Joint Affidavit Of Cohabitation Template for Saudi Arabia

When you need to document a living arrangement for use outside Saudi Arabia, a Joint Affidavit Of Cohabitation provides formal legal attestation of your shared residence. While this document serves important administrative functions internationally, you must understand that cohabitation outside marriage is strictly prohibited under Saudi Arabian law, which follows Islamic Sharia principles as established in the Basic Law of Saudi Arabia (1992).

When do you need this document?

You may require this affidavit for various international purposes, including immigration applications to countries that recognize common-law relationships, property transactions abroad, or legal proceedings in foreign jurisdictions. International employers may request this documentation for expatriate benefits, and foreign banks might require it for joint account applications. However, this document cannot be used within Saudi Arabia to legitimize unmarried cohabitation, as such arrangements violate local moral and legal standards under the Anti-Crime Law and regulations enforced by the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice.

Key legal considerations

Your affidavit must clearly state its intended use for foreign jurisdictions only and acknowledge that the described living arrangement is not legally recognized within Saudi Arabia. The document should include comprehensive identification details for both parties, including full legal names, nationalities, passport numbers, and current legal status in Saudi Arabia. You must ensure that both affiants confirm their legal capacity to make sworn statements and understand the potential legal implications. The affidavit should specify the duration and nature of the shared living arrangement while emphasizing its administrative purpose for international use. Consider including a disclaimer stating that the document does not constitute recognition of any marital or quasi-marital relationship under Saudi law.

Legal requirements in Saudi Arabia

Under Saudi Arabian law, unmarried cohabitation violates Islamic Sharia principles and can result in serious legal consequences including fines, imprisonment, or deportation for expatriates. The Saudi Residency Regulations strictly control housing arrangements, particularly for unrelated individuals of opposite genders. If you proceed with creating this document, it must be notarized by an authorized notary public and may require additional authentication from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs for international use. Embassy or consulate officials from your destination country may need to verify the document's authenticity. You should also engage a certified translator if the document requires translation into Arabic or other languages for official use. Remember that while this document may serve legitimate administrative purposes abroad, it cannot provide legal protection for cohabitation within Saudi Arabia, and you remain subject to local laws and regulations regarding moral conduct and housing arrangements.