Supporting its Vision 2030 commitment to innovation and economic diversification, Saudi Arabia has introduced the Premium Residency Visa for international investors, entrepreneurs, and high-value professionals.
This ‘Saudi Green Card’ provides sponsor free, long-term residency with the ability to own and manage businesses across the Kingdom.
This overview covers the latest Premium Residency options tailored to support inbound business activity and strategic investment.
Whether scaling a startup or relocating executive talent, the program is designed to streamline your entry and operations in Saudi Arabia’s evolving marketplace.
Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia
Managed by the Premium Residency Center (PRC), the program offers a mix of limited-duration and permanent residency options. Holders enjoy:
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Sponsor-free residency
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100% business ownership
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Tax efficiency
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Family inclusion (spouses, children, parents)
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Real estate ownership rights
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Access to Saudi’s growing innovation ecosystem
Explore how each residency product is designed to support specific business and professional goals in 2025.
1. Entrepreneur Residency: Enabling Founders and Startups
Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a launchpad for tech-driven and high-growth startups. The Entrepreneur Residency targets founders and startup owners who wish to scale operations in Saudi while enjoying long-term residence.
Key Benefits
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Right to operate a business without a Saudi sponsor
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Family inclusion and mobility
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Nitaqat exemption for the startup’s first 3 years
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Ability to nominate two key staff for Special Talent Residency
Eligibility
Category 1
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Entrepreneur license from Ministry of Investment (MISA)
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Minimum SAR 400,000 raised from an approved investor
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20% founder shareholding
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Recommendation letter
Category 2
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SAR 15 million investment from approved sources
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10% ownership in the company
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20+ jobs created in first 2 years
Residency Period
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Fixed 5-year term for Category 1; renewable
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Direct permanent residency for Category 2
One-time Fee: SAR 4,000
2. Investor Residency: Full Ownership in a Growing Market
This residency is designed for foreign nationals seeking to invest in the Saudi market directly. It supports the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a magnet for FDI across various sectors—beyond oil and gas.
Key Benefits
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Permanent sponsor-free residency
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Own and operate businesses with 100% foreign ownership
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Real estate ownership and long-term investment rights
Eligibility
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Valid investment license
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SAR 7 million injected capital within 2 years
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Valid CR and MoA showing investor shares
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At least 10 jobs created in 2 years
Residency Period
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Direct permanent residency
One-time Fee: SAR 4,000
3. Special Talent Residency: For Executives and Experts
Aimed at highly skilled professionals and leaders, this product welcomes individuals in executive, scientific, healthcare, and research domains.
Benefits:
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Exemption from expat fees
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Career flexibility and mobility
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Real estate and business rights
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Family inclusion
Eligibility
For Executives
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Executive contract (Tier 1 or 2 level)
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Monthly salary ≥ SAR 80,000
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Employer recommendation
For Researchers/Scientists
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Employment with approved entity
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SAR 14,000–35,000 salary depending on profession
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3+ years’ experience and points system qualification
Residency
Renewable 5-year term
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Permanent residency after 30 months of residence within 5 years
Fee: SAR 4,000
4. Real Estate Owner Residency
Property ownership in Saudi Arabia is now open to foreign nationals under specific conditions. This product provides residency linked to real estate investment.
Eligibility
Residential real estate assets ≥ SAR 4 million
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Property must be mortgage-free and developed
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Valued by accredited Taqeem appraisers
Residency Duration
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Tied to real estate ownership or usufruct
Fee: SAR 4,000
Why Entrepreneurs Are Choosing Saudi Arabia in 2025
Saudi Arabia has climbed global rankings in business reforms, investor protection, and digital infrastructure. With initiatives like NEOM, Vision 2030, and the National Investment Strategy, the Kingdom is fostering a pro-business environment with global reach.
The Premium Residency Program gives business owners a unique gateway into this future-focused economy, eliminating red tape, increasing legal certainty, and allowing full ownership and scalability.
Navigating the Premium Residency process is straightforward through the official platform at pr.gov.sa. Entrepreneurs and investors can also partner with licensed advisory firms for tailored support.
