Saudi Arabia is home to a large community of Pakistani, Indian and other expatriate families, and many people are curious about how marriage works there. In recent years the Kingdom has modernised its family law, made marriage contracts digital, and strengthened protections for women.
Quick facts
- The Personal Status Law of 2022 sets 18 as the age of marriage, with court oversight for any exceptions.
- A woman’s consent is required, and the marriage contract must be documented officially.
- Premarital medical screening is mandatory before the contract.
- Saudi citizens need official permission to marry a foreign national.
The Personal Status Law
Saudi Arabia’s first codified Personal Status Law came into effect in 2022. It brought clear written rules for engagement, marriage, mahr, custody and divorce. Key points for marriage include:
- The age of marriage is 18. Any marriage below this age needs the court’s approval, which is given only when it is in the person’s interest.
- The bride’s consent is a condition of the marriage.
- The mahr belongs to the wife, and she can include conditions in the contract, for example about studying or working.
- The contract must be documented, which protects both partners in matters such as inheritance and the children’s records.
How the marriage contract is registered
Marriage contracts are concluded by a licensed marriage officer (ma’dhoon) and registered with the Ministry of Justice. Many steps, including booking and documentation, are now handled through the Ministry’s digital Najiz platform. The bride and the groom, the bride’s guardian and two witnesses are normally required.
Premarital medical screening
Before the marriage contract can be completed, both partners must take a premarital screening test at an approved health centre. It checks for inherited blood disorders such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia, and for certain infectious diseases. The results are shared with the couple to help them make an informed decision. The Ministry of Health provides counselling for couples with a high-risk result.
Marriage involving foreigners
- Saudi citizen and a foreigner: official permission is required in advance, and there are conditions about age, income and the foreign partner’s legal status.
- Two expatriates: foreign couples often marry through their own embassy, or at a Saudi court if both are Muslim, and then register the marriage in their home country.
Pakistani couples usually attest the marriage contract through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistani embassy, and then register it with NADRA. Indian couples follow a similar process with the Indian embassy.
Traditional customs
Saudi weddings differ by region, but common elements include:
- Khutbah: the formal proposal between the two families.
- Milka: the signing of the marriage contract, often a small family gathering.
- Henna night: a celebration for the bride with her female relatives and friends.
- Zawaj (wedding night): a large celebration, often with separate halls for men and women, Arabic coffee, dates and traditional dances like the ardah.
Protect yourself from fraud
Be careful with online offers promising marriage with a “Saudi-based groom” in exchange for fees or visa processing. Genuine families never ask for money to arrange a match. Learn the warning signs in our scam awareness guide.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For your situation, consult the Ministry of Justice services or a licensed Saudi lawyer.
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