The reality: there is no open application scheme
Saudi Arabia does not run an open 'apply-and-receive' naturalisation programme for foreigners. Even where every condition is met, the final grant is discretionary and rests with the Minister of Interior — and ultimately the King. For most Turkish applicants the realistic goal is Premium Residency, with full citizenship reserved for exceptional cases and, under Vision 2030, for a small number of outstanding talents chosen by royal order.
Legal basis
The framework is the Saudi Arabian Citizenship System (Nationality Regulations), administered by the Ministry of Interior's Civil Affairs Agency. A 2021 Council of Ministers decision added a special track allowing citizenship for exceptional scientific, medical, cultural and technical talents by royal order.
Who can apply (ordinary naturalisation)
· Entered the Kingdom legally and holds a valid passport allowing return to the home country
· At least 10 consecutive years of regular residence (iqama) in Saudi Arabia
· Works in a profession the Kingdom needs
· Has reached the age of maturity and is of sound mind
· Good conduct; no prison sentence over six months for a moral offence
· A proven, legitimate source of income
The 33-point test
Applications are scored out of 33 points and must reach at least 23 to advance: ten points for ten years' residence; up to 13 for qualifications (a PhD in medicine or engineering = 13, a PhD in other fields = 10, a master's = 8, a bachelor's = 5); and up to 10 for family ties to Saudi nationals.
Required documents
· Completed citizenship application form (signed, with photo and administration stamp)
· Three copies of the information form
· Originals of all supporting documents
· A medical report confirming physical and mental fitness
· A statement from the relevant authority confirming the specialty is needed
· Academic qualifications translated into Arabic
· A declaration of assets and income inside and outside the Kingdom
· A statement of religious denomination, political activity and prior military service
Where to apply, fees and timeline
Applications go to the Civil Affairs Department of the Ministry of Interior (or a Saudi mission abroad). A three-member committee reviews the file before it reaches the Naturalisation Committee and the Minister. There is no fixed 'purchase price'; costs are limited to standard processing and document fees paid at submission. The timeline is open-ended — a discretionary decision that commonly takes years.
The realistic route: Premium Residency
Introduced in 2019 and expanded under Vision 2030, Premium Residency (the 'Saudi green card') lets foreigners live, work and own property without a Saudi sponsor. The permanent option costs a one-time SAR 800,000; a renewable version costs SAR 100,000 per year. Investor (from SAR 7 million), property-owner (developed residential property from SAR 4 million), entrepreneur and exceptional-talent categories exist. Applicants need a passport valid for at least six months, proof of financial solvency, a clean criminal record, a medical report, and must be at least 21.
Note for Turkish citizens: dual nationality
Saudi Arabia does not recognise dual citizenship; a naturalised person is expected to renounce their previous nationality. Turkey allows its citizens to renounce with an official exit permit, so the step is legally possible but should be weighed carefully. Premium Residency, by contrast, does not require giving up Turkish citizenship.
