Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its position as a global destination for investment and exceptional talent. Saudi Premium Residency offers eligible investors, highly skilled professionals, and talented individuals the opportunity to establish a long-term presence in the Kingdom without requiring a local sponsor.

The program also provides a range of benefits, including property ownership and the opportunity to establish and own businesses, subject to applicable Saudi laws and regulations.

In this article, we explain the applicable Premium Residency fees, the general and specific eligibility requirements for different residency categories, the online application process through the official platform, and the available residency identification options.

Benefits of Saudi Premium Residency

Saudi Premium Residency holders enjoy several benefits designed to create a stable and attractive living and investment environment for qualified individuals from around the world.

The main benefits include:

• Living Without a Sponsor: Residing in Saudi Arabia without a local sponsor, with the ability to leave and re-enter the Kingdom without requiring an exit and re-entry visa, in accordance with the applicable regulations.
• Family and Relative Visit Visas: The ability to apply for visit visas for eligible relatives, including parents, subject to the relevant procedures and requirements.
• Domestic Worker Recruitment: The ability to recruit domestic workers according to the residency holder’s needs and the applicable recruitment regulations.
• Property Ownership: The right to own residential, commercial, and industrial real estate in permitted areas of Saudi Arabia, subject to applicable restrictions. Special rules apply to property in Makkah and Madinah, including usufruct rights that may be granted for a period of up to 99 years, subject to the permitted residency period and applicable legal conditions.
• Business and Investment Opportunities: The ability to engage in commercial activities, establish businesses, and acquire ownership interests in companies in accordance with the Saudi Investment Law and the regulations governing the relevant business activity, including full foreign ownership where permitted.
• Employment in the Private Sector: The ability of eligible Premium Residency holders and their family members, including spouses and children, to work for and transfer between private sector establishments, excluding occupations restricted to Saudi nationals.
• Additional Privileges: The ability to use designated lanes for Saudi citizens and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals at airports and other authorized entry and exit points.

Saudi Premium Residency Requirements

Eligibility for Saudi Premium Residency is based on general requirements that apply to applicants, together with additional conditions specific to the selected residency category.

General Requirements for All Residency Categories

• Valid Passport: Applicants must hold a valid passport.
• Financial Solvency: Applicants must provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to support their residence or planned investment in the Kingdom, as required.
• Age Requirement: Applicants must generally be at least 21 years old, subject to the applicable eligibility provisions.
• Criminal Record: Applicants must satisfy the criminal record requirements, including providing relevant clearance documentation where required.
• Medical Fitness: Applicants must submit a medical report confirming that they are free from communicable diseases, issued within the prescribed period, generally not exceeding six months.
• Legal Residency Status: Applicants applying from within Saudi Arabia must have a lawful residency status at the time of application.

General Requirements for Saudi Premium Residency

Specific Requirements for Popular Residency Categories

• Real Estate Owner Residency: Applicants may qualify through ownership or qualifying usufruct of eligible real estate in Saudi Arabia with a value of at least SAR 4 million, subject to approved valuation and property eligibility requirements. Specific conditions apply to the type of property and any mortgage or financing arrangements.
• Entrepreneur Residency: Applicants must meet the requirements of the relevant entrepreneur category, including obtaining the required entrepreneurial authorization and securing qualifying investment or funding. The first category generally requires at least SAR 400,000 in qualifying investment or funding, while additional investment and job creation requirements apply to other categories.
• Special Talent Residency: Applicants must satisfy the applicable professional and employment requirements in qualifying sectors, such as healthcare, engineering, and scientific research, including the prescribed salary or professional eligibility thresholds for their category.

Read Also: Saudi Citizenship Requirements for Foreign Nationals

Saudi Premium Residency Fees

The Saudi Premium Residency Center has established a SAR 4,000 fee for each of five specialized residency products:

• Special Talent Residency.
• Gifted Residency.
• Investor Residency.
• Entrepreneur Residency.
• Real Estate Owner Residency.

The introduction of these specialized categories supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract exceptional talent, entrepreneurs, and investors while encouraging economic growth and employment opportunities.

Eligible applicants may include individuals with recognized achievements in areas such as sports, the arts, science, and other qualifying professional fields.

The fees for the two general residency options are as follows:

• Permanent Premium Residency: A one-time fee of SAR 800,000 for permanent residency, subject to the continued application of the relevant legal requirements.
• Renewable One-Year Premium Residency: A fee of SAR 100,000 per year, providing a residency permit that may be renewed annually.

The SAR 4,000 amount is the prescribed fee for each of the five specialized residency products; it should not be confused with a universal application processing fee payable in addition to the fee for every residency category.

Saudi Premium Residency Platform

The official electronic platform operated by the Saudi Premium Residency Center provides applicants and residency holders with a centralized digital channel for managing Premium Residency services.

The platform supports Arabic and English and enables users to complete various procedures electronically, including:

• Reviewing the available residency categories and their eligibility requirements to identify the most suitable option.
• Uploading required documents and tracking the progress of an application.
• Paying applicable fees through the available electronic payment channels.
• Managing eligible residency-related services, including renewals, family information, and personal data updates, where supported.

Applicants should use the official Premium Residency Center platform to obtain accurate information and complete the applicable procedures.

How to Apply for Saudi Premium Residency

Applicants can submit their Saudi Premium Residency applications online through the official digital platform.

The application process generally involves the following steps:

1. Create an Account: Visit the official Saudi Premium Residency Center platform and register a new account using the required contact information, such as an email address and active telephone number.
2. Select a Residency Category: Choose the product that best matches your circumstances and objectives, such as Special Talent Residency, Real Estate Owner Residency, or Renewable One-Year Premium Residency.
3. Complete the Application Form: Enter your personal, professional, educational, and family information accurately.
4. Upload Supporting Documents: Submit the required digital documents, which may include bank statements, medical reports, identification documents, professional qualifications, or property ownership documents, depending on your chosen category.
5. Pay the Applicable Fees: Follow the platform’s payment instructions for your selected residency product. The prescribed fee varies by category; the five specialized products have a fee of SAR 4,000 each.
6. Application Review and Decision: The competent authorities review the application and supporting documents. If the application is approved, the applicant must complete any outstanding requirements, including providing the required medical insurance documentation and paying the applicable fees, before the residency permit is issued.

Steps to Apply for Saudi Premium Residency

What Does Saudi Premium Residency Identification Look Like?

Saudi Premium Residency holders are issued official residency identification in accordance with the procedures and systems adopted by the competent Saudi authorities.

• Digital Residency Identification: Where supported by the relevant government applications, residency holders may access their official identification information electronically, including through government digital identity services such as Absher or Tawakkalna. The information displayed and the available functions depend on the current service arrangements.
• Physical Residency Card: Where a physical identification card is issued, its design, security features, printed information, and any electronic verification features are determined by the competent issuing authority. Applicants should rely on official government guidance rather than unofficial images or descriptions when verifying its appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saudi Premium Residency

Who Is Eligible for Saudi Premium Residency?

Saudi Premium Residency is available to eligible investors, entrepreneurs, individuals with exceptional professional skills, gifted individuals in areas such as sports and the arts, and qualifying real estate owners.

It is also available through the Renewable One-Year and Permanent Premium Residency products for applicants who satisfy the relevant requirements.

How Much Does Saudi Premium Residency Cost?

The main prescribed fees are:

• Permanent Premium Residency: SAR 800,000, paid once.
• Renewable One-Year Premium Residency: SAR 100,000 annually.
• Specialized Residency Products: SAR 4,000 for each of the five products covering Special Talent, Gifted, Investor, Entrepreneur, and Real Estate Owner Residency.

Applicants must also satisfy the applicable eligibility conditions and any other legally required obligations.

What Is the Difference Between Premium Residency and Permanent Residency?

Premium Residency is the broader Saudi residency program that includes several products with different eligibility requirements, benefits, and validity periods.

Permanent Premium Residency is one of those products and provides residency without a fixed expiration date, subject to the continued application of the relevant legal provisions.

Other Premium Residency products may be renewable, fixed-term, or linked to specific qualifying conditions.

What Are the Disadvantages of Saudi Premium Residency?

The principal considerations include the substantial fees associated with certain residency products and the ongoing obligation to comply with the relevant eligibility and regulatory requirements.

Premium Residency also does not automatically grant Saudi citizenship, and holders remain subject to restrictions on employment in occupations reserved for Saudi nationals.

How Long Does Saudi Premium Residency Last?

The duration depends on the residency product:

• Renewable One-Year Premium Residency: Valid for one year and renewable in accordance with the applicable requirements.
• Permanent Premium Residency: Granted without a fixed expiration date, subject to the applicable legal provisions.
• Specialized Residency Products: The duration and conditions vary. Some may provide permanent residency when specific requirements are met, while others are fixed-term, renewable, or conditional on continued eligibility.

For example, the validity of Real Estate Owner Residency depends on the continued satisfaction of the qualifying property ownership or usufruct requirements.

Can a Saudi Premium Residency Holder Obtain a Commercial Registration?

Yes. Premium Residency holders may conduct commercial activities, establish companies, and obtain commercial registrations in Saudi Arabia, subject to the applicable investment and business regulations.

Full foreign ownership may be available for qualifying activities, provided the investor satisfies the relevant registration, licensing, and regulatory requirements.

If you require legal advice concerning Saudi Premium Residency, business establishment, or investment-related requirements, you can Request a Legal Consultation or Contact Us on WhatsApp.

Get a Legal Consultation for Only SAR 200 Instead of SAR 600

Contact a Specialized Lawyer Now