Types of Residencies in Saudi Arabia

What Are the Benefits of Residency in Saudi Arabia for Workers and Families?

• Economic Stability and Multiple Job Opportunities: Saudi Arabia offers a thriving economic environment with numerous job opportunities across various sectors, including oil, petrochemicals, healthcare, and education. Residency in Saudi Arabia provides access to competitive salaries, financial incentives, and opportunities for training and professional development. Residents can also open bank accounts and invest in different projects.
• Advanced Education System: Residents and their families have access to a well-developed education system, including international schools and universities that follow global standards. This allows children to receive high-quality education, whether in public or private schools, with diverse curriculum options such as British and American.
• High-Quality Healthcare: The Kingdom provides advanced healthcare services, including both public and private hospitals equipped with the latest medical technologies and staffed by skilled professionals. Residents and their families can benefit from these services with the option of obtaining health insurance that covers treatment in hospitals and clinics.
• Freedom of Movement and Investment: Certain types of residencies allow residents to move freely between different cities within the Kingdom and invest in various sectors, including real estate, enabling them to build a stable financial future.
• Security and Safety: Saudi Arabia is known for its high level of security and political stability, making it a safe destination for families from around the world. The country has laws and regulations that protect residents' rights and ensure a secure living environment.
• Service Facilities: Residents enjoy modern services in transportation and infrastructure, including highways and public transit systems, which guarantee ease of movement. In addition, advanced banking services offer access to loans and financing.

What Are the Types of Residencies in Saudi Arabia?

1. Permanent Premium Residency

Permanent Premium Residency is granted to individuals who wish to live and settle in Saudi Arabia permanently without the need for a sponsor. This residency type offers benefits like freedom of movement, the ability to work and invest within the Kingdom, and ownership of properties and vehicles. Holders of this residency can bring their family members to live with them and employ domestic workers.

They can also travel freely in and out of the country. To obtain this residency, applicants must provide a valid passport, a clean criminal record, a health report proving they are free of contagious diseases, and proof of financial solvency. The fee for Permanent Premium Residency is 800,000 SAR, which is paid once. Applications can be submitted through the Premium Residency electronic platform, where they are thoroughly reviewed by the competent authorities to ensure all conditions and requirements are met.

2. Temporary Premium Residency

Temporary Premium Residency is granted to individuals who wish to reside in Saudi Arabia for a specific period to benefit from work or investment opportunities without needing a sponsor. Holders of this residency enjoy various benefits, including freedom of movement across the Kingdom and the ability to invest in properties and other sectors. This residency is suitable for those planning temporary residence, such as establishing a business or investment project for a limited time.

To obtain this residency, applicants must provide a valid passport, a clean criminal record, a health report proving they are disease-free, and proof of financial solvency to cover their expenses during their stay. The fee for this residency is 100,000 SAR annually, with the option to renew as needed. Applications are submitted via the designated electronic platform for temporary residency, where they undergo a thorough review by the relevant authorities before final approval.

3. Investor Residency

Investor Residency is granted to individuals in Saudi Arabia who intend to invest in the Saudi market through various projects. This type of residency caters to investors planning to establish new projects, invest in existing companies, or purchase properties for real estate investment. Investor Residency allows the holder to manage their business and investments freely and brings family members to live with them in the Kingdom. To obtain this residency, applicants need to submit a clear investment plan, proof of financial solvency, and legal documents related to the investment project, along with personal documents such as a passport.

Fees vary based on the type and size of the investment project, as determined by the Saudi Investment Authority. Applications are submitted through the authority, where all required documents must be provided, and the applicants must comply with the country's investment laws and regulations. The applications are reviewed to ensure they align with the Kingdom’s vision and investment goals.

4. Work Residency

Work Residency is granted to foreign employees who have been contracted by Saudi companies or institutions. This residency targets individuals seeking job opportunities in various sectors within the Kingdom, including healthcare, education, industry, and services. Work Residency entitles the holder to reside in the Kingdom during the contract period, with the option to bring family members after meeting certain conditions. To obtain a Work Residency, a documented employment contract from the Saudi employer, a medical examination certificate, a valid passport, personal photos, and approval from relevant authorities are required.

The fees for Work Residency vary depending on the duration and profession category, and the employer typically bears these costs. The residency is issued through the “Absher” electronic platform after all procedures and medical examinations are completed, granting the worker all rights provided by Saudi labor laws.

Related: Open a Bank Account in Saudi Arabia.

5. Tourist Residency

Tourist Residency is granted to visitors who wish to explore the Kingdom and its tourist attractions for a limited period. This residency is designed for tourists looking to enjoy the historical, cultural, and natural sites in Saudi Arabia. Holders of the Tourist Residency can move freely between Saudi cities and enjoy various tourist services. To obtain this residency, applicants must provide a valid passport, purchase health insurance covering the residency period, and provide a hotel reservation or a residential address.

Tourist visa fees vary depending on the duration and type and range between 300 to 500 SAR. Tourists can apply for the tourist visa through the “Visit Saudi” electronic platform or via Saudi embassies abroad. The Tourist Residency allows visitors to explore and learn about the Kingdom's rich culture and heritage.

6. Student Residency

Student Residency is granted to foreign students who have been accepted to study in Saudi universities and educational institutions. This residency targets students seeking high-quality education in an advanced academic environment, with options to choose from diverse specializations such as engineering, medicine, business administration, and more. Applicants for this residency must submit an acceptance letter from a Saudi university, a valid passport, personal photos, and a medical examination certificate proving they are free of contagious diseases.

Saudi universities offer various facilities to foreign students, including health insurance and support services during their study period. Educational institutions usually cover residency fees on behalf of the student, with some additional fees for health insurance. Applications are submitted through the university, which sends the acceptance letter to the competent authorities for the issuance of the student residency, allowing the student to reside in the Kingdom throughout their study duration.

Read also: Best Areas for Real Estate Investment in Saudi Arabia.

Get Residency in Saudi Arabia Through Imtilak Global

Imtilak Global facilitates the process of obtaining residency in Saudi Arabia through purchasing property, offering a variety of high-quality real estate options across the Kingdom. The company assists in selecting the most suitable properties and streamlines all the necessary legal procedures for obtaining residency.

With its extensive experience in the Saudi real estate market, Imtilak Global provides the best offers tailored to your needs and requirements, helping you achieve a successful investment and stable life in the Kingdom.