Saudi Premium Residency(PR)
The Saudi Premium Residency program, also referred to as the Saudi Green Card, enables skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors to live, work, and own businesses or property in Saudi Arabia.
It is designed to appeal to skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, talents, and investors who want to reside in Saudi Arabia and aims to promote economic growth and cultural exchange and is targeted at exceptional professionals who can contribute to the development of local capabilities and the exchange of knowledge.
The Saudi Premium Residency program, also referred to as the Saudi Green Card, enables skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors to live, work, and own businesses or property in Saudi Arabia.
It is designed to appeal to skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, talents, and investors who want to reside in Saudi Arabia and aims to promote economic growth and cultural exchange and is targeted at exceptional professionals who can contribute to the development of local capabilities and the exchange of knowledge. The Premium Residency program was launched in 2019 as a way of growing and diversifying the Saudi economy beyond oil and promoting economic growth and cultural exchange.
The green card Saudi Arabia, or KSA green card, was introduced as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reform plan to open the country up to global talent and investment. It aims to enhance the country’s competitiveness in attracting premium foreign talent and investment. The Saudi Premium Residency scheme aims to increase the economic, social, and cultural diversity of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Premium Residency benefits
There are multiple benefits associated with the Saudi Premium Residency. Because the program is designed to appeal to exceptional individuals from around the world, it offers some great benefits to encourage them to live, work, and invest in Saudi Arabia, including:
Business opportunities
Premium residents can establish and manage businesses in Saudi Arabia, contributing to economic growth and job creation. Premium Residency holders can invest in the Saudi Capital market, own a foreign-owned onshore entity (with the appropriate license), and work in private organizations. Saudi Premium Residency gives you access to a thriving market and allows you to participate in various sectors without the need for a local sponsor.
Eligibility for permanent residency
Premium Residency holders who maintain their product eligibility criteria for a minimum time may be able to apply for permanent residency in Saudi Arabia. To be eligible for permanent residency, you usually need to be a resident of Saudi Arabia for at least 30 months within five consecutive or non-consecutive years.
Visa-free entry and exit
Premium Residency holders have unrestricted entry and exit privileges, allowing them to travel in and out of Saudi Arabia without needing to apply for a visa. This is an important advantage for many residents, as it allows unlimited international travel for business, leisure, or personal reasons. When re-entering Saudi Arabia, Premium Residency holders can use the fast lanes designated for residents.
Family residency
Immediate family members of premium residency holders can apply for a residence permit in Saudi Arabia and have the right to live, work, and invest in Saudi Arabia. Family members will also be able to exit and return to Saudi Arabia without needing a visa. Additionally, premium residents are entitled to apply for visitor visas for any relatives planning to visit them in Saudi.
Real estate ownership
Premium Residency holders are allowed to own residential, commercial, and industrial property in Saudi Arabia, providing them with opportunities for investment and long-term stability and the opportunity to benefit from potential appreciation.
How to qualify for a Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Premium Residency requires you to meet specific eligibility criteria set by the government. The eligibility criteria ensure that individuals granted Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia contribute positively to society, comply with laws, and can financially support themselves while residing in the country. To qualify for Premium Residency, you must meet the following conditions:
- MINIMUM AGE
You must be at least 21 years old at the time of the application.
- CLEAN CRIMINAL RECORD
You must not have any criminal conviction or a history of serious offenses that could pose a risk to public safety or security.
- GOOD HEALTH
- FINANCIAL SOLVENCY
Eligible dependents for Saudi Premium Residency
Premium Residency holders have the opportunity to sponsor certain family members to join them in Saudi Arabia. Eligible family members include:
- MARRIED SPOUSE
Premium Residency holders can sponsor their legally married spouses to accompany them in Saudi Arabia.
- DEPENDENT PERANTS
Premium Residency holders may also be eligible to sponsor their dependent parents under certain conditions, for example, if they provide proof of dependency and financial support.
- DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Premium Residency holders may also be eligible to sponsor their dependent parents under certain conditions, for example, if they provide proof of dependency and financial support.
It is important to note that specific eligibility requirements for sponsoring family members may vary based on the type of Premium Residency.
Saudi Premium Residency products
The Premium Residency Saudi Arabia program has seven different options, known as the Premium Residency Products. These products are designed to accommodate different needs.
This type of residency is designed for professionals in executive leadership, healthcare, science, and research. The professional should be exceptional in their field and be able to contribute to the development of local capabilities and the exchange of knowledge.
Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for a Special Talent Residency differs depending on your role:
Researchers
- An employment contract from an approved entity with priority specialization.
- A monthly wage of at least SAR 14,000.
- A recommendation letter from your employer.
- The minimum score in the points system.
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
- A minimum of three years’ work experience in a relevant field.
- At least three pieces of research in the relevant field.
Healthcare and Scientific Professionals
- An employment contract from an approved entity with priority specialization.
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
- A recommendation letter from your employer.
- A monthly wage of at least SAR 35,000.
- The minimum score in the points system.
- A minimum of three years’ work experience in a relevant field.
Executives
- An employment contract for executives at Level 1 or 2.
- A recommendation letter from your employer (Level 2).
- A monthly wage of at least SAR 80,000.
- The Special Talent residency is a 5-year fixed-term residency.
Eligibility
A – First Category
- Nominated for or a recipient of a specified exceptional award.
- A recommendation from the Ministry of Culture, or the Ministry of Sport based on your field.
- You meet the minimum financial capability.
B – Second Category
- You fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria approved by the Ministry of Culture or Ministry of Sport.
- A recommendation from the Ministry of Culture, or the Ministry of Sport based on your field.
- You meet the minimum financial capability.
Duration
Renewal and permanent residency
Eligibility
- Hold a valid investment license issued by the Ministry of Investment, for an investment of at least SAR 7,000,000 (as the applicant’s share) in economic activities in Saudi Arabia.
- Hold a valid Commercial Registration.
- Have a Memorandum of Association showing your investor shares.
Duration
Renewal and permanent residency
Eligibility
First Category
- An entrepreneur license from the Ministry of Investment.
- A minimum of SAR 400,000 as an investment from an entity that is accredited with the Ministry of Investment.
- A recommendation letter from your investment entity.
- A minimum of a 20% share in the company.
Second Category
- An entrepreneur license from the Ministry of Investment.
- A minimum of SAR 15,000,000 as an investment from an entity that is accredited with the Ministry of Investment.
- A recommendation letter from your investment entity.
- A minimum of a 10% share in the start-up company.
- You must create a minimum of 10 jobs during the first year and a minimum of 10 additional jobs in the second year.
Duration
Renewal and permanent residency
Eligibility
- You own or usufruct real estate of at least SAR 4,000,000 in Saudi Arabia.
- The property you own, or usufruct is free from current and future mortgages.
- The real estate property or properties must be residential.
- The property is not associated with real estate financing.
- The real estate property must be developed. It should not be from undeveloped or unimproved land.
- The real estate must be appraised by an accredited valuer from the Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers.
Duration
Eligibility
- You must have a valid reason for seeking temporary residency, such as employment, business ventures, education, or medical treatment.
- You must comply with the general eligibility requirements for Saudi Premium Residency.
Duration
Eligibility
- You may be required to invest a certain amount of capital or demonstrate your contribution to the Saudi economy through business ventures, investments, or other means.
- You must comply with the general eligibility requirements for Premium Residency.
Duration
- Certified proof of income (for employees).
- A certified copy of your company’s commercial registration document (for investors).
- An audited and sealed financial statement from a certified public accountant from the last two years (for investors).(for investors).
- Investment portfolios.
- A bank statement from the last 12 months.