Affidavit Of Relationship Template for Saudi Arabia

An Affidavit of Relationship is a sworn legal statement that formally declares and establishes the existence of a personal or family relationship between two or more parties. In Saudi Arabia, this document carries significant legal weight and must be prepared in accordance with Islamic law principles and the kingdom's civil regulations.

When do you need this document?

You'll need an Affidavit of Relationship when applying for family visa sponsorship, as Saudi immigration authorities require proof of familial connections. This document is also essential for inheritance proceedings, where you must establish your legal relationship to the deceased under Sharia inheritance laws. Educational institutions may require this affidavit when enrolling dependents or accessing family-based scholarships and benefits. Government agencies frequently request relationship affidavits for social services, healthcare coverage, and housing applications. Additionally, banks and financial institutions may require this document for joint accounts, loans, or when designating beneficiaries.

Key legal considerations

Your affidavit must include comprehensive personal information about all parties, including full legal names, national ID or Iqama numbers, and current addresses. The relationship declaration section requires precise language describing the nature and duration of your relationship, supported by relevant documentation such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or family registration records. Saudi law requires at least two credible witnesses who can attest to the relationship's authenticity, and these witnesses must provide their own identification and signatures. The document must be written in Arabic or accompanied by a certified Arabic translation. Any false statements in the affidavit constitute perjury under Saudi law and can result in serious legal consequences including fines, imprisonment, or deportation for expatriates.

Legal requirements in Saudi Arabia

Under the Personal Status Law (2022) and Civil Status Law, your affidavit must be authenticated by a notary public or authorized official from the Ministry of Justice. The Law of Judiciary (Royal Decree No. M/78) establishes the framework for document authentication and requires proper witnessing procedures. If you're using the affidavit for international purposes, it may need additional authentication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant embassy or consulate officials. The document must comply with Ministry of Justice authentication regulations, which specify formatting requirements, official stamps, and proper notarization procedures. For matters involving minors, a legal guardian must sign the affidavit, and additional documentation proving guardianship may be required. The affidavit's validity period varies depending on its intended use, with some government agencies accepting documents up to six months old while others require more recent certification.