If you need to provide proof of marriage for use in Saudi Arabia, you will generally need to obtain an official marriage certificate from the relevant authority in your home country. The certificate should be an original or a certified copy issued by the authorized agency that registered the marriage. These documents are typically issued by the County Clerk or Circuit Court.
As of December 7, 2022, Saudi Arabia no longer requires Embassy or Consulate legalization for documents originating from the United States. This change was made as part of the Saudi government’s efforts to streamline the process of document authentication and make it easier for people to do business with the country.
Instead of embassy or consulate legalization, documents originating from the United States that are intended for use in Saudi Arabia must be authenticated by the Secretary of State’s office or US Department of State. For example, a California marriage certificate only requires the California State apostille. A Federal document will only require the apostille from the US Department of State.
In Saudi Arabia, unmarried or unrelated couples are generally not allowed to live together or engage in romantic relationships in public. The country adheres to strict Islamic law, and its legal system prohibits sexual relationships outside of marriage. As a result, public displays of affection, such as hugging or kissing, can result in penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or deportation.
In some cases, non-Muslim couples may be allowed to live together if they can prove that they are married in their home country and have the proper documentation to support their relationship. However, this can be a difficult and time-consuming process that may involve significant bureaucracy and legal fees.
It’s worth noting that this change only applies to documents originating from the United States. Documents from other countries may still require embassy or consulate legalization before they can be used in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, specific requirements and procedures for document authentication may vary depending on the purpose of the document and other factors, so it’s recommended that you check with the relevant authorities to ensure that you have the correct documentation and that it has been properly authenticated for use in Saudi Arabia.
Obtaining an apostille for Saudi Arabia can be complicated. Don’t leave this process to untrained employees or non-professionals who do not fully understand the Apostille process and the unique requirements of certain countries. Your paperwork could be rejected costing you time and money. Don’t let this happen to you!
Speak Your Mind