Celine Evangelista has confirmed that while she has successfully acquired a villa in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, she is not moving permanently because of family responsibilities and educational commitments in Indonesia.
The celebrity, who converted to Islam in 2025, continues to split her time between both countries.
The logistical reality of the move involves balancing the academic schedules of her four children, including the two eldest who are currently enrolled in a pesantren, or Islamic boarding school.
Beyond education, Evangelista cited the necessity of maintaining the children’s relationship with their father, as well as her own obligations to elderly relatives, as primary factors necessitating a gradual transition rather than a total, immediate relocation, according to reports from detikcom on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
The Reality of Relocating to Madinah
- Evangelista has purchased a three-story villa in Madinah, priced at approximately Rp 7,5 miliar, located just 10 minutes from the Masjid Nabawi.
- The property acquisition process in Saudi Arabia proved accessible, with no requirement for marriage to a local citizen or specific residency investment thresholds for Indonesian nationals.
- Despite owning a home, a vehicle, and planning local business ventures, the star currently maintains a “commuter” lifestyle between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.
The property, which features a minimalist earth tone facade and a spacious rooftop, represents a significant investment in her spiritual and personal future. Evangelista expressed that her decision to settle in Madinah is deeply rooted in her faith, citing an affinity for the city’s historical and religious significance. “Rasulullah once said that if people knew the best city to live in was Madinah, they would choose it,” she told detikcom.
From a financial perspective, the purchase is notable for its lack of recurring property taxes. A property consultant accompanying the star clarified that buyers are only subject to a one-time 5% tax at the point of sale, with no subsequent annual levies—a stark contrast to the property tax structures familiar to many Indonesian investors.
The logistical hurdles, however, remain significant. As reported by Nyata Media on November 5, 2026, Evangelista has been transparent about the “perizinan” (permits) and administrative complexities involved in moving a large family abroad.
While she has cleared the initial hurdles for herself, the schooling of her younger children and the logistical coordination required for the older siblings to visit their father create a fragmented timeline. She emphasized that her goal is to bring her children to Madinah “one by one” as circumstances allow.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Property Price | Approx. Rp 6 billion to Rp 7,5 miliar |
| Proximity to Masjid Nabawi | 10 minutes |
| Tax Structure | One-time 5% fee; no annual property tax |
| Current Status | Active commute; split between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia |
Evangelista’s public discourse regarding her faith and future in Madinah has resonated with her audience, particularly following her social media posts on November 9, 2026, which included a hadith regarding the virtues of living and passing away in the city, as noted by Tribunnews.
“Sekarang punya tempat tinggal di Madinah, lalu punya kendaraan di Madinah, kita ikhtiarkan semuanya, punya usaha juga di Madinah, insya Allah. Saya bisa membawa anak-anak saya satu per satu sehingga saya bisa hijrah total di Madinah. Untuk sekarang saya masih pulang pergi karena masih ada anak saya yang saya masih urus juga, ada orang tua, ada nenek saya, banyak,” Celine Evangelista told detikcom.
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For now, the transition remains a work in progress. As she continues to manage her assets and business interests in the region, the primary focus remains on the stability of her children’s upbringing.
With her property already secured and her business ventures in the planning stages, Evangelista is effectively building the infrastructure for a life in Saudi Arabia while maintaining her professional and personal footprint in Indonesia. As of November 14, 2026, there are no further announcements regarding a definitive date for a permanent move.
