi Arabia.
- Divorced women must show their divorce document before remarrying.
- Foreigners marrying a Saudi citizen again must follow the legal process to get a new residency permit (Iqama). They do not automatically get citizenship or permanent residency.
By understanding these rules, foreign spouses can plan their stay and legal status in Saudi Arabia after divorce or remarriage.
Can Children of a Saudi and a Foreign Parent Get Dual Citizenship?
Saudi Arabia does not allow dual citizenship. Children of a Saudi and foreign parent may get Saudi nationality but cannot keep two passports simultaneously.
What Happens if I Remarry after a Divorce with a Saudi Citizen?
Basically, it asks: If someone has divorced a Saudi citizen and wants to remarry, what are the rules and consequences?
If someone divorces a Saudi citizen and plans to remarry, there are specific rules and consequences depending on whether the new spouse is Saudi or non-Saudi.
For Non-Saudi Spouses
- Residency: If a non-Saudi divorces a Saudi citizen, they may lose residency and must find a new sponsor within two months. Otherwise, you may have to leave Saudi Arabia.
- Remarriage: Remarriage is permissible, but the new spouse must meet Saudi residency rules. If you marry another non-Saudi, your new spouse must follow Saudi sponsorship rules.
- Children: Children from the previous marriage can get sponsorship through another employer if they are over 18.
- Citizenship: Former Saudi citizens may have the right to regain citizenship after divorce.
For Saudi Spouses
- Remarriage: A Saudi man must wait 6 months after divorce before marrying again.
- New Spouse: If the new spouse is non-Saudi, they must meet all legal requirements, including sponsorship.
Conclusion
Marriage laws in Saudi Arabia for foreigners are strict, but with proper planning, they are manageable. By following the rules discussed above, foreign spouses can secure legal residency, access work opportunities, and protect their children’s rights. Seeking legal guidance can make the process easier and ensure everything is done correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Foreign Spouses Work in Saudi Arabia?
Foreign spouses can work in Saudi Arabia. However, they need permission from their Saudi partner, a valid job offers, and must transfer their sponsorship to the employer. Some jobs, like doctor, engineer, or pharmacist, need special licenses.
Can Pakistani and Filipino Couples Marry in Saudi Arabia?
Pakistani and Filipino couples can marry in Saudi Arabia if they have valid Iqamas. Moreover, they need written permission from the bride’s sponsor, follow Islamic practices at a family court, also provide medical reports, and have the bride’s guardian as a witness.
Is a second marriage allowed in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, second marriages are permissible in Saudi Arabia, but they must follow legal and religious requirements.
Are Saudi men banned from marrying expat women?
No, this is not entirely true. A report said Saudi men cannot marry expat workers from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Chad, and Burma, but the Saudi government has not officially confirmed it.
How many marriages are allowed in Saudi Arabia?
Men in Saudi Arabia may marry up to four wives, provided they meet legal requirements to ensure financial and emotional fairness among them.
Do you get Saudi citizenship if you marry a Saudi?
A foreign woman married to a Saudi man can apply for Saudi citizenship after five years of marriage if she has permanent residency and meets certain conditions, like speaking Arabic and adapting to Saudi culture. In some cases, having children, a Saudi sibling, or being born in Saudi Arabia can make the process faster.
