Conditions for granting Saudi nationality to foreigners

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued a royal decree approving the amendment of Article 8 of the Saudi Nationality Law, whereby the phrase that says granting citizenship is based on a “decision of the Minister of Interior” was amended to become “by order of the Prime Minister.”

The Saudi law indicates that the applicant for naturalization should send his request for a residence permit and his passport, or any document prepared by the competent authorities, a list of the passport, and every document related to the nationality he holds, and every paper supporting what is required to prove it under the provisions of this system.

Amendment regarding Saudi nationality

Article 8 of the Saudi nationality system before the amendment permitted the granting of Saudi nationality by decision of the Minister of Interior to a child born inside Saudi Arabia to a foreign father and a Saudi mother if specific required conditions are met.

As for Article 9, it indicates that Saudi nationality can be granted to a foreign person if he fulfills several conditions.

Conditions for a foreigner to obtain Saudi nationality

 1. When applying for Saudi Arabian nationality, the applicant must have reached the age of majority.

2. The applicant for citizenship acquires residency status for a period of no less than 10 consecutive years in Saudi Arabia.

3. The applicant for Saudi nationality must be of sound mind and body.

4. The applicant for citizenship shall be of good conduct.

5. The applicant for citizenship must not have been sentenced to imprisonment for a moral crime for a period exceeding 6 months.

6. The applicant should not be one of the professions needed by the country, except for those born in the Kingdom to a foreign mother and an unknown father from this condition.

7. That the applicant for citizenship proves that he earned his living through legal means.

8. The applicant for citizenship must be fluent in speaking, reading and writing the Arabic language.