How to get Saudi Nationality or Citizenship?

Many expats have lived in Saudi Arabia for decades and are interested in learning how to obtain Saudi nationality or citizenship. To obtain Saudi nationality, there is a 33-point criteria, which we have outlined below.

It is important to remember that the decision to give Saudi nationality is completely in the hands of the Ministry of Interior.

Saudi Nationality for different family relations

Wife of a Saudi Husband

If the wife of a Saudi husband passes specific qualifications, she will be granted nationality.

• a five-year marriage period
• at the at least one child
• 17 nationality points (explained below).
• The marriage must, however, be approved by the Saudi government in order to obtain nationality.

Husband of a Saudi Wife

The husband of a Saudi woman will be unable to obtain Saudi citizenship on his own. He must first qualify for it by completing the point system outlined below.

In three months, expats can apply for Saudi citizenship.

Children of a Saudi Father

Even if their mother is an expatriate, children of a Saudi father will be entitled to obtain nationality from the day of their birth, regardless of where they are born.

The marriage must, however, be approved by the Saudi government in order to obtain nationality.

Children of Saudi Mother

Children of Saudi mothers will be eligible for Saudi citizenship if they meet the criteria outlined below.

Point System for Saudi Nationality

Every Resident Person (Iqama Holder), including the above individuals, must submit an application for Saudi citizenship to the Ministry of Interior if he receives at least 23 points out of a possible 33.

Residence – 10 points

Residence of minimum 10 consecutive years in Saudi Arabia – 10 Points

Occupation – 13 points

• Degree in Medicine or Engineering – 13 Points
• Degree in Other Sciences – 10 Points
• Master’s Degree – 8 Points
• Bachelor’s Degree – 5 Points

Saudi Relatives – 10 Points

• Father is Saudi –  3 Points
• Mother is Saudi – 2 Points
• Mother and Mother’s Father are Saudis – 3 Points
• Wife is Saudi – 1 Point
• Wife and Wife’s Father are Saudis – 2 Points
• 1 Saudi Child – 1 Point
• More than 1 Saudi Children – 2 Points

How likely is it to get a Saudi passport?

I believe it is safe to say that obtaining Saudi citizenship is next to impossible for expatriates unless they are married to a Saudi national and have Saudi children.

Source: MOI