Everything You Need to Know about Expats Marriage in Saudi Arabia: A Complete Guide to Expats Marriage Saudi

Marrying abroad can be a mix of excitement and uncertainty, especially in a country with unique customs like Saudi Arabia. Did you know over 150,000 couples tie the knot there every year? Our complete guide is here to demystify the process for expats looking to get married in this vibrant kingdom.

Discover what it takes to walk down the aisle in Saudi Arabia—read on!

Key Takeaways

Valid resident permits are a must for expats who want to get married in Saudi Arabia. Both partners need these to show they live in the country legally.
Before marrying, expat men and Saudi women need written permission from their guardians. This shows respect for Saudi Arabia's marriage laws.
To marry as an expat, you have to register on an e - portal and fill out a marriage application form. Sometimes there are extra steps depending on your home country’s rules.
If a Saudi woman wants to marry a non-Saudi man, she needs special approval shown by an E-Certificate. The couple must follow extra rules about guardianship and where they come from.
When getting divorced in Saudi Arabia, Muslim couples use Islamic law while non - Muslims follow their own country's laws. Child custody often goes to the mother but can change as kids grow up.

Marriage Requirements for Expats in Saudi Arabia

Expats looking to get married in Saudi Arabia must ensure they have a valid resident permit, obtain written permission from their current guardians, register on the e-portal, and fill out a marriage application form.

These requirements are essential for expats to legally marry in the country.

Valid resident permit for both parties

To get married in Saudi Arabia, both the bride and groom must have valid resident permits. This is a key rule for expat marriage. The permits prove that they legally live in the country.

Couples must show their resident cards during the marriage process.

Getting these permits involves following Saudi Arabia's rules for residency. You have to make sure your paperwork is right and up-to-date. If you don't have a valid permit, you can't start the wedding procedures for expats in Saudi Arabia.

Always check that your resident status is clear before planning to marry.

Written permission from current guardians

To marry a foreigner in Saudi Arabia, Saudi women need written permission from the government. This requirement underscores the significance of guardianship and consent within the country's legal framework for marriage.

The process and criteria for obtaining this written permission are essential to be aware of prior to embarking on the marriage application journey as an expat in Saudi Arabia.

Expats who wish to marry a Saudi woman should understand that written permission from current guardians is a crucial step in compliance with local regulations. It emphasizes the cultural and legal importance placed on family involvement and approval in marriages involving Saudi citizens.

Registering on the e-portal

To register on the e-portal for marriage in Saudi Arabia, both parties must have valid resident permits. This process involves obtaining written permission from current guardians and filling out a marriage application form.

Expats should also contact their embassy to gather necessary information about the procedures before starting the registration process.

Once the necessary documents are ready, couples can proceed with the registration on the e-portal as required by Saudi Arabia’s marriage laws. Additionally, there is a new marriage law in effect since 2023 that further regulates this process.

Filling out a marriage application form

When filling out a marriage application form in Saudi Arabia, expats need to ensure they have a valid resident permit for both parties. Written permission from current guardians is also necessary, and registering on the e-portal should be completed beforehand.

The process requires attention to detail and adherence to specific requirements, especially when different nationalities are involved.

It's crucial for expats marrying in Saudi Arabia to understand that the marriage application process has legal and cultural considerations that may vary based on their nationality.

Marriage Procedures for Non-Muslims

Non-Muslims planning to marry in Saudi Arabia must follow specific procedures and meet certain requirements. Here's what you need to know:

Obtain a no - objection letter from your embassy.
Register the marriage contract at the Ministry of Justice, along with necessary documents such as passports, visas, and birth certificates.
Undergo a medical examination including a blood test at an authorized health center.

Marriage between Saudi Females and Non-Saudi Residents

Saudi females marrying non-Saudi residents require specific eligibility and information, as well as obtaining an E-Certificate. There are also considerations regarding guardianship and nationality that need to be addressed in this process.

Eligibility and required information

Foreigners seeking to marry Saudi females must meet certain eligibility criteria and provide necessary documentation. This includes obtaining a valid resident permit, securing written permission from the current guardians, registering on the e-portal, and completing a marriage application form.

Additionally, Saudi women require government permission to marry a non-Saudi resident, underscoring the significance of complying with all legal requirements. As over 150,000 marriage ceremonies take place annually in Saudi Arabia, it is crucial for expats to understand and adhere to these regulations.

Obtaining an E-Certificate is also essential for marriage between Saudi females and non-Saudi residents. This process involves fulfilling specific nationality and guardianship obligations while ensuring compliance with relevant laws governing expat marriages in Saudi Arabia.

Obtaining an E-Certificate

To obtain an E-certificate, both parties need to register on the official online portal and fill out a marriage application form. Saudi females marrying non-Saudi residents must adhere to additional steps, including providing specific eligibility and required information.

It is important to note that there are guardianship and nationality requirements involved in this process. With over 150,000 marriage ceremonies held annually in Saudi Arabia, it's essential for expats to understand the necessary procedures and regulations when obtaining an E-certificate for their marriage.

Contacting the embassy can provide valuable information about the required steps.

Guardianship and nationality

Saudi females marrying non-Saudi residents must obtain an E-Certificate from the Ministry of Interior to demonstrate their guardians' approval for the marriage. This is a crucial step as Saudi women require government permission to marry a foreigner, as emphasized in Saudi Arabia's legal framework.

Additionally, it is important to note that nationality plays a significant role in the marriage process for expats in Saudi Arabia, with specific requirements and procedures tailored to different nationalities like Egyptian and Filipino marriages.

Divorce and Child Custody Laws in Saudi Arabia

Divorce laws in Saudi Arabia are based on Islamic Shari'a principles. For Muslim couples, a divorce can be initiated by the husband, known as Talaq. He must state his intention to divorce his wife either verbally or in writing.

Child custody is typically granted to the mother until a male child reaches the age of seven and a female child reaches nine, after which they may decide which parent to live with.

In some cases, non-Saudi mothers may face challenges in gaining custody of their children following a divorce.

Non-Muslim expats follow their home country's legal system when it comes to divorce and child custody matters. The legal system allows for joint custody or visitation rights unless there are exceptional circumstances such as abuse or neglect.

However, it's essential for expats facing issues related to divorce and child custody to seek guidance from their embassy or consulate regarding their specific situation within the framework of Saudi law.

Conclusion

In summary, getting married as an expat in Saudi Arabia involves specific requirements and procedures. Expats should ensure they have valid resident permits and written permission from current guardians.

Non-Muslims need to register on the e-portal and fill out a marriage application form. Additionally, Saudi women marrying non-Saudi residents must obtain an E-Certificate and consider guardianship and nationality laws.