How to get Saudi Nationality or Citizenship?

Many expats have been living in Saudi Arabia for decades and they want to know how to get Saudi Nationality or Saudi Citizenship. Well, there is a 33 points-based system to get Saudi nationality and we have explained it below.

It should be kept in mind that the decision of granting Saudi Nationality solely depends upon the Ministry of Interior.

Saudi Nationality for different family relations

Wife of a Saudi Husband

The wife of a Saudi Husband will be able to get the nationality if she meets certain criteria;

• the marriage term of 5 years.
• the wife is an Iqama holder.
• No criminal record.
• The children out of marriage would increase the chances of getting the nationality.

However, in order to get nationality, the marriage must be approved by the Saudi Government. 

Husband of a Saudi Wife

A Saudi wife’s husband will not be able to get Saudi citizenship directly. He must qualify for it by going through the point system which has been explained below.

Children of a Saudi Father

Children of a Saudi Father will be able to get the nationality from the first day of their birth irrespective of where they are born even if their mother is an expatriate.

However, in order to get nationality, the marriage must be approved by the Saudi Government. 

Children of Saudi Mother

Children of Saudi mothers will be able to get Saudi Citizenship if they qualify for the following point system.

Point System for Saudi Nationality

Application to get Saudi Citizenship of every Resident Person (Iqama Holder) including the above persons is to be reviewed by the Ministry of Interior if he scores at least 23 points from the given 33 points.

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
• Recommended: List of Professions who can get the Saudi Nationality

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 Child – 2 Points.

How likely is it to get a Saudi passport?

I would not be wrong in stating that it is second to impossible for expatriates to get Saudi Citizenship unless she is married to Saudi National and has children who are Saudis.

However, if you are performing a remarkable job in your profession that can help Saudi Arabia, Saudi King can also award nationality.

• First 5 expats who got Saudi Passport.

Source: Ministry of Interior