Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia: An Opportunity for Stability and Investment!

المركز الإعلامي

Premium Residency in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the ambitious initiatives aimed at attracting skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs, granting them the opportunity to settle in a competitive and thriving economic environment.

There are several categories of Premium Residency, including:

  • Exceptional Competence Residency
  • Entrepreneur Residency
  • Business Investor Residency
  • Limited and Unlimited Residency
  • Talent Residency
  • Property Owner Residency

Each category has its own specific requirements targeting a particular group of applicants.

🟩 Exceptional Competence Residency

This residency is designated for individuals with high expertise and skills in scientific, research, and leadership fields.
The requirements are subject to continuous updates on the Premium Residency Center’s website and include the following:

First: General Notes

  • The employment contract must be with entities listed by the Center, and the list is updated periodically.
  • The specialization must be among those specified by the Center, which are updated regularly.
  • The Center classifies competences into two main categories: Competent Professionals and Executives.

Category One: Competent Professionals

(A) Researchers

  • Must have an employment contract with an entity registered at the Center, and the research specialization must align with the Center’s priorities.
  • Monthly salary not less than SAR 14,000.
  • Bachelor’s degree at minimum.
  • At least 3 years of professional experience in the relevant field.
  • Meeting the minimum score required in the points system.
  • Submission of a recommendation letter from the employer.
  • At least three published research papers in a relevant field.

(B) Health and Scientific Professionals

  • Employment contract with a designated entity in a priority specialization.
  • Total monthly income not less than SAR 35,000.
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher.
  • More than 3 years of work experience in a related field.
  • Meeting the minimum score in the points system.
  • Recommendation letter from the employer.

Category Two: Executives

  • Employment contract in a leadership position (level one or two) with a designated entity.
  • Total monthly income not less than SAR 80,000.
  • Recommendation letter from the employer.

Residency Duration:

  • Limited residency: 5 years, renewable once upon meeting eligibility criteria.
  • Permanent residency: granted upon continuous fulfillment of the requirements and actual residence in the Kingdom for at least 30 months within five years (consecutive or non-consecutive).

🟩 Entrepreneur Residency

This residency targets innovators and startup founders seeking to develop their businesses within the Kingdom and is divided into two categories:

Category One:

  • Obtain an entrepreneurial license from the Ministry of Investment.
  • Secure an investment round from an entity accredited by the Center.
  • Own at least 20% of the company’s shares.
  • Provide a recommendation letter from the accredited investment entity.

Category Two:

  • Secure an investment round from an accredited entity.
  • Own at least 10% of the company’s shares.
  • Create at least 10 jobs in the first year and 10 more in the second year.
  • Provide a recommendation letter from the accredited investment entity.

Applicants in Category One receive a limited 5-year renewable residency, while Category Two applicants are granted permanent residency immediately upon meeting the conditions.

🟩 Business Investor Residency

This residency is designated for investors seeking to enter the Saudi market and benefit from investment opportunities. Requirements include:

  • Investment license with a value of no less than SAR 7 million.
  • Valid commercial registration and articles of association proving ownership share in the company.
  • Investment of SAR 7 million within the first two years.
  • Creation of at least 10 new jobs within the first two years.

🟩 Premium Residency (Limited and Unlimited)

This type offers a flexible option for individuals wishing to reside in the Kingdom without the need for investment or employment, with eligibility based mainly on proof of financial solvency.

Types:

  • Limited-term Residency: 5 years, renewable once upon meeting eligibility requirements.
  • Unlimited (Permanent) Residency: granted upon continuous fulfillment of the requirements and actual residence for at least 30 months within 5 years.

Additional Note:
Applicants must provide proof of financial solvency. Any document proving the applicant’s ability to bear living costs in Saudi Arabia is acceptable.
According to some Center employees, a bank statement is considered the best means of proving financial solvency.

🟩 Talent Residency

This residency targets talented individuals in sports, cultural, and artistic fields who have achieved outstanding accomplishments. Requirements include:

  • Nomination for or winning one of the specified awards.
  • Meeting the minimum financial solvency requirement.
  • Obtaining a recommendation from the Ministry of Sports or the Ministry of Culture.

🟩 Property Owner Residency

This residency allows individuals to own and benefit from residential properties within the Kingdom. According to the Center’s website, the requirements include:

  • Ownership or usufruct of real estate assets valued at not less than SAR 4 million.
  • The property must not be mortgaged and cannot be mortgaged in the future.
  • The property must be residential only.
  • The property must be existing (not a developed or undeveloped plot of land).
  • Submission of an approved valuation report issued by accredited valuers under the Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers “Taqeem.”

Additional Note:
The required value of SAR 4 million may consist of multiple properties totaling that amount; it is not necessary to own a single property worth SAR 4 million.

🟩 General Benefits of Premium Residency

Premium Residency holders enjoy a range of benefits, including:

  • Residency in the Kingdom with family members (parents, spouses, and children under 25 years old).
  • Freedom to move between establishments without restrictions.
  • Exemption from fees imposed on expatriates and dependents.
  • Freedom to travel in and out of the Kingdom without a re-entry visa.
  • Ability to issue visit visas for relatives.
  • Use of citizens’ lanes at border crossings.
  • Employment in private sector establishments.
  • Ability to conduct business in accordance with investment regulations.
  • Ownership and utilization of real estate properties.

🟩 Conclusion

Premium Residency in the Kingdom represents a gateway for ambitious individuals seeking to live and work in a thriving economic environment.
With its wide range of options and diverse benefits, this initiative opens new horizons for investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and talented individuals—making it an ideal choice for those aspiring to achieve success and stability in the heart of the Middle East.

We are pleased to assist you in applying for any of the suitable categories and in following up on your application until you achieve your goal of obtaining Premium Residency.

Last updated on 21-09-2025
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