Saudi Arabia Citizenship for Indians - Requirements & Eligibility

There are more than 2.6 million Indians living in Saudi Arabia right now. They make up the largest group of foreigners in the country. Most people come to work, but more and more people are looking for something more permanent: Saudi Arabia citizenship.

For Indians, getting Saudi citizenship is not just about getting a passport; it is also about tax-free wealth, being able to travel anywhere in the world, getting world-class healthcare, and having business opportunities that are second to none. But how to get citizenship in Saudi Arabia as an Indian? What are the requirements? Let us explore it.

Why Are More Indians Seeking Saudi Citizenship?

Before exploring how to get citizenship in Saudi Arabia, let us understand its significance and why more Indians are seeking the citizenship:

Job Opportunities and High-Paying Jobs

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is making millions of jobs in areas like:

• Doctors, nurses, and chemists working in healthcare.
• Technology (NEOM projects, AI, and cybersecurity)
• Engineering (the Red Sea Project and Qiddiya)
• Money (the stock market in Riyadh is going up)

Professionals make two to three times as much money as they do in India because their salaries are tax-free and they get good expat packages.

Benefits for Business and Investment

In 2019, the Saudi Arabian government regulated that foreigners can own 100% of businesses in important areas like real estate with no restrictions in major cities, tech startups, healthcare, and education. Furthermore, Indians who put in SAR 7 million or more (₹15.5 crore) can get residency and citizenship quickly.

High Quality of Life

Saudi Arabia offers a vibrant city life with an array of high-quality options in:

• Healthcare: You can go to top hospitals like King Faisal Specialist Hospital.
• Education: Citizens can go to school for free and go to the best colleges, like KAUST.
• Safety: Low crime rates (Ranked the top safest GCC country).

Who can apply? Ways for Indians to Get Citizenship

Now, let us explore various pathways on how to get citizenship in Saudi Arabia as an Indian along with the necessary requirements:

Pathway 1: Getting a Job as a Professional

This pathway is ideal for professions such as doctors, engineers, and IT experts.

Requirements

• You must have lived in the country for at least 10 years on an Iqama (work visa).
• You must be fluent in Arabic (B2 level or higher).
• No criminal record (checks in India and Saudi Arabia).

Pathway 2: Business and Investment

You can also get Saudi Arabia citizenship if you intend to do business in the country. Here are the approved sectors you can invest in:

• Real estate (business and residential).
• Tech startups that get money from Saudi Arabia.
• Industrial Projects, like manufacturing and logistics.

Pathway 3: Ties to Marriage and Family

You can also get Saudi Arabian citizenship if you are married to a Saudi citizen or have ties with a Saudi family. Here are the requirements: 

• Saudi Spouses: You must have been married for at least 10 years and passed an Arabic test.
• Children: If they were born in Saudi Arabia, they may be able to qualify at 18 (depending on the case).

How to Apply For Saudi Arabian Citizenship

Here is the step-by-step process on how to get citizenship in Saudi Arabia as an Indian:

Step 1: Get the Documents Ready

The first and foremost step is to get the documents ready. Check the list for the mandatory documents:

• Passport valid for 6 months or more.
• Police Clearance (PCC) from India and Saudi Arabia.
• MOFA-certified educational certificates.
• Proof of income or assets, such as bank statements for the last six months.

Step 2: Send in your Application

The next step involves sending your citizenship application to the Absher portal or the Saudi Ministry of Interior (MOI). The cost of application is usually around SAR 3,000 and is non-refundable.

Step 3: Tests and Interviews

The further step includes various language tests and interviews, such as:

• Test in Arabic (speaking and writing).
• Background Check (databases from India and Saudi Arabia).

Step 4: The Time Frame for Approval

Now, the final step is to wait for the approval. The usual approval time can take from 2 to 5 years. However, you can fast-track the process to within 18 months if you are an investor. 

What are the Financial Requirements to get Citizenship?

There are certain financial requirements that you have to meet to be eligible for Saudi Arabian citizenship. Let us explore the options that open the door for seamless approval on the citizenship:

Option 1: Invest in a Business (SAR 7M+)

The first option is to invest in a business in the country, such as:

• Real estate: Purchase a business property in Riyadh or Jeddah.
• Startups: Work with Saudi partners to start a tech business.

Option 2: Bonds Issued by the Government (SAR 5M+)

The second option is to book a five-year investment in Saudi government bonds for at least SAR 5 million.

Option 3: High-Value Work

The third option involves getting a high-paying job in the country. Your pay should be SAR 50,000 per annum or more to be eligible for citizenship.

Also Read : How to Apply for a Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa as an Indian?

Wrapping Up

Saudi citizenship has benefits that no other country can match for investors and top professionals. But the long wait time, high costs, and need to speak Arabic make it hard for most people to get. To tackle these challenges, you can hire a lawyer who specialises in Saudi immigration and can sign-up for Arabic classes. And if you are able to overcome the challenges, with Saudi Arabia citizenship, you will get tax-free income, visa-free travel to more than 70 countries, including the UK, and world-class opportunities in the blooming economy. 

Ready to start the process of getting Saudi citizenship? Make sure you have best-in-class travel insurance that keeps you and your finances protected during the long waiting period of getting citizenship. A comprehensive travel insurance helps you avoid out-of-pocket expenses in times of medical emergencies, ensuring you stay focused on your goal. Explore our top-notch travel insurance policies today and safeguard your journey to getting Saudi Arabian citizenship.

People Also Ask

1. How can I get permanent residency in Saudi Arabia?

   You can get permanent residency in Saudi Arabia with Premium Residency Programs. People who invest at least SAR 800,000, have exceptional skills in important fields, or are qualified professionals or investors through the Saudi Green Card programme are eligible.

2. Does Saudi Arabia give citizenship to Indians?

   Yes, Saudi Arabia can give citizenship to Indians who meet strict requirements, such as living in the country for a long time, speaking Arabic well, making a large investment, or making important professional contributions to the Kingdom.

3. Who is eligible for Saudi citizenship?

   Long-term residents (10 years or more), investors with a lot of money, healthcare workers, tech experts, people married to Saudi citizens, and people with special skills that would be good for Saudi Arabia are all eligible.

4. Is it okay to keep my Indian passport?

   No, Saudi Arabia does not allow dual citizenship.

5. How can I get the fastest approval?

   The fastest way to get Saudi Arabian citizenship is to make an investment of at least SAR 7M or get a high-paying job, such as a surgeon, in the country.