There are several ways to obtain citizenship in Saudi Arabia, among which there is naturalization for foreigners who have lived here legally. Just like in other countries, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) grants citizenship based on meeting several criteria that are explained below by our lawyers. We can also help you find out if you meet these requirements and file for a Saudi passport.
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The main ways to apply for Saudi citizenship
Here is a brief guide on how to obtain citizenship in Saudi Arabia:
- naturalization, which covers foreign citizens who have lived in the country for a specific period of time;
- marriage which applies to foreign women marrying Saudi men;
- birth/descent/ancestry which applies to children born to Saudi fathers.
If you enter any of these categories and want to know which Saudi Arabia citizenship requirements apply to you, feel free to discuss with our specialists who specialize in immigration to Saudi Arabia. Also, there is no concept of dual citizenship in Saudi Arabia.
The main requirements for Saudi citizenship for expats
Naturalization is the main pathway through which most foreign citizens decide to apply for KSA citizenship. For this purpose, they must meet the following requirements:
- the applicant has entered and lived in Saudi Arabia legally, specifically based on a Saudi residence permit, but still has a valid passport for his/her country of origin, enabling him/her to return there;
- the candidate has lived in the KSA for at least 10 years;
- the applicant must hold a job in one of the most sought economic sectors in the country.
The last requirement is why, when discussing nationality, we often refer to it as Saudi citizenship for professionals.
An interesting fact about citizenship in Saudi Arabia is that it is awarded by an evaluation committee within the Interior Ministry Agency of Civil Affairs which will assess the application on a point-based system. The maximum number of points that can be obtained by a candidate is 33, divided into 3 categories, as follows:
- the minimum residence condition will award the applicant 10 points automatically;
- the profession of the applicant will add maximum 13 points to the evaluation;
- having Saudi relatives can bring 10 points more.
The minimum score for the Saudi Arabia citizenship requirements to be met is above 23. Any score under this limit is not considered rejected, however, it remains pending with the Committee. In case of those who do not have blood ties here, the Naturalization Committee will make recommendations to the Ministry of Interior with respect to a financial contribution to be made in order for them to be granted citizenship.
If you decide to apply for Saudi citizenship, we recommend discussing with our agents. In case the evaluation reaches a point where a financial contribution needs to be made, you can also talk about it with our Saudi accountants.
We remind you that if you obtain a passport, dual citizenship in Saudi Arabia is not accepted.
Conditions to apply for KSA citizenship
Those who want to obtain Saudi citizenship for professionals must meet the following requirements upon filing the documents:
- They must be in full mental capacity;
- They are also required to have a good reputation;
- They must not have been charged with any offenses in the 6 months before the application;
- They must prove their source of income is legitimate.
For example, one way to make money is to open a company in Saudi Arabia. For this purpose, you can rely on our Saudi company formation agents.
For support in filing for citizenship in Saudi Arabia, please contact us.