Country guide
Saudi Arabia
A system based on Islamic Sharia, now supplemented by codified statutes issued by Royal Decree, including a Civil Transactions Law, Personal Status Law and Evidence Law.
General information — last reviewed 20 October 2026 — to be reviewed by a licensed lawyer. Not legal advice.
Courts
- General, Criminal, Personal Status, Commercial and Labour courts
- Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court
- Board of Grievances (administrative judiciary)
How matters are filed
- Claims are filed electronically through the Ministry of Justice’s Najiz platform.
- Labour disputes go first to amicable settlement (Wedy) at the Ministry of Human Resources.
Practice areas
Labour & Employment
Labor Law, Royal Decree No. M/51 (1426H / 2005), as amended
Covers contracts, wages, working hours, termination and end-of-service award.
Tenancy & Real Estate
Civil Transactions Law, Royal Decree No. M/191 (2023)
General contract rules apply to leases; residential leases are documented on the Ejar platform.
Family & Personal Status
Personal Status Law, Royal Decree No. M/73 (2022)
Codifies marriage, divorce, custody, maintenance and wills; heard by personal-status courts.
Corporate & Commercial
Companies Law, Royal Decree No. M/132 (2022)
Companies are registered with the Ministry of Commerce; foreign investment is licensed by the Ministry of Investment.
Immigration & Golden Visa
Residence (iqama) and visas are handled by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat); the Premium Residency programme offers sponsor-free residence.
Criminal Defence
Offences are investigated by the Public Prosecution and tried in the criminal courts.
Debt, Banking & Insolvency
Evidence Law, Royal Decree No. M/43
Debts are pursued through claims or, for enforceable instruments such as cheques, directly at execution courts. The Evidence Law governs proof.
FAQs
Is there a written personal-status law in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. The Personal Status Law was issued by Royal Decree No. M/73 in 2022.
Where do I file a labour claim?
Start with amicable settlement at the Ministry of Human Resources; unresolved cases are referred to the labour courts.
Lawyers for this country
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