Nikah documents
Nikah documents in Saudi Arabia
Marriage in Saudi Arabia is an Islamic contract registered with the Ministry of Justice. Couples usually complete it with a licensed ma'dhun, and marriages involving a foreign spouse need extra approval.
Who registers the marriage
A licensed ma'dhun or the personal status court registers the contract with the Ministry of Justice. Many steps can be started through the Ministry's Najiz e-services.
Typical steps
- 1
Complete the mandatory premarital medical screening and get the certificate.
- 2
If one spouse is not a Saudi citizen, obtain the required marriage permission before the contract.
- 3
Agree the mahr and any conditions, then book a licensed ma'dhun or a court appointment.
- 4
Conclude the contract with the wali and two witnesses, then receive the registered marriage contract.
Common items to prepare
- National ID for Saudi citizens, or Iqama and passport for residents
- Premarital medical screening certificate
- Marriage permission where a foreign spouse is involved
- The wali's ID and proof of his relationship to the bride
- IDs of two adult witnesses
- Divorce certificate or the late spouse's death certificate if previously married
Important notes
Premarital screening has been mandatory in Saudi Arabia since 2004 and checks for inherited blood disorders and certain infectious diseases. A marriage concluded abroad may need attestation by the Saudi embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before it is recognised.
Family & wali considerations
Involve your wali or family representative early. Agree who attends, who speaks for the family, and how mahr and living plans will be discussed with dignity.
After documents
Once paperwork is clearer, focus on character, deen, and readiness. GoodSpouse helps serious Muslims meet with privacy, verification, and family-aware tools.
GoodSpouse provides general education only. Laws and mosque policies change. Verify every requirement with qualified local authorities before you travel or book a nikah date.
More free tools
Nikah readiness checklist
Track intention, faith, family, practical readiness, and documents before you move toward nikah.
Open tool →Premarital questions
Respectful questions for couples and families — deen, character, lifestyle, money, and the future.
Open tool →Compatibility quiz
A short free quiz on how you communicate and decide — then deepen with full MPTI in the app.
Open tool →Mahr calculator
Convert Mahr Fatimi and the minimum mahr into your currency with today's gold and silver prices.
Open tool →Istikhara guide
How to pray istikhara before a marriage decision, with the full dua and its meaning.
Open tool →Walima budget planner
Estimate your walima costs by category and per guest — and keep the celebration within your means.
Open tool →Biodata maker
Create a respectful marriage biodata to share with families and print or save as a PDF.
Open tool →Ready to meet serious Muslims?
Download GoodSpouse to continue with verified profiles, MPTI matching, Wali support, and Personal Khattabah guidance.