Saudi Premium Residency Guide 2025 Unlock Exclusive Benefits

Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia the much-touted “Saudi Green Card”-is a transformative reform under Vision 2030 to attract international talent, entrepreneurs, and investors. The program came into existence in 2019, wherein two main routes exist-Limited Duration and Unlimited Duration intended to cater to different profiles and aspirations. This 2025 guide is your one-stop guide to everything about residency products, eligibility criteria, benefits, fees, how to apply, and renewal pathways.

What Is The Saudi Premium Residency?

The Saudi Premium Residency program acts as a residence permit for Saudi Arabia and allows foreign nationals to set up their homes and businesses in Saudi Arabia or own property without a local sponsor. It aims to attract talented workers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors in Saudi Arabia for the economic development of the country. Having caught the eye of attraction from around the globe, the program holds significant value in improving Saudi economic diversification and attracting world-class talents and investments.

The program was introduced in 2019 and popularly came to be known as the “Saudi Green Card.” The program initially offered two options: a one-year residence and permanent residence, the former of which could be renewed. The latest Saudi Green Card update reports huge changes to this entire program.

At the beginning of 2024, Saudi Arabia decided to take a giant leap in raising the level of Premium Residency Saudi Arabia by introducing more streamlined and accessible application procedures and broadening the categories of persons eligible to apply. There are now five new categories specifically designed to target a wider range of individuals, including real estate owners, business investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, and proficient professionals.

Eligibility Criteria

There exist a variety of conditions applicants must satisfy before qualifying for Premium Residency Saudi Arabia. These requirements may differ depending on the premium residency product for which the application is being submitted. These kinds of considerations may include being of a certain age as a main applicant, making the requisite investments, or having the recommendation of a certain authority, among other things. Nevertheless, some criteria must be met by everyone applying, irrespective of what sort of premium residency product they may be applying for. These criteria include –

• Applicants must possess valid passports with at least six months of validity from the date of filing. The passports should have no entries that restrict the holder from leaving or returning at any time to Saudi Arabia.

• The principal applicant must prove solvency and provide for him/her/their own maintenance and that of the family during his/her/their stay in Saudi Arabia. Financial documents, such as bank statements, can be used to do so.

• From the standpoint of good character; applicants and their families must always have been good in that regard. In addition, they will have to provide the Saudi Premium Residency Center a sort of consent to allow the Center to verify their background with the relevant authorities in their country of residence.

• The applicants and their families should have no contagious diseases as certified by a certain recent medical report issued by either a licensed medical center in Saudi Arabia or from a medical center recognized by Saudi diplomatic missions abroad-the report should have come into existence not later than six months from the time of application.

• Upon application from within the Kingdom, the applicant must present a valid legal residence permit for the Kingdom.

Family Members Eligible For Saudi Premium Residency

Family members of Premium Resident holders obtain the service of Premium Residency. There is no limit imposed for family members to stay in Saudi Arabia under a Premium Residency. The spouses of the holders also enjoy Premium Residency Saudi Arabia with their parents and children under 25 years of age, as a default provided as dependents of primary AIM holders. In addition, special needs children retain it irrespective of age, and where otherwise unmarried daughters above 25 years of age may be eligible as family members of the principal premium resident.

Saudi Premium Residency Options

Being prepared to cater to every variable need of the persons seeking residency in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Premium Residency program offers several options officially termed Premium Residency Products. With these products, people may opt to get the Limited Duration Premium Residency, which can be renewed subject to terms and conditions, or apply for a Permanent Premium Residency that ideally suits their goals and preferences. These Saudi Premium Residency products are –

1. Limited Duration Premium Residency

The foremost option is the Limited Duration Premium Residency Saudi Arabia, valid for one to five years with a renewal prospect. An annual fee of USD 26,670 is charged. Applicants opting for a period longer than a year will enjoy a 2% discount if the amount is paid upfront to avail of the cumulative discount. It is suitable for the investor or businessman who is aiming to realize investments for a fixed term in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

. It is also recommended for those who really want to make sure of the day-to-day life, business environment, and investment opportunities in Saudi before looking into permanent residence. Applicants for this product must satisfy a criterion of being above 21, other than the general eligibility criteria.

2. Unlimited Duration Premium Residency

Such a product is a golden ticket to Premium Residency Saudi Arabia – the entry fee is just SAR 800,000 flat. There must be a minimum age of 21 for the principal applicant. This kind of residence suitably offers a long-term stay without any annual renewal, especially attracting those aspiring to get a permanent visa in Saudi Arabia and monetize on relocating to Saudi Arabia or retaining the permanent resident permit status in the Kingdom.

3. Real Estate Owner Residency

Also, foreign nationals are able to acquire the Saudi Premium Residency by holding tenancy privileges to residential belongings in Saudi Arabia. The property value has to be at least 4 million Saudi Riyals. It has to be an eligible residential property, already developed on the ground, and assessed by appraisers accredited by the Saudi Authority to meet or exceed the minimum threshold in terms of property value.

The acquisition of properties through real estate financing or before or after the Premium Residency application mortgaging of the properties is not allowed. The time frame granted for Premium Residency, in relation to this particular product, corresponds with the time period during which the property is held.

4. Investor Residency

Foreign businesses and investors get a chance to invest in Saudi Arabia, with the welcome dual value of obtaining a Permanent Premium Residency. Saudi Arabia is considered the largest market, at least in this part of the region, and an attractive investment environment in view of its strong economy and positive growth trends, practically with everything to be invested in, in one way or another. For this choice, the applicant must carry an investment license in Saudi Arabia and invest in the country within the first two years of being allowed to apply for at least 7 million Saudi Riyals and create at least 10 job prospects in Saudi Arabia.

5. Entrepreneur Residency

It is being created for startup founders whose ventures manage to receive at least SAR 400,000 from an approved VC or incubator. Alongside this, applicants must have an entrepreneurial license issued by the Ministry of Investment with the recommendation letter of the investor attached. The applicant would also have to hold a 20 percent minimum ownership in the company.

The sustenance permit is valid for five years and is renewable only as long as the owner retains the ownership. You may become eligible for permanent residency if your venture raises SAR 15 million, you retain at least 10% equity and create 10 jobs in the first two years. A startup will also be exempted from Nitaqat localization for three years with the entrepreneurs able to nominate two of their executives for Premium Residency Saudi Arabia under the Special Talent category.

6. Special Talented Residency

For top-tier executives, healthcare professionals, scientists, and researchers. It is valid for 5 years and is renewable, as well as a route to permanence, outside the scope of Nitaqat. Education-wise, a bachelor’s degree is required, 3 years of experience is required, required points as recognized by the Residency Center’s covens, and recommendation from employers. The applicant must have three published papers and a minimum wage of SAR 14,000 for researchers and SAR 35,000 for science/healthcare, with recommendation from the employer, and SAR 80,000 minimum monthly wage.

7. Gifted Residency

Considered for elite athletes, artists, and cultural talents for a 5-year issuance (renewable with a period to expire) and exempts them from Nitaqat. The legitimate fields could include Olympic sports, literature, music, design, theater, and cinema. Applicants should have security clearance from any relevant Saudi authority (like the Ministry of Sports or Culture) and should either have been nominated or awarded an exceptional award or must fulfill the eligibility conditions of their respective concerned ministry in their field.

Benefits Of The Saudi Premium Residency

The Saudi Premium Residency benefits individuals and entities like investors, entrepreneurs, proficient professionals, and qualified people. The Premium Residency, also called the Saudi Green Card or the Saudi Golden Visa, allows seasoned expatriates electing to reside in Saudi Arabia to invest, create operations, self-sponsor, and move freely within Saudi Arabia.

1. Family Perquisites – Holders of the Premium Residency can sponsor their immediate family members to stay, work, and invest in Saudi Arabia without paying the typical dependent fee. Family members may readily change their employers, but children under 23 sponsored by their parent’s route cannot hold this cash, and those who do not qualify by a relationship can apply for a family visit visa.

2. Real Estate – You can buy any type of real estate whatsoever, be it residential, commercial, or industrial, anywhere in Saudi Arabia except Mecca, Medinah, and border zones. In Mecca and Medinah, you can get property via 99 years of leasing rights. You can also register and license vehicles and other means of transport.

3. Business Opportunities – Premium residents can invest in Saudi capital markets and work in private establishments while changing jobs without a sponsor. You can apply for the SAIGA license, which grants you the authority to set up your onshore company fully foreign-owned and conduct business in the Kingdom.

4. Smooth Transit – You can enjoy unlimited entries and exits from Saudi territory while being treated with resident-only lanes at the airport for faster processing. As such, you will be able to travel abroad as many times as you want with no visa restrictions.

Application Process For Saudi Premium Residency

The following are the steps for procuring a Saudi Premium Residency –

1. Account Registration – Click on the “Register Now” button to create your account in the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency portal. You are required to complete the registration form with your personal data. Full name, passport number, email address, and telephone number are some of the data to be filled in. The person will then verify their respective email address and phone number.

2. Complete The Application Form – Now you have an account. Log in, then click on Request Premium Residency. Application forms are available here. You will be required to record information such as personal information, family details, educational background, employment, financial status, and some general information.

3. Document Submission – You will be instructed to upload supporting documents such as copies of passport, identification, birth certificate, marriage certificate; bank statements; employment contracts; and numerous other relevant documents. You will then proceed with the payment of the application fee of USD 170, which can be paid online through the portal.

4. Review and Submission – Ensure that you check and confirm all details you have entered in your application are true, and finally press the “Submit” button to complete the application.

Required Documents For Saudi Premium Residency Application

Documents you will need to gather include –

• Saudi Iqama Number (Only if you are currently in Saudi Arabia or if you have never been in the Kingdom on an Iqama)
• Bank statement for the last 12 months
• Proof of current address (such as publication of a utility bill)
• Your latest pictures of yourself and your family.
• Documents including passports belonging to both your family and yourself
• Copies of all visas to Saudi Arabia stamped on your passport in the past 15 years.
• A medical report for the applicant(s) and dependents from a recognized healthcare institution, certified by the Saudi Diplomatic mission
• Proof of financial capacity – All papers should be authorized by the authorized Saudi diplomatic assignment.
• Other supporting papers may be demanded depending on the precise Premium Residency Saudi Arabia product applied for. This may include property ownership arrangements, proposal letters, or other appropriate documents.

Saudi Premium Residency Cost

The charges that applicants have to settle to obtain the residency permit Premium Residency Saudi Arabia are, therefore, variable, depending on the category or product that they apply through. For example, the Limited Duration Premium Residency Permit charges 100,000 Saudi Riyals annually.

The Saudi permanent residency cost for the unlimited Duration permit is set at a one-off charge of 800,000 Saudi Riyals. Other products that require the applicants to pay a one-time fee of 4,000 Saudi Riyals include Business Investor Residency, Entrepreneurs Residency, Real Estate Owner, Special Talent Residency, and Gifted Residency. In addition, all applicants under all products have a 170 USD application processing fee.

Validity And Renewal For Saudi Premium Residency

The validity of Saudi Premium Residency varies on which specific product exists within the program. The details corresponding to the validity of each of the residency products are as follows –

• Limited Duration Premium Residency – Valid for one year and is renewable.

• Unlimited Duration Premium Residency – Valid permanently without renewal.

• Real Estate Owner Premium Residency – The validity is tied to property ownership or possession of a usufructuary right.

• Investor Premium Residency – This is permanent residency but is conditional for two years from the date of issuance.

• Entrepreneur Premium Residency – This is a five-year renewable stay or permanent residency, depending on the investment value.

• Special Talent and Gifted Premium Residency – Both provide five years of residency, renewable with the option of conversion to permanent residency after 30 months of stay in Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion

Saudi Premium Residency guarantees unprecedented freedom and security to expatriates in their pursuit of long-term residence, business opportunities, and family security in one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. This program also opens doors to Express Business Service and seamless Business Setup in Saudi Arabia, providing entrepreneurs with the tools and support needed to establish and grow their businesses efficiently in a thriving market.

Be it the Limited Duration track for flexibility or the Unlimited Duration track for commitment, this 2025 guide has given you all the basic information concerning products, requirements, advantages, costs, and procedures to facilitate your decision. Seed your Premium Residency today in line with Saudi Arabia’s vision for a diversified, dynamic future.

Also Read: How To Check Iqama Expiry In Saudi Arabia In 2025