Saudi Citizenship for Children

Yes. Under Saudi nationality law, any child whose father is a Saudi citizen at the time of birth is automatically a Saudi citizen, regardless of where the child is born or the mother's nationality. The father must register the birth with the civil affairs office (Ahwal Madani) to obtain official documentation. This is the primary principle of Saudi citizenship - it follows the father's nationality (jus sanguinis through the paternal line).

Yes, under recent reforms. In 2024, Saudi Arabia issued a Royal Order allowing children of Saudi women married to foreign men to apply for Saudi citizenship. Previously, these children could only get residency permits. The application is submitted to the Ministry of Interior and is considered on a case-by-case basis. Children must generally be under 18 at the time of application, though adult children may also apply under certain conditions.

No. Saudi Arabia does not grant citizenship by birth on its territory (no jus soli). A child born in Saudi Arabia to two foreign parents does not receive Saudi citizenship. The child takes the nationality of the father. The only exception is foundlings (children of unknown parents found in Saudi territory), who are presumed Saudi until proven otherwise.

If the father is Saudi, the children remain Saudi citizens regardless of divorce or custody arrangements. If the mother is Saudi and father is foreign, the children's citizenship status depends on whether citizenship was granted before the divorce. Custody does not affect nationality. However, residency (Iqama) for foreign-parent children may be affected by custody decisions.

Saudi Arabia follows Islamic law which does not recognize adoption in the Western sense. Instead, it recognizes kafala (guardianship/sponsorship). Children under kafala do not automatically receive Saudi citizenship. However, foundlings with unknown parents who are placed under kafala are already considered Saudi citizens. For known-parent children under kafala, citizenship is not transferred.

For Saudi fathers: Register within 15 days of birth at the Ahwal Madani (Civil Affairs) office or through Absher. You need the hospital birth notification, parents' IDs, and marriage certificate. For foreign parents: Register at your embassy/consulate and obtain a birth certificate. Late registration (after 15 days) requires additional documentation and may incur fees.

The child is still entitled to Saudi citizenship. Family members (grandmother, uncle, or the Saudi mother) can register the child by providing: the father's death certificate, proof of marriage, the father's Saudi nationality documents, and the child's birth certificate. The Civil Affairs office will process the registration with these documents.

Saudi Arabia does not officially recognize dual citizenship. However, for children of mixed-nationality parents, the practical situation is complex. A child with a Saudi father may also have citizenship from the mother's country. Saudi Arabia considers the child Saudi and does not acknowledge the other citizenship. Using a foreign passport while in Saudi Arabia is not permitted for Saudi citizens.