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Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency Program:
Everything You Need To Know
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In a bid to diversify its economy and attract foreign talent and investment, Saudi Arabia launched the Premium Residency Program, also known as the "Saudi Green Card," in 2019. The program offers two main options: Limited Duration Premium Residency, valid for one year with the possibility of renewal, and Unlimited Duration Premium Residency, which provides permanent residency
In early 2024, the Kingdom expanded the program by introducing five new categories:
Real Estate Owner Residency
Investor Residency
Entrepreneur Residency
Special Talent Residency
Gifted Residency
Eligibility Criteria for Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Program
Each category has specific eligibility criteria that applicants must meet to qualify for the Premium Residency. The requirements for each category are as follows:
Real Estate Owner Residency:
Own a residential property in Saudi Arabia valued at a minimum of 4 million Saudi Riyals (approximately $1.07 million)
The property must be appraised by valuers accredited by the Saudi Authority (TAQEEM)
Purchasing properties through real estate financing or mortgaging the properties before or after obtaining Premium Residency is not permitted
Investor Residency:
Hold an investment license in Saudi Arabia
Invest at least 7 million Saudi Riyals (approximately $1.87 million) within the first two years
Create a minimum of 10 job opportunities in the country
Entrepreneur Residency:
Secure investments or investment rounds of at least 400,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately $106,660) from venture capital funds or incubators recognized by the Premium Residency Center
Obtain an entrepreneurial license from the Saudi Ministry of Investment
Obtain a recommendation letter from the investing entity
Special Talent Residency:
Professionals in executive leadership, healthcare, science, and research with employment contracts in these specific fields
Minimum monthly salary of 80,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately $21,330) for executive-level professionals
Minimum monthly salary of 14,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately $3,730) for researchers and 35,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately $9,330) for science and healthcare professionals
Obtain a recommendation letter from the employer
Gifted Residency:
Saudi Arabia offers residency to individuals of exceptional talent and abilities in various fields such as sports, science, and the arts
Applicants must provide evidence of their exceptional abilities and recognition in their respective fields
Must receive an official invitation or nomination from a relevant Saudi authority or institution
Application Process & Fees for Saudi’s Premium Residency
The application process for the Premium Residency Program is conducted online through the Premium Residency portal. Applicants must follow these steps:
Create an account on the portal and complete the registration form with personal information, including full name, passport details, email address, and phone number
Fill out the application form with details such as personal information, family information, education, occupation, finances, and other relevant information
Upload supporting documents, such as passport copies, bank statements, and proof of investment or property ownership, depending on the selected category
Pay the application processing fee of 170 USD through the portal
Review and submit the application
Once the application is submitted, the Premium Residency Center will review the application and conduct necessary background checks.
The processing time for the application varies depending on the category and the completeness of the submitted documents, which is why obtaining legal and professional help is recommended to shortcut the process, which is what Wealth Consulting, a top immigration and legal firm, can help you with. Book a free consultation through this link.
Fees for the Premium Residency vary depending on the chosen category. The Limited Duration and Unlimited Duration Premium Residencies have annual fees of 100,000 and 800,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately $26,665 and $213,320), respectively, while most other categories require a one-time fee of 4,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately $1,066).
Premium Residency holders enjoy several benefits, including the right to live, work, and own property in Saudi Arabia without the need for a sponsor. They can also freely enter and exit the country using designated lanes at Saudi airports.
Immediate family members of the primary applicant, including spouses, children under 25 years old, and parents, are also eligible for residency as dependents. Children with special needs, regardless of their age, and unmarried daughters over the age of 25 may also obtain residency as eligible family members.
Why Choose Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Program
The launch of the Premium Residency Program is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan to reduce the country's dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism. By attracting foreign talent and investment, the Kingdom aims to create a more vibrant and competitive economy.
The program follows in the footsteps of other successful regional programs, such as the UAE's Golden Visa and Turkey's Citizenship by Investment Program.
The Saudi Premium Residency stands out for its focus on attracting a diverse range of individuals, from investors and entrepreneurs to exceptional talents in various fields. While this remains true in the case of the UAE’s golden visa, Saudi Arabia arguably offers even more exceptional growth opportunities being the MENA’s region’s biggest economy.
As Saudi Arabia continues to implement its ambitious Vision 2030 plan, the Premium Residency Program is expected to play a crucial role in attracting the global talent and investment necessary to drive the Kingdom's economic transformation.
If you’re interested to explore your options for obtaining a Saudi Premium Residency, or Saudi Green Card, go ahead and book a free consultation with one of our Wealth Consulting experts. Based in Dubai and operating across the region for many years, Wealth Consulting has grown to learn the ins and outs of all regional visa programs and thus offers tailored residency and investment solutions to a wide base of global clients.
Book a free consultation here.
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