Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency: Benefits, eligibility, and how to apply
1,200 investors secured residency in under a year
Saudi Arabia’s premium residency programme is redefining the country’s investment and talent landscape. Since its launch, over 1,200 foreign investors have benefited, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic diversification under Vision 2030.
This residency programme is tailored to attract a diverse group of individuals – investors, property owners, skilled professionals, and innovators – fostering a vibrant, sustainable economy.
Here’s everything you need to know about the benefits, eligibility, and application process for Saudi Arabia's premium residency.
What is Premium Residency?
Premium residency grants expatriates the freedom to live, work, and invest in Saudi Arabia without a sponsor. Available in two formats – a renewable one-year term or unlimited duration – it appeals to skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors from all nationalities who meet specific criteria.
Exclusive Benefits
The premium residency offers a host of privileges that simplify life and business operations in Saudi Arabia:
- Family Inclusion: Permit holders can reside with family members, including parents and children under 25.
- No Dependent Fees: Exemptions from the monthly SAR 400 dependent fee, easing financial burdens.
- Business Autonomy: Run businesses without sponsorship, providing greater independence.
- Property Ownership: Own or usufruct residential real estate, a rare opportunity in the Gulf region.
- Hassle-Free Travel: Visa-free entry and re-entry simplify international mobility.
- Flexibility in Jobs: Seamlessly switch jobs or establishments in the private sector.
- Expedited Procedures: Use exclusive lanes at airports and streamline immigration processes.
- Host Relatives: Effortlessly obtain visit visas for extended family.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet specific requirements based on their chosen category. Here’s a detailed look at each category:
Investors
To qualify under the investor category:
- You must hold an official investment licence issued in Saudi Arabia.
- A minimum investment of SAR 7 million (approx. Dh 6.85 million) must be injected into the Saudi economy within the first two years of residency.
- Your investment must create at least ten jobs in Saudi Arabia within the same period, aligning with the Kingdom’s focus on boosting employment and economic growth.
Property Owners
This category is for individuals wishing to own residential property in Saudi Arabia. Requirements include:
- Ownership or usufruct (a right to use and derive income from property owned by another) of residential real estate worth a minimum of SAR 4 million (approx. Dh 3.91 million).
- The property must be free of mortgages or any financial encumbrances.
- It must be fully developed and not classified as undeveloped or unimproved land.
- A certified valuation of the property must be conducted by accredited professionals under Saudi Arabia's Authority for Accredited Valuers (‘Taqeem’).
- The residency remains valid as long as the property ownership or usufruct is maintained and meets all stipulated conditions.
Special Talents
This category targets skilled professionals, researchers, and executives who can bring exceptional expertise to the Kingdom. Criteria vary by profession:
Researchers and Academics:
- Employment with a recognised entity in priority fields.
- A bachelor’s degree or higher, along with a minimum of three years’ work experience.
- A monthly salary of at least SAR14,000 (approx. Dh13,700).
- A strong recommendation letter from your employer.
Healthcare and Scientific Professionals:
- Employment with a recognised healthcare or scientific institution.
- A bachelor’s degree or higher in the relevant field.
- Minimum three years of work experience and a monthly salary of SAR35,000 (approx. Dh34,270).
Executives:
- Employment in senior roles (first or second level) in Saudi organisations.
- A monthly salary of SAR80,000 (approx. Dh78,350) or higher.
- A recommendation letter from your employer validating your position and performance.
- Residency under this category is typically granted for five years, with an option for permanent residency upon continued compliance with eligibility standards.
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneur residency is designed for innovators and startup founders. Applicants can qualify through two subcategories:
First Tier:
- Hold a valid entrepreneur licence from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment.
- Secure a minimum investment of SAR400,000 (approx. Dh391,746) from a Ministry-approved entity.
- Retain at least 20% ownership in the company.
Second Tier:
- Obtain a larger investment of at least SAR15 million (approx. Dh14.69 million).
- Retain at least 10% ownership in the startup.
- Create a minimum of 10 jobs in the first year and an additional 10 jobs in the second year.
Entrepreneurs in the first tier receive renewable five-year residency, while the second tier can qualify for permanent residency upon fulfilling the conditions.
Gifted Individuals
This category is reserved for individuals who excel in fields such as sports, arts, or culture, as recognised by Saudi authorities.
Eligibility is based on:
- Winning specified national or international awards or receiving exceptional endorsements.
- Demonstrating financial stability to ensure a self-sustaining lifestyle in Saudi Arabia.
- Receiving recommendations from the Ministry of Culture or Ministry of Sports.
Residency is granted for five years, with an option for permanent residency upon meeting eligibility and continuous recognition for excellence in the relevant field.
How to Apply
Applications are managed through the Premium Residency Centre via its official website.
- Select the appropriate category.
- Submit required documents, including proof of eligibility.
- Pay a one-time fee of SAR4,000.
Tools like the eligibility checker simplify the process, ensuring applicants understand their chances before proceeding.
Saudi Arabia’s premium residency is more than a permit – it’s an invitation to be part of a rapidly evolving nation. By attracting global talent and investors, the programme strengthens the Kingdom’s vision of becoming a hub for innovation, culture, and economic excellence.
Ready to make Saudi Arabia your next big opportunity? Explore the benefits and apply today!