Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency program, often referred to as the “Saudi Green Card,” has become one of the most attractive residency options in the Middle East. Launched in 2019 as part of Vision 2030, this program allows foreign nationals to live, work, and own property in the Kingdom without needing a Saudi sponsor. If you’re considering making Saudi Arabia your home, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What is Premium Residency?
Premium Residency is a special residence permit that gives expatriates the right to reside in Saudi Arabia with their families while enjoying privileges similar to those of Saudi citizens. Unlike the traditional Iqama that requires a local sponsor, Premium Residency holders enjoy complete independence and flexibility.
The program aims to attract exceptional talent, skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs who can contribute to Saudi Arabia’s economic growth and development. Since its launch, it has received over 40,000 applications from around the world, demonstrating the global demand for long-term residency in the Kingdom.
Types of Premium Residency
The Saudi government offers seven different Premium Residency products, each designed for specific categories of applicants:
1. Special Talent Residency
This category targets exceptional professionals in executive leadership, healthcare, science, and research fields who can contribute to developing local capabilities and exchanging knowledge.
Who qualifies:
- Researchers, Healthcare, and Scientific Professionals:
- Employment contract in whitelisted entities with priority specializations
- Minimum monthly wage 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
- Minimum of 3 researches in a related field
- Healthcare and Scientific Professionals:
- Employment contract in whitelisted entities with priority specializations
- Minimum monthly wage of 35,000 SAR
- Bachelor’s degree or higher
- More than three years of work experience
- Minimum score in the points system
- Recommendation letter from the employer
- Executives:
- Employment contract for executives at the first or second level
- Total minimum monthly wage of 80,000 SAR
- Recommendation letter from the employer
Benefits:
- Eligibility for permanent residency upon meeting conditions
- Exemption from the primary premium residency holder from the Nitaqat Program
Cost: 4,000 SAR (one-time fee)
Duration: Five-year fixed-term residency, renewable for one term upon meeting eligibility criteria, or permanent residency upon continued adherence to product eligibility standards for 30 months in 5 consecutive or non-consecutive years.
2. Gifted Residency
Designed for sports, cultural, and artistic talents who can unleash their full potential in creativity, innovation, and development.
Who qualifies:
First Category:
- 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
Second Category:
- Fulfilling the minimum eligibility criteria approved by the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Sports
- Meeting the minimum financial capability
- Obtaining a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture or the Ministry of Sports based on the applicant’s field
Benefits:
- Obtain permanent residency upon meeting the conditions
- Exemption of the primary premium residency holder from the “Nitaqat” Program
Cost: 4,000 SAR
Duration: A fixed term residency for five years, renewable once upon meeting the eligibility criteria, or permanent residency when continuously meeting the eligibility criteria and having a residence for a period of 30 months during five years either consecutive or non-consecutive.
3. Investor Residency
Intended for investors looking to conduct business in Saudi Arabia and capitalize on the Kingdom’s strategic location and strong economy.
Who qualifies:
- Submission of valid investment license(s) issued by the Ministry of Investment with a minimum value of SAR 7,000,000 as the applicant’s minimum ownership share
- Having valid commercial registration(s) issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the Kingdom
- Submission of the company’s/companies’ Memorandum of Association, along with any other documents proving the applicant’s ownership of a share equivalent to an amount of SAR 7,000,000 as a minimum
- Submission of proof of capital injection amounting to SAR 7,000,000 as a minimum for the applicant’s share, through audited financial statements, a capital injection certificate, or any other documents as determined by the Center
- Submission of proof of employing (10) employees within the applicant’s ownership share in the company/companies submitted, verified through the company’s GOSI certificate
Benefits:
- Directly obtaining permanent residency
Cost: 4,000 SAR
Duration: Permanent residency is conditional upon fulfilling the following:
- Maintaining a minimum investment of SAR 7,000,000 during the first two years
- Maintaining a minimum of ten (10) employees during the first two years
4. Entrepreneur Residency
Targets entrepreneurs and innovators looking to launch and develop their start-ups in Saudi Arabia.
Who qualifies:
1st Category:
- Holding an entrepreneur license from the Ministry of Investment
- Obtain a minimum of 400,000 SAR round/s as investment from an entity accredited by the Center
- Recommendation letter from the investment entity
- The applicant’s share in the company is not less than 20%
2nd Category:
- Holding an entrepreneur license from the Ministry of Investment
- Obtain a minimum of 15 Million SAR round/s as investment from an entity accredited by the Center
- Recommendation letter from the investment entity
- The applicant’s share in the start-up is not less than 10%
- Create at least 10 jobs during the first year and at least 10 additional jobs during the second year
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
Cost: 4,000 SAR
Duration:
- 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
- 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
5. Real Estate Owner Residency
For individuals who own real estate assets in Saudi Arabia.
Who qualifies:
- Own or Usufruct real estate assets worth a minimum of SAR 4,000,000 within Saudi
- The property is free from existing and future mortgages
- The real estate must be residential
- The real estate must be developed and not from undeveloped or unimproved lands
- The real estate asset must be appraised by accredited valuers within the Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers “Taqeem”
Cost: 4,000 SAR
Duration: Tied to real estate ownership or usufruct
6. Limited Duration Premium Residency
Specifically crafted for individuals seeking annual residency in Saudi Arabia.
Who qualifies:
- Providing proof of the applicant’s financial capability
Cost: 100,000 SAR for each year
Duration: A fixed-term residency for one year up to 5 years, renewable
7. Unlimited Duration Premium Residency
For individuals seeking permanent residency in Saudi Arabia.
Who qualifies:
- Providing proof of the applicant’s financial capability
Cost: 800,000 SAR (one-time payment)
Duration: Permanent residency
General Benefits of Premium Residency
All Premium Residency holders enjoy the following benefits:
- Reside in Saudi with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25
- Flexibility to move from one establishment to another
- Exemption from fees imposed on expats and their dependents and companions
- Exit and return to Saudi for the premium residency holder and their family members without requiring a visa
- The entitlement to obtain visit visas for relatives
- Use tracks dedicated to citizens and GCC nationals at airports
- 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
- Conducting business under the guidelines of The Investment Law
- Own and Usufruct real estate
Who Can Apply for Premium Residency?
Premium Residency is open to foreign nationals who meet the following general requirements:
- Age: Must be at least 21 years old
- Clean record: No criminal history
- Valid passport: Must be valid for at least six months
- Financial capability: Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family
- Health requirements: Pass a medical examination
- Legal status: If applying from within Saudi Arabia, must have lawful stay
Family Members
Premium Residency extends to your family members, including:
- Spouse
- Children under 25 years of age
- Parents
- Unmarried daughters over 25
- Children with special needs (regardless of age)
There is no limit to the number of family members you can include.
How to Apply for Premium Residency
The application process is entirely digital and straightforward:
Step 1: Create an Account
Visit the official Premium Residency portal at pr.gov.sa and register by providing:
- Full name
- Passport details
- Email address
- Phone number
- Verify your email and phone number
Step 2: Submit Your Application
- Log in to your account
- Click on “Request Premium Residency”
- Fill out the application form with:
- Personal information
- Family details
- Educational background
- Occupation and employment details
- Financial information
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Prepare and upload the following documents:
- Valid passport copies (for you and all family members)
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Birth certificates for children
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Bank statements or proof of financial capability
- Employment contract or business documents
- Educational certificates
- Medical examination results
- Recommendation letters (where required)
- Property deeds (for Real Estate Owner category)
- Investment licenses (for Investor/Entrepreneur categories)
Important: All non-Arabic documents must be translated into Arabic by a certified translator and may require legalization or Apostille.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
- Application processing fee: 170 USD (for all categories)
- Product-specific fees vary by category (see costs listed above)
- Payment can be made online through the portal
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Processing times vary depending on the category and completeness of your application. The government will review your application and may request additional documents.
Step 6: Receive Your Premium Residency
Once approved, you’ll receive your Premium Residency permit, which allows you to enjoy all the associated benefits.
Processing Time
The processing time for Premium Residency applications varies depending on the category and the completeness of your documentation. Generally, you can expect:
- Initial review: 1-2 weeks
- Full processing: 4-8 weeks
- Complex cases: Up to 3 months
To speed up the process, ensure all your documents are complete, accurate, and properly translated before submission.
Costs and Fees Breakdown
Here’s a complete breakdown of all costs associated with Premium Residency:
| Category | One-Time Fee | Annual Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Talent | 4,000 SAR | – | Plus 170 USD application fee |
| Gifted | 4,000 SAR | – | Plus 170 USD application fee |
| Investor | 4,000 SAR | – | Plus 170 USD application fee |
| Entrepreneur | 4,000 SAR | – | Plus 170 USD application fee |
| Real Estate Owner | 4,000 SAR | – | Plus 170 USD application fee |
| Limited Duration | – | 100,000 SAR | Plus 170 USD application fee |
| Unlimited Duration | 800,000 SAR | – | Plus 170 USD application fee |
All applicants must also pay the 170 USD application processing fee regardless of category.
Renewal and Upgrading
Premium Residency can be renewed or upgraded through the same portal:
- Log in to your account at pr.gov.sa
- Review your selected residency product
- Confirm eligibility for renewal or upgrade
- Submit required updated documents
- Pay any applicable fees
Renewal Requirements:
- Continue to meet the eligibility criteria for your category
- Maintain valid health insurance
- Keep a clean criminal record
- Provide updated financial documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Premium Residency lead to Saudi citizenship? A: No, Premium Residency does not provide a pathway to Saudi citizenship. It is a residence permit only.
Q: Can I work with Premium Residency? A: Yes, Premium Residency allows you to work in the private sector and move between employers without requiring sponsorship transfer.
Q: What happens if I lose my job? A: Unlike traditional Iqama holders, Premium Residency holders have a grace period to find new employment. However, you must maintain the eligibility criteria for your specific category.
Q: Can I own property anywhere in Saudi Arabia? A: You can own property in most areas, but there are restrictions on ownership near the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah.
Q: How long is Premium Residency valid? A: It depends on your category:
- Special Talent, Gifted, Entrepreneur (1st category): 5 years (renewable)
- Investor, Entrepreneur (2nd category): Permanent (conditional)
- Real Estate Owner: Tied to property ownership
- Limited Duration: 1-5 years (renewable annually)
- Unlimited Duration: Permanent
Q: Can I include my parents in my application? A: Yes, parents can be included as dependents under your Premium Residency.
Q: What’s the difference between Premium Residency and regular Iqama? A: Premium Residency doesn’t require a Saudi sponsor, allows property ownership, provides work flexibility, and offers more rights similar to citizens. Regular Iqama requires a sponsor and has more restrictions.
Q: Can I apply from outside Saudi Arabia? A: Yes, you can apply from anywhere in the world through the online portal.
Q: Is health insurance required? A: Yes, all Premium Residency holders and their dependents must have valid health insurance coverage.
Q: What if my application is rejected? A: You will be notified of the rejection reasons. You may reapply once you address the issues that led to rejection.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Gather all documents first: Don’t start your application until you have everything ready
- Use certified translations: All non-Arabic documents must be professionally translated
- Be accurate: Any discrepancies can delay or reject your application
- Keep digital copies: Scan all original documents in high quality
- Meet minimum requirements: Ensure you clearly qualify before applying
- Consider professional help: Immigration consultants can guide you through complex cases
- Check the official website regularly: Requirements and processes can be updated
- Prepare financial proof: Bank statements should cover several months
- Get recommendation letters early: These can take time to obtain
- Apply for the right category: Choose the category that best fits your situation
Living in Saudi Arabia as a Premium Resident
Saudi Arabia offers a unique lifestyle that combines rich cultural heritage with modern amenities:
Economic Opportunities: As the largest economy in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia offers diverse business and employment opportunities, especially in sectors like technology, healthcare, finance, and renewable energy.
Quality of Life: World-class infrastructure, modern cities, excellent healthcare facilities, international schools, and a safe environment make Saudi Arabia an attractive destination for families.
Cultural Experience: Experience authentic Arabian hospitality, explore historical sites, enjoy pristine beaches along the Red Sea, and discover expansive deserts and mountain ranges.
Strategic Location: Saudi Arabia’s position connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa makes it ideal for business and travel.
Tax Benefits: Saudi Arabia has no personal income tax, making it financially attractive for high earners and investors.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency program represents a significant opportunity for skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs to establish long-term residency in one of the Middle East’s most dynamic countries. With its sponsor-free structure, comprehensive benefits, and multiple category options, the program offers flexibility for various types of applicants.
Whether you’re a healthcare professional, tech entrepreneur, real estate investor, or cultural talent, there’s likely a Premium Residency product that fits your goals. The key is to thoroughly research your options, prepare your documentation carefully, and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
As Saudi Arabia continues its Vision 2030 transformation, Premium Residency holders will be well-positioned to participate in and benefit from the Kingdom’s economic growth and development.
Contact Information:
- Official Website: https://pr.gov.sa
- For inquiries: Contact through the official portal
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on information available as of January 2026. Premium Residency requirements, fees, and processes may change. Always consult the official Premium Residency Center website at pr.gov.sa for the most current and accurate information specific to your situation.