Saudi Premium Residency 2025

As Saudi Arabia continues its transformative journey under Vision 2030, the introduction of the Saudi Premium Residency Program stands as a pivotal initiative to attract global talent, investment, and innovation.

This guide delves into the current Saudi Premium Residency products and their relevance for entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals aiming to expand their operations into Saudi Arabia.

What are the Saudi Premium Residency Products?

The Saudi Premium Residency Program, overseen by the Saudi premium residency center, provides foreign nationals with a choice between limited-duration and unlimited-duration residency options.

Designed to enhance the country’s economic diversification, the program empowers individuals to live, work, and invest in Saudi Arabia without needing a sponsor.

This autonomy is a game-changer for global businesses and expats alike.

Key Saudi Premium Residency Products in 2025

Special Talent Residency

This Product is for skilled professionals in executive leadership, healthcare, science, and research who can contribute to developing local capabilities and exchanging knowledge.

Saudi aims to attract the best minds from around the world for residency and work, enhancing development, creativity, and investment in human capital.

General Benefits

1. Reside in Saudi with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.
2. Flexibility to move from one establishment to another.
3. Exemption from the fees imposed on expats and their dependents and companions.
4. Exit and return to Saudi for the premium residency holder and their family members without requiring a visa.
5. The entitlement to obtain visit visas for relatives.
6. Use tracks dedicated to citizens and GCC nationals at airports.
7. The entitlement to work in the private sector and move between establishments applies to the husband, wife, and dependents, including the daughters' and sons' dependents.
8. Conducting business under the guidelines of The Investment Law.
9. Own and Usufruct real estate.

Special Benefits

• Eligibility for permanent residency upon meeting conditions.
• Exemption of the primary premium residency holder from the (Nitaqat) Program.

Eligibility Criteria

1- For Researchers, Healthcare, and Scientific Professionals

A- Researchers:

• Employment contract in whitelisted entities with priority specializations.
• Minimum monthly salary of SAR 14,000.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• More than three years of work experience in a related field.
• Minimum score in the points system.
• Recommendation letter from the employer.
• A minimum of 3 research in a related field.

B- Healthcare and Scientific Professionals:

• Employment contract in whitelisted entities with priority specializations.
• Minimum monthly salary of 35,000 SAR.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• More than three years of work experience in a related field.
• Minimum score in the points system.
• Recommendation letter from the employer.

2- For Executives

• Employment contract for executives at the first or second level, with a total minimum monthly wage of 80,000 SAR.
• Recommendation letter from the employer

Residency Duration

1. A five-year fixed-term residency, renewable for one term upon meeting product eligibility criteria.
2. Permanent residency status, upon continued adherence to product eligibility standards and a residency for 30 months in 5 consecutive or non-consecutive years.

Onetime fee:

4,000 SAR

Gifted Residency

This Product targets sports, cultural, and artistic talents. It aims to attract talents and unleash their full potential in creativity, innovation, and development by integrating them into the cultural and professional fabric of Saudi.

General Benefits

1. Reside in Saudi with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.
2. Flexibility to move from one establishment to another.
3. Exemption from the fees imposed on expats and their dependents and companions.
4. Exit and return to Saudi for the premium residency holder and their family members without requiring a visa.
5. The entitlement to obtain visit visas for relatives.
6. Use tracks dedicated to citizens at airports.
7. The entitlement to work in the private sector and move between establishments applies to the husband, wife, and dependents, including the daughters' and sons' dependents.
8. Conducting business under the guidelines of The Investment Law.
9. Own and Usufruct real estate.

Special Benefits

• Obtain permanent residency upon meeting the conditions.
• Exemption of the primary premium residency holder from the “Nitaqat” Program.

Eligibility Criteria

A- First Category:

• Before applying for the Gifted Residency, all applicants must meet the general eligibility criteria.
• Nomination or receiving one of the specified exceptional awards.
• Meeting the minimum financial capability (ensuring the ability to bear the cost of living in Saudi).
• Obtaining a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture or the Ministry of Sports based on the applicant’s field (The Premium Residency Center coordinates with the Ministries of Sports and Culture to obtain a letter of recommendation on behalf of the applicant for a “Gifted” Premium Residency product).

B- Second Category:

• Before applying for the Gifted Residency, all applicants must meet the general eligibility criteria.
• Fulfilling the minimum eligibility criteria approved by the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Sports.
• Meeting the minimum financial capability (ensuring the ability to bear the cost of living in the Saudi).
• Obtaining a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture or the Ministry of Sports based on the applicant’s field (The Premium Residency Center coordinates with the Ministries of Sports and Culture to obtain a letter of recommendation on behalf of the applicant for a “Gifted” Premium Residency product).

Residency Duration

1. A fixed term residency for five years, renewable once upon meeting the eligibility criteria for the product and having a residence for a period of 30 months during five years either consecutive or non-consecutive.
2. Permanent residency when continuously meeting the eligibility criteria for the product and having a residence for a period of 30 months during five years either consecutive or non-consecutive, and receiving an endorsement to have a permanent residency from the Ministry of Culture or Ministry of Sports

Onetime fee:

4,000 SAR

Investor Residency

Saudi is the largest market in the region thanks to its strong economy and large population base. This product is intended for investors looking to conduct business in Saudi.

It also attracts high levels of investment due to its strategic location, connecting three continents.

General Benefits

1. Reside in Saudi with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.
2. Flexibility to move from one establishment to another.
3. Exemption from the fees imposed on expats and their dependents and companions.
4. Exit and return to Saudi for the premium residency holder and their family members without requiring a visa.
5. The entitlement to obtain visit visas for relatives.
6. Use tracks dedicated to citizens at airports.
7. The entitlement to work in the private sector and move between establishments applies to the husband, wife, and dependents, including the daughters' and sons' dependents.
8. Conducting business under the guidelines of The Investment Law.
9. Own and Usufruct real estate.

Special Benefits

• Directly obtaining permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to qualify for the Investor Residency.
• Holding an investment license
• Submitting a valid license(s) issued by the Ministry of Investment for an investment(s), with a minimum of 7 million SAR as an applicant’s share
• Valid Commercial Registration
• Memorandum of Association showing investor shares

Residency Duration

Direct permanent residency conditioned on:

1. Injecting SAR 7 million during the first two years.
2. Creating 10 jobs during the first two years.

Onetime fee:

4,000 SAR

Entrepreneur Residency

This product is designed for entrepreneurs and innovators looking to develop sectors in Saudi.

As Saudi advances in key global competitiveness and small investor protection indices, it aims to become a top destination for entrepreneurs and SME owners. The product focuses on supporting the stability of entrepreneurs and providing them with an inspiring and nurturing incubator environment.

General Benefits

1. Reside in Saudi with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.
2. Flexibility to move from one establishment to another.
3. Exemption from the fees imposed on expats and their dependents and companions.
4. Exit and return to Saudi for the premium residency holder and their family members without requiring a visa.
5. The entitlement to obtain visit visas for relatives.
6. Use tracks dedicated to citizens at airports.
7. The entitlement to work in the private sector and move between establishments applies to the husband, wife, and dependents, including the daughters' and sons' dependents.
8. Conducting business under the guidelines of The Investment Law.
9. Own and Usufruct real estate.

Special Benefits

• Nominate two staff members to obtain the “Special Talent” Residency and to be exempted from its criteria (e.g., Executives).
• The entity exemption from “Nitaqat” for the first 3 operational years.
• 2nd category: Directly obtain permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria

1. 1st Category
2. 2nd Category

Residency Duration

1. 1st Category: A fixed-term residency for five years, renewable for one term upon continued adherence to eligibility standards of the 1st group, and a residency for 30 months in 5 years.
2. 2nd Category: Permanent residency directly, conditioned on creating at least 10 jobs in the first year and at least 10 jobs in the second year.

Onetime fee:

4,000 SAR

Real Estate Owner Residency

This Product targets real estate owners in Saudi.

Saudi is one of the safest countries in the world, ranked third among G20 nations in the Security Indicator.

General Benefits

1. Reside in Saudi with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.
2. Flexibility to move from one establishment to another.
3. Exemption from the fees imposed on expats and their dependents and companions.
4. Exit and return to Saudi for the premium residency holder and their family members without requiring a visa.
5. The entitlement to obtain visit visas for relatives.
6. Use tracks dedicated to citizens at airports.
7. The entitlement to work in the private sector and move between establishments applies to the husband, wife, and dependents, including the daughters' and sons' dependents.
8. Conducting business under the guidelines of The Investment Law.
9. Own and Usufruct real estate.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Own or Usufruct real estate assets worth a minimum of SAR 4,000,000 within Saudi
2. The property is free from existing and future mortgages.
3. The real estate must be residential.
4. The real estate must be developed and not from undeveloped or unimproved lands.
5. The real estate asset must be appraised by accredited valuers within the Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers “Taqeem”.

Residency Duration

Tied to real estate ownership or usufruct

Onetime fee:

4,000 SAR

Limited Duration and Unlimited Duration Premium Residency

This offering is specifically crafted for individuals seeking Permanent or Annual Residency in Saudi.

The Limited Duration and Unlimited Duration Premium Residency products present a remarkable avenue for prospective residents, delivering a comprehensive suite of benefits that align with the aspirational lifestyle Saudi promises.

General Benefits

1. Reside in Saudi with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.
2. Flexibility to move from one establishment to another.
3. Exemption from the fees imposed on expats and their dependents and companions.
4. Exit and return to Saudi for the premium residency holder and their family members without requiring a visa.
5. The entitlement to obtain visit visas for relatives.
6. Use tracks dedicated to citizens at airports.
7. The entitlement to work in the private sector and move between establishments applies to the husband, wife, and dependents, including the daughters' and sons' dependents.
8. Conducting business under the guidelines of The Investment Law.
9. Own and Usufruct real estate.

Eligibility Criteria

• Providing proof of the applicant’s financial capability.
• Applicants must also have a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months at the time of application.

Residency Duration:

1. Limited Duration Premium Residency: A Fixed-term residency for one year up to 5 years, renewable.
2. Unlimited Duration Premium Residency: Permanent residency.

Onetime fee:

Limited Duration Premium Residency: 100,000 SAR for each year.

Unlimited Duration Premium Residency: 800,000 SAR.

Living in Saudi Arabia

Characterised by its rich cultural heritage, dynamic social fabric, diverse demographics, robust economic landscape, and strategic geographical positioning, Saudi stands out as an ideal destination for those pursuing a life in an environment rich with abundant opportunities.

Premium Residency holders enjoy access to:

• World-class healthcare and education.
• Upscale residential areas and gated communities.
• Cultural events like the Riyadh and Jeddah Seasons.
• Recreational activities such as desert camping and watersports.

How can Centuro Global support your Saudi Arabia Premium Residency Permit application?

Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Program requires expert guidance. Centuro Global provides tailored solutions for businesses and individuals, ensuring a seamless application process. From document preparation to compliance with local regulations, our dedicated team supports your transition into the Saudi market.

For businesses and professionals ready to seize the opportunities presented by the Saudi Premium Residency Program, the time to act is now.

Let Centuro Global be your partner in unlocking the kingdom’s immense potential.

FAQS About Saudi Premium Residency Program

1. Can I switch between residency products? Yes, holders may apply for a different product by submitting a new application, provided they meet the specific eligibility criteria.
2. Does Premium Residency facilitate Saudi citizenship? While Premium Residency offers permanent residency, it does not directly lead to citizenship. Naturalisation in Saudi Arabia remains a complex process.
3. What is the application process? Applications can be submitted through the official Premium Residency Center website. Tools like the eligibility checker simplify the process by assessing an applicant’s qualifications.
4. Are there alternative programs in other countries? Comparable programs, such as Portugal’s Golden Visa, offer similar pathways to residency or citizenship. However, Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Program is distinct in its focus on fostering economic growth and attracting specialised talent.
5. Family members eligible for Saudi Premium Residency? Family members, including spouses, children under 25, and parents, are eligible for residency under the Premium Residency Program. Children with special needs and unmarried daughters over 25 can also qualify.
6. What differentiates Premium Residency from the Investor Visa? Premium Residency offers more flexibility, including the ability to work in the private sector and own real estate directly, unlike the Investor Visa, which ties holders to their investment establishment.