Are you looking for a long-term residency solution?
You might know the Saudi Arabiaโs Premium Residency Visa. This innovative program has already attracted over 40,000 applications, which makes it one of the most sought-after residency programs in the Middle East.
What Is the Saudi Premium Residency Visa?
The Saudi Premium Residency Visa is essentially your โgreen cardโ to Saudi Arabia. The Premium Residency Center was established in conjunction with a Royal decree, with the approval of the Council of Ministers, on the Premium Residency System. This program gives you the opportunity to live, work, and invest in Saudi Arabia without requiring a traditional sponsor.
You have access to this exclusive program that allows you to enjoy similar rights to Saudi nationals in many aspects. The system was designed to attract global talent and investors as part of Saudi Arabiaโs Vision 2030 initiative.
Benefits of the Saudi Premium Residency Visa
When you obtain Saudi Premium Residency, youโll enjoy incredible advantages that make living in Saudi Arabia attractive and convenient.
Unlimited Travel Freedom
You can enter and exit Saudi Arabia without applying for visas. This unrestricted movement allows you unlimited international travel for business, leisure, or personal reasons. When you return to Saudi Arabia, you can use fast lanes designated for residents.
Business and Investment Opportunities
Saudi Arabia green card allows you to establish and manage businesses in Saudi Arabia, invest in the Saudi capital market, own foreign-owned onshore entities with proper licenses, and work in private organizations. Youโll have access to a thriving market and can participate in various sectors without needing a local sponsor.
Family Residency Rights
Your immediate family members can apply for residence permits in Saudi Arabia. Your spouse and unmarried children under 25 can live, work, and invest alongside you. Theyโll also enjoy visa-free exit and return privileges. You can even apply for visitor visas for relatives planning to visit you.
Property Ownership
After getting Saudi green card, you can own residential, commercial, and industrial properties in Saudi Arabia. This gives you investment opportunities and long-term stability while benefiting from potential property appreciation.
Path to Permanent Residency
If you maintain your eligibility criteria for a minimum time, you may apply for permanent residency in Saudi Arabia. You typically need to be a resident for at least 30 months within five consecutive or non-consecutive years.
Seven Types of Premium Residency Visa
Saudi Arabia offers seven different Premium Residency options to accommodate various needs and backgrounds.
Special Talent Residency
This 5-year residency targets exceptional professionals in executive leadership, healthcare, science, and research. If youโre a researcher, you need an employment contract from an approved entity, monthly salary of at least SAR 14,000, bachelorโs degree, three yearsโ experience, employer recommendation, and three research publications. Healthcare professionals need SAR 35,000 monthly salary, while executives need SAR 80,000.
Gifted Residency
This 5-year program suits skilled professionals in cultural and sports sectors. First category applicants need exceptional awards and ministry recommendations. Second category applicants must fulfill minimum criteria approved by the Ministry of Culture or Sport. Both categories require meeting minimum financial capability.
Investor Residency
You need a valid investment license for at least SAR 7 million investment in Saudi economic activities, valid commercial registration, and memorandum showing your investor shares. This offers 5-year terms, renewable terms, or permanent residency depending on your investment value. For permanent residency, inject minimum SAR 7 million and create 10 jobs during the first two years.
Entrepreneur Residency
First category entrepreneurs need entrepreneur license, SAR 400,000 minimum investment from accredited entities, recommendation letters, and 20% company share for 5-year residency. Second category entrepreneurs need SAR 15 million investment, 10% share, and must create 20 jobs over two years for permanent residency pathway.
Real Estate Owner Residency
You need to own or hold usufruct rights to residential real estate worth at least SAR 4 million. The property must be developed, free from mortgages, not associated with real estate financing, and appraised by accredited Saudi valuers. Your residency duration links to property ownership.
Limited Duration Premium Residency
This provides temporary residency for 1-5 years for short-term assignments, projects, or ventures. You need valid reasons like employment, business, education, or medical treatment while meeting general eligibility requirements.
Unlimited Duration Premium Residency
This offers permanent residency status for those establishing permanent roots in Saudi Arabia. You may need to invest certain capital or demonstrate economic contributions through business ventures or investments.
General Eligibility Requirements
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Pass medical examinations proving good health without contagious diseases.
- Have clean criminal records without serious offenses.
- Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself and dependents.
Required Documents for Application
To apply Saudi green card, youโll need passport copies with personal information and validity dates, two recent passport-sized color photographs against white backgrounds, proof of financial capacity certified by Saudi diplomatic missions, medical reports from authorized healthcare providers, your Saudi Iqama number if applicable, proof of current address, and copies of any Saudi visas from the previous 15 years.
If including family members, provide their passport copies, photographs, certified medical reports, and family photographs together
Growing Popularity and Success Stories
The programโs success is evident from its impressive numbers. In 18 monthsโfrom January 2024 to July 2025, it has received 40,163 applications. This shows the strong international confidence in Saudi Arabiaโs economic future.
The Saudi Premium Residency program approved 8,000 residents in 2024. Real estate agent Mohammed AlWahhabi said foreign residents seeking โstability and freedomโ are driving the surge. Youโre joining a growing community of international residents who chose Saudi Arabia as their home.
How to Apply for Saudi Premium Residency Visa
Your application process involves several straightforward steps:
- Choose your eligibility pathway (investment, real estate, professional, or permanent)
- Gather required documents including medical certificates, financial statements, and educational credentials
- Submit your application through the official Premium Residency Center portal
- Wait for document verification and approval
- Complete any additional requirements as requested
- Receive your Premium Residency permit
The entire process is managed through an electronic system that makes it convenient for international applicants.
Investment Requirements Summary
Your investment requirements vary depending on your chosen path:
- Special Talent Residency: SAR 4,000.
- Gifted Residency: SAR 4,000.
- Investor Residency: SAR 4,000.
- Entrepreneur Residency: SAR 4,000.
- Real Estate Owner Residency: SAR 4,000.
- Limited Duration Premium Residency: SAR 100,000 per year (with a 2% reduction per year on an accumulative basis).
- Unlimited Duration Premium Residency: SAR 800,000.
Why Choose Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is transforming fast under Vision 2030, a strategic plan to diversify the economy and build a thriving society. This ambitious plan involves huge investments in infrastructure, technology and business development, creating a dynamic environment for growth and innovation. Why Saudi Arabia? Here are the reasons.
Political Stability and Economic Opportunity
The Kingdom offers a unique combination of political stability, strategic location and economic opportunities. Various sectors like tourism, entertainment, logistics and manufacturing are growing fast, making Saudi Arabia an attractive destination for investors and professionals alike.Premium Residency:
Gateway to a Prosperous Future
Your decision to apply for Premium Residency puts you at the forefront of this transformation. This exclusive program offers many benefits to help you thrive in the Kingdomโs evolving landscape.
Financial Benefits
One of the biggest benefits of Premium Residency is the tax free environment. This allows individuals and businesses to maximise their earnings and investments, grow financially and prosper.
World Class Infrastructure and Emerging Markets
Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in world class infrastructure projects, from smart cities like NEOM, Red Sea, to advanced transportation networks. Premium Residency gives you access to these modern amenities and opens doors to emerging markets across the Middle East and beyond, to expand your business and connect globally.
