What are the Saudi Premium Residency Requirements? – Daily Business

Often referred to as the “Saudi Green Card”, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Program is a ground-breaking initiative that was designed to attract high-profile individuals to live, work, and invest in the Kingdom. The program was launched as part of KSA’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plan. This article is a guide to the Saudi Premium Residency requirements in 2025. 

What is the Saudi Premium Residency?

The Saudi Premium Residency is a special residency permit that is offered to foreign nationals to live, work, carry out business activities, and own properties in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This freedom comes without the need for the traditional sponsoring system for a foreigner to live, work, or study in Saudi Arabia. The Residency comes in two forms:

• Limited Duration Premium Residency: This type of premium residency is granted for a fixed term ranging from one to five years, with an option to renew it when it expires. 

• Unlimited Duration Premium Residency: This is also known as permanent residency. It is issued for a one-time fee, which allows successful applicants to stay and own properties in KSA without annual renewal.

This residency program is targeted at high-net-worth individuals like investors and professionals who will have a positive contribution to the Kingdom’s economy and society. 

General Eligibility Criteria for Saudi Premium Residency 

Applicants for the Saudi Premium Residency program must meet certain baseline requirements, such as:

• Age: Applicants for the premium residency should be at least 21 years old
• Valid Passport: Those applying for the residency program, as well as their dependents, are required to hold a Saudi passport with at least six months’ validity and no restrictions on re-entry to the country. 
• Clean Criminal Record:  Those applying should not have any form of criminal record in any country. Background checks would be carried out by Saudi authorities. 
• Health Requirements: A medical report confirming no contagious diseases issued by an authorized Saudi medical facility within six months is required.
• Financial Solvency: Those who want the premium residency must be able to prove beyond doubt that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their dependents while in KSA. A bank statement or other financial documents will be requested.
• Legal Residency (if applying within Saudi Arabia): Proof of valid legal residency will be requested.   

Types of Saudi Premium Residency and Their Specific Requirements 

1. Limited Duration Premium Residency

• Fee: The limited residency goes for an annual fee of SAR100,000, which is about USD26,670. There is also a discount for multi-year payments. 
• Duration: A renewable duration of one to five years is given. 
• Eligibility: Applicants should have valid reasons, such as business, education, employment, or medical treatment, as a reason for temporary residence. 
• Benefits: Successful applicants are given the privilege to explore KSA’s Business environment and seek opportunities they want to pursue before opting for permanent residency. 

2. Unlimited Duration Premium Residency

• Fee: A sum of SAR800,000 one-time payment (about USD 213,340) is required. 
• Duration: This residency program is permanent and does not require annual renewal. 
• Eligibility: Meeting the general criteria is important, and applicants must have a genuine intent to apply for permanent residency.  
• Benefits: Permanent residency gives successful applicants the ability to sponsor family, work in the private and public sectors, own properties, and also be an employer of labor. 

3. Investor Residency

• Fee: No particular fee
• Eligibility: Applicants are required to own or have the right to a residential real estate in Saudi Arabia with a minimum value of SAR 4,000,000 (about 1,067,000). The said properties must be free from any form of mortgages and must be fully developed properties. Furthermore, such investors are required to hold a valid investment license and must have invested at least SAR 7,000,000 in KSA within the two years of application. The investment must also create at least 8 jobs for the citizens of Saudi Arabia. 
• Duration: The duration of the Investor Residency is linked to the ownership of property. If the investor loses the minimum value of property required, their residency will be revoked.  
• Renewal: There is an unlimited possibility for renewal as long as the ownership and eligibility criteria are maintained. 

4. Special Talent Residency 

• Fee:  No particular fee
• Eligibility: Highly skilled individuals like healthcare professionals, researchers, executives, and Tech developers with employment contracts from approved Saudi institutions are eligible to apply for Special Talent Residency. They should have a minimum monthly salary of SAR 14,000 for researchers, SAR 35,000 for healthcare professionals, and SAR 80,000 for executives. They should have a minimum of 3 years of working experience, and a letter of recommendation from employers with evidence of professional achievements or research outputs. 
• Duration: It is usually for five years, and a possibility to renew the residency. 
• Benefits: Those who hold this kind of residency can live and work in Saudi Arabia without a sponsor.   

Benefits of Saudi Premium Residency 

Several advantages can be gained from the Premium Residency program that cannot be obtained from the Standard Residency visa. They include: 

• No Sponsor Required
• Family Inclusion
• Multiple Entry and Exit
• Access to Private Sector Employment 
• Ownership Rights
• Exemption from Expat Fees
• Airport Privileges
• Visit Visa Sponsorship 

Application Process for Saudi Premium Residency 

• Check Your Eligibility: Review all the requirements for both the general and specific products to determine which is the appropriate program for you.
• Collect Your Documents: Gather and prepare the necessary documents such as a passport, medical reports, proof of property ownership or investments, financial statements, a recommendation letter, and employment contracts. Know which documents apply to you and collate them. 
• Submit Your Application: Visit the Saudi Ministry of Interior’s website or the premium residency website and apply. Then fill out the form, attach the required documents, and submit. 
• Pay Fees: Proceed to pay the required fee based on your residency type.
• Background Checks and Medical Examination: Proceed to the required medical and security screenings.
• Approval and Issuance: Upon approval, you can proceed to receive your Premium Residency permits and start exploration.  

Sources:

https://www.centuroglobal.com/article/saudi-premium-residency/ 

https://saudivisa.com/saudi-premium-residency/  

https://pr.gov.sa/