Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency (sometimes referred to as the “Saudi Green Card”) allows foreigners to live, work, and invest in the Kingdom without a local sponsor. Introduced in 2019 and expanded in 2024, the program now offers multiple residency paths tailored for professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and property owners.

Premium Residency Types and Associated Costs

There are several options available under the Premium Residency program, each designed to suit different needs:

• The Limited Duration Residency is renewable on a yearly basis and comes with a fee of SAR 100,000 per year. The fee reduces by 2% annually as long as the residency is continuously renewed.
• The Unlimited (Permanent) Residency requires a one-time fee of SAR 800,000. This option grants lifelong benefits without the need for annual renewal.
• In addition to the traditional options, Saudi Arabia now offers five product-based categories: Special Talent, Gifted, Investor, Entrepreneur, and Real Estate Owner. Each of these categories requires a SAR 4,000 non-refundable application fee.

General Eligibility Requirements for All Applicants

Regardless of the residency type, all applicants must meet the following core requirements:

• Possess a valid passport with at least six months of validity and no travel restrictions.
• Demonstrate financial solvency, with sufficient income or assets to support the applicant and any dependents.
• Provide a clean criminal record, with no serious offenses or security-related concerns.
• Submit a recent medical report verifying good health and absence of communicable diseases.
• If applying from inside Saudi Arabia, applicants must also hold legal residency or a valid Iqama.

Specific Eligibility Criteria for Each Category

Special Talent Residency

This category is intended for high-level professionals in healthcare, science, or executive roles. Applicants must meet salary thresholds and secure recommendations from relevant employers or authorities:

• Executives must earn at least SAR 80,000 per month.
• Healthcare or scientific professionals must earn SAR 35,000 or more per month.
• Researchers must earn SAR 14,000 per month or more and provide evidence of published work or patents.

Gifted Residency

Applicants in this category must have national or international recognition in the fields of arts, culture, or sports. Eligibility requires:

• Proof of a prestigious award or official recognition.
• An endorsement letter from the relevant Saudi ministry or authority.

Investor Residency

To qualify as an investor, applicants must inject at least SAR 7 million into the Saudi economy within two years. Additional requirements include:

• Creating a minimum of 10 jobs for Saudi citizens.
• Holding a valid investment license issued by the Ministry of Investment.

You May Also Read: Premium Residency vs. Investor Visa in Saudi Arabia

Entrepreneur Residency

There are two sub-levels within this category:

• Tier 1 requires an investment of at least SAR 400,000 in a Saudi startup with a 20% minimum ownership stake. This grants a renewable five-year residency.
• Tier 2 mandates an investment of SAR 15 million and a 10% stake, along with specific job creation milestones to qualify for conditional permanent residency.

Real Estate Owner Residency

This path is suitable for applicants who own real estate in Saudi Arabia:

• Property must be worth at least SAR 4 million and be free from mortgages.
• It must be fully developed and used for residential purposes only.
• An official valuation from an approved Saudi agency is required.
• Residency is granted as long as property ownership is maintained.

4. Required Documents for Application

The documentation process for Premium Residency is rigorous. Applicants should prepare the following:

• A valid passport copy.
• Recent passport-size photos with a white background.
• Financial evidence, such as bank statements, audited accounts, or investment portfolios.
• A medical report issued within the last six months confirming good health.
• Proof of legal residency status (if applying from inside the Kingdom).
• Supporting documents specific to the chosen category, such as investment licenses, employment letters, property valuation, or recognition letters.
• Any non-Arabic documents must be translated into Arabic or English by certified professionals.

You May Also Read: Required Documents for Premium Residency Application in Saudi Arabia

5. Family Sponsorship and Residency Benefits

One of the main advantages of Premium Residency is the ability to include family members. Eligible dependents include:

• Spouse
• Children under the age of 25 who are not married
• Dependent parents (with proof of dependency)

Other notable benefits include:

• No monthly dependent fees
• The ability to own residential and commercial real estate (excluding certain restricted zones)
• The freedom to operate a business independently, switch employers, or be self-employed
• Exit and re-entry without the need for a sponsor or employer permission
• Access to priority queues at immigration checkpoints
• The ability to sponsor visit visas for extended family and domestic workers

Premium Residency permits are typically granted for five years and can be renewed. In some categories, holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency after residing in the Kingdom for at least 30 months within five years, whether consecutive or cumulative.

You May Also Read: Legal Framework of Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia

Why Batic Law Firm Is Your Trusted Legal Partner

Applying for Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia involves careful legal planning, compliance, and documentation. we offer:

• Tailored legal consultation to identify the most suitable residency category
• Document preparation and review, including financial, medical, and professional records
• Direct engagement with the Premium Residency Center
• Legal support for property acquisition, business setup, and investment licensing
• Assistance with family sponsorships, renewals, and transitions to permanent residency

Our expert legal team ensures every step is handled with diligence and confidentiality.

Next Steps for Applicants

1. Choose your category: talent, entrepreneur, investor, gifted, or real estate.
2. Gather required documents: financials, health, passport, and category-specific records.
3. Partner with Batic Law to prepare and submit your application.
4. Monitor your application status through our legal team’s direct follow-up.
5. Receive your residency and begin enjoying the unmatched benefits of living in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency program is designed for ambitious, skilled, and visionary individuals who want to live and thrive in the Kingdom. Whether you are a global investor, an accomplished professional, or a startup founder, there is now a tailored residency path for you.

Let Batic Law Firm guide you through the legal journey every step of the way.