Premium residency in Saudi Arabia
Residence without a sponsor for you and your family, with seven main pathways including property ownership
Consult an expert for freeWhat is the Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia?
Premium Residency is a residency system issued by the Premium Residency Center, allowing non-Saudis to live in the Kingdom with their families without a sponsor, work, invest, and own property with greater freedom than regular residency. It is granted through seven types, including a permanent residency for 800,000 SAR and a property owner residency for those owning residential property valued at 4 million SAR or more.
Introduction
Premium Residency differs from regular residency in that it is not tied to an employer, granting its holder extensive benefits in housing, work, and mobility. However, each of its seven types has different conditions and fees, so the right decision begins with choosing the path that suits your situation.
What is the difference between a premium residency and a regular residency?
The main difference is the sponsor, which affects family, travel, work, and costs.
| Item | Regular residency | Premium residency |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor | Linked to an employer or host | Without a sponsor |
| Family | Depending on the sponsor's eligibility and recruitment conditions | Spouse and children under 25 years old, and parents |
| Travel | Requires an exit and re-entry visa | Entry and exit without a visa |
| Financial fees for dependents | Paid for each dependent | Exempted |
| Work | With the sponsoring employer | Freedom to work and move between private sector establishments |
| Duration | Renewed periodically with the sponsor | Depending on the type: limited, permanent, or linked to property or investment. |
Sponsor
What are the types of premium residency in Saudi Arabia?
Premium residency is granted through seven types: two are obtained with direct fees, and five for specific categories with lower fees and special eligibility conditions:
01Unlimited duration premium residency (permanent)
A permanent residency that does not require renewal, for a one-time payment of 800,000 Riyals.
02Limited duration premium residency
From one to five years, renewable, for 100,000 Riyals per year, with a discount when applying for more than one year.
03Property owner residency
For those who own residential property valued at 4 million Riyals or more, its duration is linked to property ownership, and it has two pathways:
Ready property:
Existing and unencumbered, not financed by a mortgage.
Unit on the map:
From an accredited developer, with a payment of one million Riyals or 10% of the value, whichever is higher.
04Business investor residency
For those who invest at least 7 million Riyals within the Kingdom, with the provision of 10 jobs within two years.
05Entrepreneur residency
For founders of startups that have received an investment round of no less than 400,000 Riyals from an accredited entity.
06Exceptional talent residency
For executives and individuals with rare expertise in sectors needed by the Kingdom, such as health and scientific research.
07Talent residency
For individuals with outstanding talents in culture, arts, and sports.
What are the fees for the premium residency?
The fees and duration vary by type, and there is a significant difference between general and specialized types:
| Item | Regular residency | Premium residency |
|---|---|---|
| Indefinite duration (permanent) | 800,000 SAR one-time | Permanent |
| Family | Depending on the sponsor's eligibility and recruitment conditions | Spouse and children under 25 years old and parents |
| Fixed duration | 100,000 SAR per year | From 1 to 5 years, renewable |
| Property owner | 4,000 SAR | Linked to property ownership |
| Business investor | 4,000 SAR | Depending on meeting investment conditions |
| Entrepreneur | 4,000 SAR | Depending on the project category |
| Exceptional talent | 4,000 SAR | 5 years, renewable |
| Talent | 4,000 SAR | 5 years, renewable |
Specialized types have lower fees, but they require the eligibility condition to remain in effect, such as maintaining the property or investment, for the entire duration of residency.
What are the advantages of the premium residency?
The holder of the premium residency enjoys benefits that are not available with regular residency, the most notable of which are:
Your residency is not tied to an employer or host.
Residency without a sponsor.
Spouse and children under 25 years old, and parents.
Your family is with you.
Entry and exit from the Kingdom for you and your family without an exit and re-entry visa.
Travel without a visa.
No financial charges for your family members.
Exemption from dependent fees.
Working in the private sector and transferring between establishments.
Freedom to work.
According to the regulations for non-Saudis' ownership and their approved scopes.
Property ownership.
What are the general conditions for applying for a premium residency?
In addition to the specific requirements for each type, every applicant must meet the following general conditions:
Age: 21 years or older.
Passport: Must be valid.
Criminal record: Must be free of criminal convictions.
Medical report: Must prove absence of infectious diseases.
Financial solvency: Ability to pay fees and support the family.
Legal status: Valid residency for those applying from within the Kingdom.
How do you apply for the premium residency?
Applications are submitted entirely online through the Premium Residency Center portal:
- 01
Choose the type that suits your situation.
- 02
Check eligibility and prepare the necessary documents for the type, such as property deed and its valuation report for the property owner.
- 03
Create an account on the Premium Residency Center portal.
- 04
Submit the application with the required documents.
- 05
Wait for the review and initial approval.
- 06
Pay the fee for the selected type.
- 07
Receive your residency and your family's cards.
Properties that qualify you for property owner residency
This list features residential properties valued at SAR 4 million or more, ready or off-plan from accredited developers, that meet the requirements for property owner residency.
Browse all properties eligible for residency
How can we assist you in obtaining a premium residency through real estate?
We accompany you from choosing the property to preparing the residency file:
- 01
Defining the path
We review your situation and determine whether a ready property or a unit on the map is more suitable for you.
- 02
Choosing an eligible property
We verify the value, approve the developer, and ensure the property falls within ownership zones.
- 03
Purchase accompaniment
From the field or virtual tour to the registration of ownership.
- 04
Preparing the file
We help you prepare the required property documents for the application.
