[Please refer to How to Read a Country Entry for help interpreting this material. It was produced prior to March 2001 as part of a US government report entitled Citizenship Laws of the World. The accuracy and depth of these country listings varies significantly, and some information may be incorrect. At best, this page presents only part of the story for a particular country. Additional information for this country may be available in Country Information]

SAUDI ARABIA

CITIZENSHIP: Citizenship is based upon the Saudi Nationality Law.

BY BIRTH: Birth within the territory of Saudi Arabia does not automatically confer citizenship.

BY DESCENT: Child of a Saudi father, born in wedlock, regardless of the child's country of birth. Child of a Saudi father and foreign mother, born out of wedlock, will obtain the citizenship of the mother. Child born in Saudi Arabia, out of wedlock, to a Saudi mother and unknown father.

Child born out of wedlock to a Saudi mother, born outside the country, will not be granted citizenship by descent.

MARRIAGE:

Foreign woman who marries a citizen of Saudi Arabia may apply for citizenship by registration. Residency requirements vary from case to case, up to five years. Citizenship is not automatically granted.

Foreign man who marries a citizen of Saudi Arabia is able to apply for citizenship, granted on a case by case basis.

BY NATURALIZATION: Saudi Arabia does not automatically grant rights to apply for naturalization. For persons who otherwise qualify (unspecified) for permanent residency, naturalization conditions include: Residence in the country for five years, no criminal record, and renunciation of previous citizenship.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED. Exception: A Saudi woman who marries a foreign citizen may retain her Saudi citizenship unless prohibited by the laws of the spouse's home country.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of Saudi citizenship is permitted by law. Contact the Embassy for details and required paperwork.

INVOLUNTARY: The following are grounds for involuntary loss of Saudi citizenship: Person voluntarily acquires a foreign citizenship. Naturalized citizenship was obtained through fraud or falsehood.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be directed to the address below:

Embassy of Saudi Arabia Consular Section 601 New Hampshire Ave., NW Washington, DC 20037

Embassy Telephone: 202-342-3800 Consular Telephone: Fax: 202-944-5983

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