Latest News for NRIs in Saudi Arabia

This page is a dated log of specific regulatory developments already reflected in this platform's guides for Saudi Arabia, not a real-time news feed. Each item links to the full guide covering it.

Saudi Arabia-Specific Developments

• Saudi Arabia joins the Hague Apostille Convention (7 December 2022)

  Saudi Arabia's accession to the Apostille Convention took effect, though Indian Sub-Registrar offices still often expect the traditional Indian Embassy attestation route for property-related POAs in practice.

  Power of Attorney for NRIs in Saudi Arabia
• Premium Residency categories expanded (January 2024)

  Saudi Arabia expanded its sponsor-free Premium Residency scheme with new categories beyond the original investment-based route launched in 2019.

  Immigration for NRIs in Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Arabia's first codified Personal Status Law (2022)

  Saudi Arabia enacted its first codified Personal Status Law, replacing the earlier uncodified, judge-by-judge application of Islamic principles -- relevant to recognition of Indian family-law decrees.

  Family Law for NRIs in Saudi Arabia

India-Side Developments Affecting NRIs in Saudi Arabia

• Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026 (2026)

  India notified amended Citizenship Rules that moved OCI applications fully online, introduced an e-OCI option, and clarified that a minor cannot hold both an Indian passport and a foreign passport at the same time.

  Immigration for NRIs
• Companies Act, 2013 -- resident-director requirement (Standing rule)

  An Indian private limited company needs at least one director who is a resident of India for a specified minimum number of days in the preceding year -- an NRI founder typically brings in an India-based co-director to satisfy this.

  Business for NRIs
• FEMA repatriation limit -- USD 1 million per financial year (Standing rule)

  Sale proceeds and other eligible balances in an NRO account can be repatriated abroad up to USD 1 million (or equivalent) per financial year, subject to Form 15CA/15CB certification by the authorized dealer bank.

  Compliance for NRIs