Law & Order: HOW TO GET MARRIED IN SAUDI ARABIA FOR EXPATS & TOURIST

To get married in Saudi Arabia as an expat or tourist, you need to follow certain procedures and meet specific requirements. Here is a general overview of the process:

Legal Requirements:

1. a. Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old.

2. b. Marital Status: If either party has been previously married, appropriate divorce or death certificates must be provided.

3. c. Guardianship: Female expats or tourists require a male guardian (Mahram) who is responsible for their well-being and gives permission for marriage.

4. d. Legal Status: Make sure you have a valid residence permit (Iqama) or a visa allowing marriage in Saudi Arabia.

Pre-marital Counseling:

Before getting married, it is mandatory for both parties to attend pre-marital counseling sessions conducted by the Marriage and Family Consultation Centers.

Gather Required Documents:

Prepare the following documents for the marriage process:

a. Valid passports and copies for both parties.

b. Valid residence permits (Iqama) or appropriate visas.

c. Birth certificates for both parties.

d. Pre-marital blood tests and medical certificates.

e. Written permission from the female's guardian (Mahram) if applicable.

f. Divorce or death certificates if either party was previously married.

Visit the Ministry of Justice:

Visit the Ministry of Justice in Saudi Arabia to start the marriage registration process. Bring all the required documents mentioned above and submit them to the marriage officer. You may need a translator if you are not fluent in Arabic.

Contract and Witnesses:

The marriage officer will prepare the marriage contract (Katb Al-Kitab) in Arabic. Two male Muslim witnesses (one for the bride and one for the groom) who are not family members need to be present during the contract signing.

Marriage Certificate:

After the contract is signed, you will receive a marriage certificate from the marriage officer. This certificate is required for various legal purposes.

Civil Affairs Office:

Take the marriage certificate to the Civil Affairs Office to have it legalized and officially recognized. The Civil Affairs Office will provide you with the necessary documents and copies.

Note: It's important to consult with the authorities, such as the Ministry of Justice or a local embassy, for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding marriage procedures in Saudi Arabia, as requirements and processes may vary.

Remember that cultural and religious norms play a significant role in Saudi Arabia. It's essential to be respectful of local customs and traditions throughout the entire process.

For more detailed information, contact us at  Law & Order KSA.

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