What is the Saudi Arabian Premium Residency Visa?

As Saudi Arabia diversifies its economy, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, it is opening up additional routes to attract global talent and assist highly-skilled and talented professionals to obtain their long-term residency. In early 2024, Saudi Arabia broadened the Premium Residency Visa scheme, expanding the eligibility criteria and streamlining the application process.?

What is Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency programme?

The Premium Residency is similar to the UAE’s Golden Visa, as it offers non-Saudi citizens long-term residency without the need for a local sponsor. When Premium Residency was introduced in 2019, this was a significant shift from previous residency rules in the country. Holders benefit from visa-free travel and can own businesses and property in the Kingdom. Premium Residency also extends to family members, including spouses, parents and children under 25 years old.?

Five new categories (called products) for Premium Residency applications have recently been added. The category that will be of most interest to healthcare professionals is the Special Talent Residency. This category has been created for exceptional professionals in executive leadership, healthcare, science, and research. The goal is to attract those with the unique skills and knowledge to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s growing medical and science sectors. The Special Talent Residency Visa is usually valid for 5 years but can be easily renewed. It gives healthcare professionals and their families longer term stability, and the flexibility to move from one establishment to another.?

How can doctors apply for the Special Talent Residency?

To apply for the Special Talent Residency, doctors must be employed by a recognised institution in priority specialisations with a minimum monthly income of SAR35,000. They must initially stay in the country on a sponsored visa and obtain a recommendation letter from their employer.?

The application can be made through the government Premium Residency portal: https://pr.gov.sa/Select-products

Applicants should carefully check eligibility criteria and required documentation. Supporting documents to be uploaded may include scanned passport, ID document, birth certificate, marriage certificate, bank statement, and employment contract. There is a one-time application fee of SAR4,000. Residency holders must also have valid medical insurance.?

Can doctors obtain Saudi citizenship?

Premium Residency does not make an individual eligible for Saudi citizenship. However, a royal decree issued in Saudi Arabia in July 2024 granted the country’s citizenship to several individuals with exceptional global talents and unique competencies in their fields, including?scientists, medical doctors, researchers and? innovators.

What is attracting doctors to Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector is undergoing rapid expansion and development. Saudi Arabia’s Health Sector Transformation Programme is increasing the number of internationally accredited hospitals, investing in highly-skilled health professionals, and expanding digital healthcare innovation. Opportunities exist for highly qualified and experienced Western-trained healthcare professionals to contribute to this transformation.?

Saudi Arabia offers the ability to save for the future with a tax-free salary, while enjoying a higher standard of living and a family-friendly lifestyle.?

Contact Allocation Assist Middle East today to find out about opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s established and growing healthcare sector.?

https://www.allocationassist.com/

References:

Saudi Premium Residency

https://pr.gov.sa/

What are Saudi Arabia’s premium residency visas? https://economymiddleeast.com/news/saudi-arabia-premium-residency-visas/

Article written by Vivienne Mendonca.