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Saudi's Premium Residency program includes five different routes costing SAR 4,000 offering exceptional individuals an opportunity to live and work in the Kingdom without the need for a sponsor. Image: File
Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Permit has introduced an affordable and attractive entry point with its SAR 4,000 fee category under five specialized residency tracks launched in January 2024.
Designed to attract global talent, the Premium Residency allows expatriates to live, work, invest, and own property in Saudi Arabia without a local sponsor, providing freedom to innovate and invest while offering pathways to permanent residency. Launched in 2019 and expanded in 2024, the program now includes seven distinct tracks tailored to various profiles. Here is a detailed look at the five routes to the SAR 4,000 Premium Residency Permit:
- Special Talent
- Gifted
- Investor
- Entrepreneur
- Real Estate Owner
Applicants approved under these categories pay a one-time issuance fee of SAR 4,000 (around US $1065), instead of the older higher fees - SAR 100,000 per year for limited-duration residency or SAR 800,000 for unlimited/permanent residency.
The reduced fee applies only to those who meet the specific conditions for each track, offering a cost-effective option tailored to professionals, creatives, investors, and property owners.
Saudi Arabia Premium Residency: Who can apply, benefits, and eligibility criteria.
| Track | Target Group | Key Eligibility |
| Special Talent Residency | Professionals/executives in health, science, research | Employment in priority fields, salary thresholds (SAR 14,000 - 80,000+), bachelor’s degree, 3+ years' experience, points-based evaluation |
| Gifted Residency | Exceptional talents in culture, arts, sports | Recognized achievements/awards, ministry recommendations, proof of financial solvency |
| Investor Residency | Foreign investors with funds ≥ SAR 7 million | Investment in approved Saudi businesses, minimum job creation of 10 Saudis within 2 years |
| Entrepreneur Residency | Startup founders with funding from approved entities | Certified startup license, investment SAR 400,000 with accelerator backing for 5-year residency or SAR 15 million for permanent residency with job creation |
| Real Estate Owner Residency | Non-Saudis owning residential property ≥ SAR 4 million | Property must be developed, mortgage-free, appraised by licensed valuers |
These tracks cater to highly skilled individuals and wealth holders who can prove their specialized qualifications or investments, providing access to Saudi Arabia with a much lower financial barrier but higher eligibility standards.
Benefits of SAR 4,000 Premium Residency Visa
- Residency in Saudi Arabia with family inclusion (spouse, children under 25, possibly parents).
- Visa-free entry and exit for holders and family members, including privileged airport lanes.
- Right to work and change jobs in the private sector, except in jobs reserved for Saudi nationals.
- Ownership rights for residential, commercial, and industrial real estate in most regions (excluding Mecca, Medina, and border-restricted areas).
- Ownership of private transport (land, sea, air) and movable property as per Saudi laws.
- Ability to engage in business activities under the Investment Law.
- Family record linking, so in case of death or incapacity, certain family rights remain valid and transferable once.
- Recruitment of domestic workers following the same regulations applied to Saudi nationals.
- Exemptions from non-Saudi fees related to employment changes and companions of expatriate workers in the private sector.
These privileges represent a substantial upgrade compared to typical work/residency permits (iqama), offering greater autonomy, security, and long-term integration possibilities.Detailed eligibility criteria
- Valid passport with minimum 180 days validity, no restrictions on re-entry.
- Proof of financial solvency via recent bank statements or other documents as required by the Premium Residency Center.
- No criminal record.
- Medical reports confirming no communicable diseases, issued within the last six months by licensed Saudi or accredited diplomatic mission healthcare providers.
- If applying from inside Saudi Arabia, a valid residency (iqama) permit is valid for at least 90 days at application time.
- Minimum age of 21 years.
Saudi Premium Visa: Track-specific requirements, fee, etc.
| Track | Specific Key Criteria / Conditions |
| Special Talent | Employment contract with approved entity; minimum salary SAR 14,000–80,000 depending on profession; bachelor’s degree; 3+ years experience; employer reference letter; points-based evaluation system |
| Gifted | Recognized awards or ministry recommendations in culture, arts, sports; proof of financial capability |
| Investor | Investment of at least SAR 7 million in approved Saudi businesses; minimum job creation of 10 Saudis within 2 years |
| Entrepreneur | Certified startup license; minimum investment SAR 400,000 with accelerator backing for 5-year residency or SAR 15 million for pathway to permanent residency with job creation |
| Real Estate Owner | Ownership or usufruct rights of residential property worth SAR 4 million or more; property must be mortgage-free and appraised by Saudi accredited valuers |
Meeting these conditions is mandatory to benefit from the SAR 4,000 issuance fee privilege.Fees and duration:
| Residency Type | Fee | Duration | Renewal / Upgrade Options |
| SAR 4,000 Tracks | SAR 4,000 (one-time issuance fee) | Mostly 5 years | Renewable; Some allow permanent residency upon meeting additional criteria |
| Limited Duration | SAR 100,000/year | 1-5 years | Renewable annually |
| Unlimited Duration | SAR 800,000 (one-time) | Permanent | No renewal needed |
Application process of the SAR 4000 Visa Routes
- Choose Your Track based on profession, investment, property ownership, or creative talent.
- Gather Documents: Valid passports, recent photos, broker/investor/business licenses, property valuations, medical reports, bank statements, employment contracts, etc.
- Apply Online: Submit the application on the official Premium Residency Center portal https://pr.gov.sa.
- Application Review: An account manager verifies documents and eligibility, communicates requests for reference letters or clarifications, and provides decisions.
- Approval: Once approved, pay the SAR 4,000 issuance fee and submit mandatory medical insurance proof.
- Residency Permit Issuance: Receive cards for you and your dependents, then enjoy full residency rights.
Failure to respond to queries within 60 days or non-compliance can lead to rejection.Cancellation and obligationsThe Premium Residency under SAR 4,000 tracks can be cancelled for:
- Criminal convictions with imprisonment of 60 days or more or fines of SAR 100,000 or more.
- Deportation or judicial rulings.
- Submission of false information or forged documents.
- Non-compliance with residency conditions (e.g., job loss, property sale without replacement).
- Death or loss of legal competence.
- Cancellation by the Center’s Board of Directors on grounds of public interest.
Applicants and families have a grace period of up to 60 days (extensible to 180 days) to settle affairs after cancellation.Additional notes on family members and switching between products
- Family members included in the permit (spouse, children under 25, parents) enjoy similar benefits such as employment rights, property ownership (except restricted areas), visa-free entry/exit, and use of Saudi-only immigration lanes.
- In the event of the permit holder’s death or loss of competence, rights and privileges may transfer to family members once under applicable procedures.
- Premium Residency holders may apply for other Premium Residency products if desired but cannot hold multiple permits simultaneously.
Final thoughts on Saudi’s Green Card
Saudi Arabia’s SAR 4,000 Premium Residency products open a strategic gateway for expatriates and investors to enjoy significant residency privileges, provided they meet the specialized criteria tied to talent, investment, entrepreneurship, or property ownership. While the issuance fee is substantially more affordable compared to previous Premium Residency fees, applicants must satisfy specific financial eligibility conditions that vary by track, such as minimum salary requirements for special talents, minimum investment amounts for investors and entrepreneurs, or property value thresholds for real estate owners. These financial criteria ensure that only qualified individuals who contribute to the Kingdom’s economic growth can benefit from this cost-effective pathway.For those interested in applying or needing personalized advice, consulting with legal and immigration professionals specializing in Saudi residency programs is recommended.
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