Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency program is redefining how foreign professionals, investors, and skilled individuals live and work in the Kingdom. Whether you're looking to establish a business, invest in real estate, or simply enjoy life with fewer restrictions.
Understanding Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency
Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency commonly known as the “Saudi Green Card” offers expatriates the privilege of living, working, and investing in the Kingdom without needing a local sponsor.
This program supports the Vision 2030 economic transformation and includes both fixed-term and permanent residency options tailored to varied candidate profiles
Types & Duration of Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia offers two primary residency pathways under its Premium Residency program, designed to accommodate diverse needs and durations:
Fixed-Term (Limited) Residency
- Duration: Issued for one to five years, renewable upon meeting program criteria.
- Cost: Approximately SAR 100,000 for the first year, with an annual renewal at the same rate. A discount applies about 2% per added year if prepaid.
- Ideal For: Those exploring business or personal stays in Saudi, such as investors wanting flexibility, professionals settling temporarily, or families considering longer-term options.
Upon accumulating 30 months of residency within a five-year span, holders may apply for permanent status, provided eligibility conditions continue to be met.
Unlimited (Permanent) Residency
- Granted indefinitely without renewal requirement.
- Requires a one-time payment of SAR 800,000.
- Designed for individuals seeking long-term stability and full access to economic participation in the Kingdom.
Eligibility Categories for Premium Residency
Saudi Arabia now recognizes five main eligibility pathways, each aligned with different profiles:
Special Talent Residency
- Targeting professionals in fields like healthcare, research, and executive leadership.
- Required proof: bachelor’s degree, ≥3 years experience, employer recommendation, and minimum salary thresholds.
- Residency valid for 5 years, renewable once; pathways to permanent status exist after meeting residency requirements and performance metrics.
Investor Residency
- For high-volume investors prepared to invest in the Saudi economy.
- Minimum SAR 7 million investment and creation of at least 10 jobs within two years are required.
- Grants immediate permanent residency upon meeting criteria.
Real Estate Owner Residency
- For those owning residential real estate worth at least SAR 4 million, without mortgage, and appraised by accredited valuers.
- Residency duration is tied to property ownership and may be renewed; possible route to permanent residency if requirements persist.
Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency is a robust program enabling long-term residence and economic empowerment. With clear criteria, flexible durations, and tailored eligibility categories, it offers a structured route.
From innovative entrepreneurs to seasoned investors and talented professionals, each route aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of diversification and global integration.
Unlock the full potential of Saudi Premium Residency with Motaded your trusted partner in navigating eligibility, applications, and settlement, so you can live, invest, and grow in the Kingdom with confidence.
Read about: How to Apply for a Driving License KSA: Complete Guide
Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia: Lifestyle Benefits and Economic Privileges Explained
Benefits for Residents and Families
Premium Residency transforms life in Saudi Arabia for expatriates and their families. Holders enjoy freedoms and responsibilities once reserved for sponsors, offering both security and flexibility.
Live Independently with Family
Premium Residency allows you to reside in the Kingdom with your immediate family spouse, children under 25, and even parents without paying sponsorship or dependent fees.
Family members hold the right to live, work, and study, benefiting from the same mobility and work rights as the primary holder.
Work Without a Sponsor
You can change employers or start work in any private sector establishment without being tied to a sponsor.
Dependents also enjoy this employment flexibility, and you’re exempt from Nitaqat hiring quotas, easing workforce management for businesses you operate.
Property and Vehicle Ownership
Premium Residency grants the right to own residential, commercial, and industrial property nationwide with the exception of Mecca, Medina, and border regions, where ownership is possible via long-term leases.
You can also register private vehicles and transportation assets under your own name.
Business & Investment Privileges
Premium Residency also unlocks broad economic permissions designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals seeking to operate independently in Saudi Arabia.
100% Company Ownership Under Investment Laws
Premium residents can open fully foreign-owned businesses using SAIGA licensing with no local partner required. This aligns with Saudi investment reforms promoting full foreign control for qualified investors and entrepreneurs.
Capital Market Access
Residency holders can invest in the Saudi stock market and other public markets. This access traditionally reserved for citizens now extends to holders broadening financial avenues for portfolio diversification or corporate investment strategies.
Employment Freedom for Your Family
Dependents can also work in private-sector jobs and change employers without local sponsorship. This flexibility benefits business families or households where multiple members seek professional independence.
Real Estate and Asset Rights
Owners can invest in real estate for residential, commercial, or industrial use providing stability and rising capital value. In restricted zones such as Mecca and Medina, holders may secure 99-year usufruct rights.
Premium Residency offers expatriates in Saudi Arabia a comprehensive lifestyle upgrade and economic leverage without the red tape of traditional sponsorship.
Whether your aim is to raise a family, start a business, invest, or live with autonomy, this residency status grants access to legal stability and modern rights.
Ready to secure Saudi Premium Residency? Let Motaded handle the paperwork while you focus on building your future hassle-free setup, expert support, and a seamless path to life in Saudi Arabia.
Real Estate & Travel Privileges in Saudi Arabia: What Every Professional Should Know
Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia represents a turning point in the Kingdom’s approach to welcoming skilled expatriates, investors, and professionals.
Unlike traditional residency models, this program grants individuals greater autonomy and long-term stability without sponsorship requirements.
Real Estate Rights: What Foreigners Need to Know
Saudi Arabia has recently expanded access to property ownership for foreign investors and residents.
While restrictions still apply in specific religious areas such as Mecca and Medina, new regulations now allow foreigners to purchase property in many other parts of the Kingdom, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and emerging regions like NEOM.
These laws are part of a broader strategy aligned with Vision 2030 to boost international investment and diversify the economy. Foreigners may own property in Saudi Arabia under the following conditions:
- Holding valid residency status (standard or premium).
- Purchasing property for personal residential use or business purposes.
- Sponsoring a qualifying investment with a minimum capital requirement, typically around SAR 30 million, with a required holding period.
Though ownership within sacred zones is prohibited, Premium Residency holders may be eligible for long-term lease rights up to 99 years in certain exceptions.
The law limits foreign ownership to a single property for residential purposes unless the buyer represents a licensed business or is tied to commercial activity.
Mortgages are available but require a high down payment, usually 40–50%, and evidence of financial stability.
Legal and Practical Considerations for Property Buyers
Key points to remember when purchasing property in Saudi Arabia:
- One residential property per individual is allowed for foreign buyers.
- Foreign companies may own commercial real estate directly if it supports their licensed operations in the Kingdom.
- Government authorities must approve the transaction and may restrict certain zones even in open cities.
- Long-term lease options may apply for areas where outright ownership is not possible.
Saudi Arabia is gradually introducing digital tools and platforms for ownership applications, expected to be fully operational by the time executive regulations take effect. Investors should prepare in advance and understand zoning limitations thoroughly.
Why These Changes Are Significant
This shift in real estate law is not just a procedural update; it represents a broader invitation for foreign investors to plant deeper roots in the Saudi economy. By allowing controlled property ownership, the Kingdom aims to:
- Attract foreign capital to stimulate the real estate and construction markets.
- Enable international residents to build long-term plans in the country.
- Support tourism and hospitality infrastructure, especially in developing zones.
- Encourage business leaders to expand operations with local bases.
It also demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s transition toward a more open and regulated property investment climate while preserving cultural priorities.
Freedom of Movement: A Game-Changer for Foreign Professionals
Travel freedom in Saudi Arabia has undergone a quiet but revolutionary transformation.
In the past, foreign workers were tightly restricted by the sponsorship system, which required employer permission to leave or re-enter the country.
That framework is now being restructured particularly for premium residency holders and high-skilled professionals.
Key benefits of this transformation
No Need for Exit Visas
Premium Residency holders no longer need a sponsor’s permission to exit the country. This eliminates a common barrier faced by foreign workers and executives and allows for greater professional and personal autonomy.
Unlimited Entry and Exit
There are no limits on how often or how long premium residents can enter or leave Saudi Arabia. This flexibility is ideal for businesspeople, entrepreneurs, and expatriates who frequently travel across the Gulf or internationally.
Fast-Track Services at Airports
In many cases, privileged residents have access to faster immigration clearance, express customs lanes, or dedicated services at select Saudi airports.
While not officially a blanket benefit, such services are frequently offered for high-status individuals, particularly in Riyadh and Jeddah.
This flexibility empowers executives and investors to navigate life and work across borders with confidence.
Strategic Benefits for Investors and Entrepreneurs
These property and mobility reforms benefit a range of groups:
- International Business Owners: Establishing a physical presence in Saudi Arabia becomes more viable with real estate rights and unrestricted travel.
- Expats with Long-Term Plans: Premium residency and ownership privileges enable lifestyle stability for families and retirees.
- Developers and Real Estate Firms: The ability to legally market, manage, and expand properties within the Kingdom offers new business potential.
This makes Saudi Arabia an increasingly attractive destination not just for short-term profit, but for lasting presence.
Preparing to Make a Move
If you are planning to take advantage of these new opportunities, here’s how to prepare:
- Monitor the release of executive regulations outlining exact zones and eligibility.
- Maintain valid legal status, including standard or premium residency.
- Prepare your investment documentation, including capital source and project plans if commercial.
- Work with experienced professionals to ensure compliance with evolving regulations.
Saudi Arabia’s evolving landscape offers rare access for qualified foreign investors and professionals. While the system still includes restrictions, the trajectory is clearly toward openness with strong regulatory safeguards to ensure fairness and security.
Saudi Arabia is no longer just a place of short-term opportunity, it's positioning itself as a destination for long-term investment and lifestyle.
From real estate ownership to unrestricted travel rights, the framework for foreign participation is clearer, more welcoming, and full of possibility.
Whether you're a business owner, investor, or long-term expat, these changes make building a life or enterprise in the Kingdom a realistic and promising path forward.
FAQs about saudi premium residency
What is Saudi Premium Residency?
A program granting expatriates the right to live, work, invest, and own property in Saudi Arabia without a local sponsor, under either limited-duration or permanent residency tracks.
Can I sponsor a family under Premium Residency?
Yes. You may include your spouse, children under 25, and even parents without paying dependent fees. Sponsored dependents get full travel/work privileges, even if the main holder passes away.
Can I work or start a business without a sponsor?
Yes. Holders may work for any private-sector employer or establish 100% foreign-owned businesses under investment laws. Dependents enjoy the same employment flexibility.
Is it possible to transition from temporary to permanent residency?
Yes. Holders of limited-term premium residency can transition to permanent status after spending 30 months in the Kingdom within a five-year window, provided all eligibility criteria remain satisfied.
Who can help simplify the Saudi Premium Residency application process?
Motaded offers end-to-end support from selecting the right residency category to managing documentation, translation, and submission.
Their team ensures compliance, handles communication with authorities, and streamlines every step, so you can focus on your goals while they handle the process. Contact us NOW.