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Premium residence in Saudi Arabia

An investor’s residence permit in Saudi Arabia is a special status for foreign citizens that allows them to live and work in the country under more favourable conditions.
Investment amount
from SAR 100,000 (USD 26,500)
Cost of permanent residence
from SAR 800,000 (USD 213,000)
Duration
from 1 year

Premium residency in Saudi Arabia for investment in the economy

An investor’s residence permit in Saudi Arabia is a special status for foreign citizens that allows them to live and work in the country under more favourable conditions. The visa provides several privileges, including the right to own property, conduct business, work without a local sponsor, and more.

The programme is designed to attract highly qualified investors, specialists, and entrepreneurs from around the world to stimulate the Kingdom’s economic development. This project strengthens the country’s position on the international stage and supports the ambitious Vision 2030 plan.

One of the key ways to obtain premium residency is through economic investment. It is intended for foreign citizens who are ready to meet the following conditions:

  • Invest from SAR 7 million (USD 1.86 million) into the country’s economy;
  • Create a minimum of 10 jobs;
  • Make the investment within the first 2 years.

As the investment amount exceeds SAR 800,000 (USD 213,000), the investor is immediately offered a permanent resident card in Saudi Arabia.

Types of premium residency in Saudi Arabia

Investor residency

An investor’s residence permit in Saudi Arabia is granted for an investment of at least SAR 7 million (USD 1.86 million) in the Kingdom’s economy and the creation of at least 10 jobs.

Real estate owner residency

Foreigners can obtain a visa by purchasing residential property worth at least SAR 4 million (USD 1.07 million). The main conditions include no mortgage, location in well-developed areas, and an appraisal from Taqeem, the Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers.

Entrepreneur residency

Businesspersons must have an entrepreneur’s licence from the Ministry of Investment, a certain share in the company, and investment funds from an accredited organisation amounting to at least SAR 400,000 (USD 106,500) or SAR 15 million (USD 4 million), depending on the category.

Special talent residency

This category encompasses highly qualified professionals, including executives, researchers, and medical and scientific professionals. Conditions vary based on the field of activity and may include an employment contract with a minimum salary, an academic degree, work experience, and recommendation letters from employers.

Gifted residency

Athletes, artists, and cultural figures who meet the selection criteria are eligible for this visa.

Residency duration

  • Limited

This type of residence certificate in Saudi Arabia is valid for 1 to 5 years and can be renewed. Its annual cost is SAR 100,000 (USD 26,500), with a 2% reduction each year on an accumulative basis if the application is for more than 1 year.

  • Unlimited

Permanent residence for an investment of at least SAR 800,000 (USD 213,000).

Benefits of premium residency in Saudi Arabia

Immigration to Saudi Arabia

Visas for the whole family: parents, spouses, and children

Business opportunities

Right to own property

Permission to work in the private sector

Investment opportunities in the economy

No visa required for entry and re-entry into the country

Exemption from fees charged to expatriates

Ability to hire domestic staff under the same terms as citizens

Permission to own various types of vehicles

Visas for visiting relatives

Visa-free travel with countries

United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Singapore
Singapore
Japan
Japan
Maldives
Maldives
Moldova
Moldova
Tunisia
Tunisia
Armenia
Armenia
Sao Tome and Principe
Sao Tome and Principe
South Sudan
South Sudan
Barbados
Barbados

Conditions for obtaining premium residency in Saudi Arabia

Foreign citizens who meet the following requirements can get a residence permit in Saudi Arabia:

  • Over 21 years of age;
  • Financial stability;
  • No criminal record;
  • Medical certificate issued within 6 months of application submission;
  • Proof of legal residence if applying from within the Kingdom.

After approval, the following are also required:

  • Obtain medical insurance;
  • Pay fees within 30 days.

Documents required to obtain premium residency in Saudi Arabia

To obtain a residence permit in the Kingdom, investors need to provide:

  • Passport;
  • Educational certificates;
  • MISA investment licence;
  • Commercial registration;
  • Memorandum of association;
  • Financial statements for the last 2 years;
  • Company social insurance certificate;
  • Proof of investment;
  • Documents for your family members.

Procedure and timeframe for obtaining premium residency in Saudi Arabia

1 day

Account registration

Create an account on the official programme portal. Select the option under which you wish to obtain premium residency.
1 day

Application completion

Provide all the required information: passport details, residential address, education background, travel history to the Kingdom, and other relevant information. Also, include details about your family members.
1 day

Document submission

Attach scans of the necessary documents for residency in Saudi Arabia: passport, diploma, as well as certificates, contracts, and proofs related to your investment activities in the Kingdom.
1 day

Fee payment

Pay the processing fee of SAR 638 (USD 170).
2 months

Submission and review

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the relevant authorities. You may be asked to provide additional information or documents. If you fail to respond within 60 days, your application may be rejected.
1 month

Post-approval actions

You will be notified of the approval decision. You then have 30 days to arrange medical insurance for yourself and your family members. The cost of the residence permit in Saudi Arabia includes a mandatory fee of SAR 4,000 (USD 1,060). Upon meeting these conditions, you and your family will be granted residency in the country.

FAQ

How to get a residence permit in Saudi Arabia?

It depends on the type of residence permit you choose. To obtain premium residency, you must meet the criteria for 1 of the 5 programme types: investor, special talent, entrepreneur, gifted, or real estate owner residency.

How does premium residency differ from other types of residence permit in Saudi Arabia?

Premium residency holders do not need a local sponsor and enjoy several benefits, including visa privileges, exemption from taxes levied on expats, and more.

What are the benefits of a Saudi Arabia residence permit?

It grants the right to obtain a visa for yourself and family members, including a spouse, parents, and children up to 25 years old. Other privileges include permission to work, conduct business, and enter and exit the country without a visa.

How long can I stay outside Saudi Arabia with a residence permit?

With premium residency, there are no specific restrictions on the duration of time you can spend outside the country. The residence permit offers greater flexibility compared to traditional residence permits, allowing holders to travel in and out of the country without the usual limitations.

How long is the residence permit in Saudi Arabia valid?

If the visa has a limited duration, it is valid for 1 to 5 years and is subject to renewal. Premium investor residency is issued for an indefinite period.

How long does it take to obtain a residence permit?

The process usually takes about 3 months.

How to renew a residence permit in Saudi Arabia?

Renewal of a residence permit in Saudi Arabia is not required for those holding an indefinite duration permit. However, compliance with the requirements under which the residency was granted may periodically be checked for conditional permanent residency holders. If the permit has a limited duration, a fee of SAR 100,000 (USD 26,500) must be paid for each year to renew the document.

How much is a residence permit in Saudi Arabia?

The cost depends on the type of residency. For example, to obtain a residence permit in Saudi Arabia for investment, you need to invest at least SAR 7 million (USD 1.86 million) and pay fees of SAR 638 (USD 170) and SAR 4,000 (USD 1,060).

Can I obtain a residence permit remotely?

You can complete the applications and attach the required documents remotely on the government platform.

What are the required documents to obtain a residence permit in Saudi Arabia?

The required documents include a passport, educational certificates, and the contracts, licences, and recommendation letters necessary for your type of visa.

Can I work in the country with a residence permit?

Premium residency allows you to work in the Kingdom.

How long do I need to reside in the country to obtain citizenship in Saudi Arabia?

To receive a passport in Saudi Arabia through naturalisation, an applicant must have resided in the country for at least 10 consecutive years. Citizenship by naturalisation is granted based on a points system. Points can be earned not only through continuous residence but also through factors such as education, employment, and family ties with citizens of the Kingdom. It is important to note that no programme exists to obtain citizenship by investment in Saudi Arabia.

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