Are you thinking about living permanently in Saudi Arabia? The Saudi government now offers 7 different ways for foreigners to get permanent residency. This guide explains everything you need to know about Saudi Premium Residency in simple terms.
What is Saudi Premium Residency?
Saudi Premium Residency is a government program that lets foreign nationals live permanently in Saudi Arabia. The program started as part of Saudi Vision 2030 to attract skilled workers, investors, and talented people from around the world.
Quick Facts:
- 7 different residency categories
- Covers your spouse and children under 25
- No exit-reentry visa needed
- Can own property and businesses
- Part of Saudi Vision 2030
Amazing Benefits You Get with Premium Residency
When you get Saudi Premium Residency, you unlock these life-changing benefits:
For You and Your Family
- Family inclusion: Your wife/husband and all kids under 25 get residency automatically
- No dependent fees: Save money – no extra charges for family members
- Easy travel: Leave and enter Saudi Arabia anytime without special visas
For Your Career and Business
- Start your business: Open and run companies in Saudi Arabia
- Own property: Buy houses, apartments, or land in your name
- Job flexibility: Change jobs easily without transfer fees
- Host visitors: Invite family and friends from your home country
7 Types of Saudi Premium Residency Explained
Type 1: Special Talent Residency (For Current Workers)
Who can apply: This is perfect if you already work in Saudi Arabia and earn good money.
Category A: High Earners
- Must have current Iqama (residence permit)
- Minimum salary: 80,000 SAR per month
- Any profession accepted
Category B: Healthcare & Science Workers
- Doctors, nurses, engineers, scientists
- Minimum salary: 35,000 SAR per month
- Must work in healthcare or science field
Category C: Researchers
- University researchers and academics
- Minimum salary: 14,000 SAR per month
- Must have research background
Best for: Current Saudi Arabia workers with steady income
Type 2: Real Estate Owner Residency (For Property Investors)
Investment Requirements:
- Minimum investment: 4 million SAR (about $1.07 million USD)
- Property type: Must be residential (houses, apartments)
- Payment method: Full cash payment only – no bank loans allowed
- Property condition: Must be completed building, not empty land
- Future restrictions: Cannot mortgage or loan against property later
- Approval needed: Property value must be certified by registered evaluator
Important: This is a big investment, so think carefully and get professional advice.
Best for: Wealthy individuals wanting property investment in Saudi Arabia
Type 3: Investor Residency (For Business Owners)
Business Requirements:
- Minimum investment: 7 million SAR (about $1.87 million USD)
- Job creation: Must create at least 10 jobs for other people
- Legal requirements: Need investment license and commercial registration
- Business operations: Must show active business running
Steps to qualify:
- Get investment license from Saudi authorities
- Register your business commercially
- Invest the required 7 million SAR
- Hire at least 10 employees
- Prove business is operating successfully
Best for: Serious business investors who want to create jobs
Type 4: Entrepreneur Residency (For Startup Founders)
Saudi Arabia loves startups! Two ways to qualify:
Small Startup Path:
- Get 400,000 SAR investment from approved investor
- You must own at least 20% of your startup
- Startup must be approved by government center
Large Startup Path:
- Get 15 million SAR investment from approved investor
- You must own at least 10% of your startup
- Higher investment means lower ownership requirement
Best for: Tech entrepreneurs and innovative business founders
Here is the Complete Detailed Guide on Saudi Entrepreneur Residency
Type 5: Gifted Residency (For Talented Individuals)
Two ways to qualify:
Award Winners:
- Win awards approved by Ministry of Culture
- Win awards approved by Ministry of Sports
- Must be recognized exceptional talent
Skill-Based:
- Meet special criteria set by Ministry of Culture (arts, literature, music)
- Meet special criteria set by Ministry of Sports (athletes, coaches)
Best for: Artists, athletes, cultural figures, and sports professionals
Type 6: Limited Duration Residency (Annual Payment)
Simple option:
- Cost: 100,000 SAR per year
- Duration: Renewable every year
- Good for: Testing if you like living in Saudi Arabia
Best for: People who want to try living in Saudi Arabia first
Type 7: Unlimited Duration Residency (One-Time Payment)
Permanent option:
- Cost: 800,000 SAR one-time payment
- Duration: Permanent residency
- Good for: People committed to long-term stay
Best for: Those sure about permanent move to Saudi Arabia
How Much Does Saudi Premium Residency Cost?
| Residency Type | Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Special Talent | Varies by category | Long-term |
| Real Estate Owner | 4 million SAR investment | Long-term |
| Investor | 7 million SAR investment | Long-term |
| Entrepreneur | 400K-15M SAR investment | Long-term |
| Gifted | Application fees only | Long-term |
| Limited Duration | 100,000 SAR | 1 year (renewable) |
| Unlimited Duration | 800,000 SAR | Permanent |
Step-by-Step Application Process
Each residency type has its own application process. The Saudi government has made online applications available for most categories.
Before You Apply:
- Choose your category based on your situation
- Gather documents (varies by residency type)
- Check financial requirements
During Application:
- Submit online application through official Saudi website
- Pay required fees
- Wait for document review (processing times vary)
- Attend interview if requested
- Receive approval decision
After Approval:
- Complete final paperwork
- Get your residency card
- Register with local authorities
- Start enjoying your new life in Saudi Arabia
Who Should Apply for Each Type
Special Talent Residency
Perfect for:
- Current Saudi Arabia workers earning good salaries
- Healthcare professionals already in the Kingdom
- Researchers and academics working in Saudi universities
Real Estate Residency
Perfect for:
- Wealthy individuals with 4+ million SAR to invest
- People who want property investment plus residency
- Those who prefer asset-based residency
Investor Residency
Perfect for:
- Experienced business owners
- People with 7+ million SAR for business investment
- Entrepreneurs who want to create jobs
Entrepreneur Residency
Perfect for:
- Tech startup founders
- Innovative business creators
- Young entrepreneurs with investor backing
Gifted Residency
Perfect for:
- Award-winning artists and athletes
- Recognized cultural figures
- Sports professionals and coaches
Limited/Unlimited Duration
Perfect for:
- Anyone wanting simple residency path
- People unsure about long-term commitment (Limited)
- Those wanting permanent status (Unlimited)
Why is Saudi Arabia Offering Premium Residency
Saudi Arabia is transforming under Vision 2030. The government wants to:
- Reduce oil dependence by building new industries
- Attract global talent to drive innovation
- Create jobs for both Saudis and foreigners
- Build world-class cities like NEOM and The Line
- Become regional business hub competing with Dubai and Qatar
Premium Residency helps achieve these goals by bringing skilled people and money into the country.
Living in Saudi Arabia: What to Expect
Positive Changes:
- Modern cities: Riyadh and Jeddah are becoming very modern
- New entertainment: Cinemas, concerts, and sports events now allowed
- Women’s rights: Women can now drive, travel, and work freely
- Business opportunities: Many new industries opening up
- Tax benefits: No personal income tax for residents
Things to Consider:
- Cultural adaptation: Islamic culture and customs
- Climate: Very hot summers (40°C+)
- Language: Arabic helpful but English widely used in business
- Social changes: Country still changing rapidly
Expert Tips for Successful Application
Financial Preparation:
- Save extra money beyond minimum requirements
- Get financial documents ready (bank statements, income proof)
Legal Preparation:
- Consult with Saudi Immigration lawyer
- Get documents translated to Arabic if needed
- Ensure all papers are officially certified
Personal Preparation:
- Learn basic Arabic phrases
- Research your chosen city (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam)
- Connect with expat communities online
- Understand local business culture
Common Questions Answered
Q: Do I need to give up my original passport
A: No, Saudi Arabia allows dual citizenship for Premium Residency holders.
Q: Can I work for any company with Premium Residency
A: Yes, you have job flexibility unlike regular work visas.
Q: What happens if I want to leave Saudi Arabia permanently
A: You can leave anytime, but investment requirements may affect your assets.
Q: Is there an age limit for applicants
A: No specific age limit, but you must meet category requirements.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia Premium Residency offers real opportunities for foreigners wanting to build their future in the Kingdom. With 7 different pathways, there’s likely an option that fits your situation.
Whether you’re a skilled professional, investor, entrepreneur, or have special talents, this program provides a clear path to permanent residency with excellent benefits for you and your family.
The key is choosing the right category for your situation and ensuring you meet all requirements before applying.
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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