Premium residence in Saudi Arabia

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).

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.