What Is The Gifted Residency Program?
Saudi Arabia created the Gifted Residency Program to attract sports, cultural, and artistic talents. The program targets creative professionals who bring unique skills to Saudi Arabia.
You join Saudi Arabia’s cultural and professional community. The country invests in your talent while you contribute to its growth.
Benefits For You And Your Family
Living Benefits
- Bring your parents, spouse, and children under 25
- Move between companies freely
- Pay no expat fees for you or your family
- Travel in and out of Saudi Arabia without visas
- Get visit visas for your relatives
- Use citizen airport lanes
Work Benefits
- Your spouse works in private sector
- Your dependents work and change jobs freely
- Start your own business following Investment Law rules
- Buy and own real estate
Special Advantages
- Apply for permanent residency after meeting requirements
- Skip Nitaqat program requirements
Who Qualifies?
First Category Requirements
You need ALL of these:
- Win a specified exceptional award or get nominated for one
- Meet minimum financial capability requirements
- Get recommendation from Ministry of Culture or Ministry of Sports
- Work in sports, culture, or arts field
Second Category Requirements
You need ALL of these:
- Meet minimum eligibility criteria from Ministry of Culture or Ministry of Sports
- Meet minimum financial capability requirements
- Get recommendation from Ministry of Culture or Ministry of Sports
- Work in sports, culture, or arts field
Note: The Premium Residency Center helps coordinate your recommendation letter with the relevant ministry.
Ministry Recommendations
Ministry of Culture Covers:
- Artists and creative professionals
- Cultural heritage specialists
- Museum and gallery professionals
- Entertainment industry talent
- Literary professionals
- Film and media creators
Ministry of Sports Covers:
- Professional athletes
- Sports coaches and trainers
- Sports management professionals
- Sports medicine specialists
- Sports facility managers
- Athletic performance experts
Financial Capability Requirements
You must prove you have enough money to cover living costs in Saudi Arabia. The government sets minimum amounts but does not publish exact figures.
Prepare these documents:
- Bank statements for past 6 months
- Employment contracts or business income proof
- Investment portfolio statements
- Property ownership documents
- Any other income sources
Residency Duration
You get 5 years initially. Renew once if you still meet requirements.
Get permanent residency after:
- Living in Saudi Arabia for 30 months within any 5-year period
- Meeting eligibility criteria continuously
- Getting endorsement from Ministry of Culture or Ministry of Sports
These 30 months do not need to be consecutive.
Cost
Pay 4,000 SAR once. No recurring fees.
Application Process
Apply through the official Premium Residency Program website for application Process.
Quick Decision Checklist
Apply if you:
- Work professionally in sports, culture, or arts
- Won awards or recognition in your field
- Meet financial capability requirements
- Want long-term Middle East opportunities
- Want your family to live and work with you
Skip if you:
- Work outside sports, culture, or arts fields
- Cannot prove financial capability
- Want short-term arrangements only
- Cannot get ministry recommendation
Fields That Qualify
Sports Fields:
- Professional athletics
- Sports coaching
- Sports management
- Sports medicine
- Fitness training
- Sports journalism
- Athletic performance analysis
Cultural Fields:
- Visual arts
- Performing arts
- Literature and writing
- Cultural heritage preservation
- Museum curation
- Art education
- Cultural event management
Artistic Fields:
- Music composition and performance
- Film and video production
- Photography
- Design and multimedia
- Digital arts
- Traditional crafts
- Entertainment production
Key Facts
Saudi Arabia launched this program as part of Vision 2030. The country builds its creative economy by attracting international talent.
Your family gets the same privileges you do. Your children access Saudi education. Your spouse builds a career.
The program creates opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s growing entertainment and cultural sectors.
Awards and recognition matter more than academic degrees for this program.
Bottom Line
The Gifted Residency Program gives creative professionals a complete life package in Saudi Arabia. You get work flexibility, family benefits, and permanent residency options.
The requirements focus on talent and achievement rather than traditional qualifications. Prove your creative abilities and financial stability to access comprehensive residency benefits.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes. Always verify current requirements with official Saudi government sources before making any decisions or investments.
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