Many prospective couples love Dubai because of its inviting atmosphere, so they organize their weddings in this city. Some expat couples in GCC countries also examine other destinations for their marriage. One latest update in the GCC countries is this: Saudi Arabia joins the HCCH Apostille Convention.

Since Saudi Arabia is quite close to Dubai expats might also want to explore the option. This article will consider the latest news of Saudi Arabia joining the HCCH Apostille convention and what this might mean for intending couples.

Facts about Saudi Arabia joining the Apostille convention

On 8th April 2022, Saudi Arabia agreed to abolish the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (Apostille Convention). What this means is that people who bring documents with the apostille stamp from a recognized nation will not have to undergo further legalization by the Saudi Embassy.

Prior to the time when Saudi Arabia joins the HCCH Apostille convention, legal documents that people obtained from other countries passed through a second round of inspection at the Saudi Embassy. With the new development, all of these can be bypassed.

Final thoughts on Saudi joining the HCCH Convention

It is important to note that the new process is valid for two countries that are classified as Apostille nations. Couples and other individuals with legal documents from an apostille nation will not have to authenticate this again in Saudi. That way they save money and time.

This new development has many positive potentials for expats who have documents from Apostille nations. The agreement will go into full force on December 7, 2022.

Presently, we do not have much information on how Saudi Arabia’s joining the Apostille convention will affect couples who marry in Apostille nations outside of Saudi. Once we have more updates, we shall disclose the same.