The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia launched the Premium Residency system under Royal Decree No. (M/106) on April 15, 2019. This initiative is part of “Saudi Vision 2030,” with the goal of improving the investment environment, attracting global talent, and offering a new legal residency model as an alternative to the traditional sponsorship (Kafala) system.
The system is overseen by the Premium Residency Center, which receives and processes applications. It provides a range of legal and economic benefits, enhancing the Kingdom’s competitiveness regionally and internationally.
The system grants foreign residents extensive rights, including:
- Owning real estate (for residential or investment purposes).
- Engaging in commercial activities.
- Using public services similar to citizens.
- Hiring domestic workers.
All these benefits are available without the need for a Saudi sponsor.
How much does a Saudi Premium Residency cost?
The system specifies two types of Premium Residency, each with a fixed financial fee:
- Permanent Premium Residency:
- Granted once for a fee of 800,000 Saudi Riyals.
- Does not require annual renewal.
- Annual (Temporary) Premium Residency:
- Renewable annually for 100,000 Saudi Riyals per year.
- Can be renewed for an unlimited number of years.
These fees are designed to ensure the seriousness and financial stability of the applicant. They are officially set by the Premium Residency Center in its executive regulations and are subject to periodic updates based on the Kingdom’s investment policies.
What are the conditions for obtaining Permanent Residency?
According to the executive regulations issued by the Premium Residency Center, an applicant for permanent residency must meet the following conditions:
- Hold a valid passport.
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Have a clean criminal record.
- Provide a medical report confirming freedom from contagious diseases.
- Demonstrate sufficient financial solvency (the system does not specify a fixed amount, but media estimates suggest an unofficial minimum of approximately 1.5 million Saudi Riyals).
The specialized committee reviews applications and verifies documents. Decisions are based on adopted criteria without the need for external interference or personal sponsorship.
What is the residency fee, and what is the difference between Permanent and Temporary?
The cost varies depending on the type of Premium Residency:
Permanent Premium Residency:
- A one-time fee of 800,000 Saudi Riyals.
- Grants the holder a lifetime residency without the need for annual renewal.
- The holder receives an independent residency card, not tied to a sponsor, and enjoys all the rights granted by the system.
Temporary (Annual) Premium Residency:
- An annual cost of 100,000 Saudi Riyals, which must be renewed before the end of each calendar year.
- Holders of this residency can apply to convert to permanent residency if they meet additional financial conditions.
Important Legal Notes:
- These fees do not include other potential government fees or taxes related to commercial or real estate activities.
- The fees are non-refundable after the application is approved and the residency is issued.
How much is the Golden Visa for Saudi Arabia?
As of the date of this article, there is no official system in Saudi Arabia named the “Golden Visa” as found in countries like the UAE or Portugal.
However, this term is often used in the media to refer to Saudi Arabia’s “Permanent Premium Residency,” given that its benefits and rights overlap with those of Golden Visas in other countries.
Therefore, the effective cost of what is referred to as a Golden Visa in the Saudi context is equivalent to:
- 800,000 Saudi Riyals for Permanent Premium Residency.
- Or 100,000 Saudi Riyals annually for Temporary Premium Residency.
The Saudi Premium Residency Center’s platform has confirmed that the system does not grant residency based solely on financial investment but requires comprehensive financial solvency and legal eligibility.
Can a Golden Visa holder sponsor their parents?
Yes, according to the FAQs published by the Premium Residency Center, a Premium Residency holder—whether permanent or temporary—has the right to sponsor their immediate family members, including:
- Spouse.
- Unmarried children (usually under 18 years of age).
- Parents (subject to supplementary conditions set by the concerned authority).
This is a significant advantage over the traditional sponsorship system, which restricts the ability to sponsor parents or siblings.
Important points to note:
- The application to sponsor parents is subject to additional requirements, such as proving financial dependency or a previous independent residency.
- Additional annual fees apply for each sponsored family member.
The Premium Residency Center has indicated that all privileges are automatically activated after the main application is approved and fees are paid.
Does marrying a Saudi woman grant residency?
Marrying a Saudi citizen does not automatically grant Premium Residency. It may lead to a special legal residency—different from the Premium Residency—that is subject to the conditions of the Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Passports.
For Premium Residency, the applicant must meet all the systemic requirements specified in the Royal Decree, including:
- Legal eligibility.
- Financial status.
- Criminal record.
- Health condition.
Therefore, marrying a Saudi woman:
- Is not an automatic qualification for Premium Residency.
- However, it may facilitate some administrative procedures or enhance the opportunity for legal stability in the Kingdom.
- It is not a barrier to obtaining Premium Residency if other conditions are met.
According to the Premium Residency Center’s website, applications from those married to Saudi citizens are reviewed under the same legal and financial standards without discrimination or preference.
What are the benefits of Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia?
Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia offers numerous benefits that make it attractive to investors, entrepreneurs, and academics, including:
- Complete independence from the sponsorship system, allowing for freedom of movement and employment.
- The right to own real estate in most parts of the Kingdom (excluding Makkah, Madinah, and special border areas).
- The ability to hire domestic workers as needed, without a specified limit.
- The right to engage in commercial and investment activities under the Saudi investment system.
- Registration with official government agencies and electronic platforms (such as “Absher,” “Qiwa,” and “Muqeem”) like a citizen.
- Sponsoring family members (spouse, children, parents).
- The ability to use special lanes at Saudi airports.
These benefits are a major draw for foreign investments and scientific talent seeking a stable and secure environment.
What are the downsides of Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia?
Despite the significant benefits, some challenges may be viewed as “downsides” by certain applicants, including:
- The high cost of obtaining the residency compared to similar programs in other countries.
- The lack of automatic conversion to Saudi citizenship, as the system does not explicitly state this.
- The exclusion of some sensitive economic activities or real estate in special areas (such as Makkah and Madinah).
- The need for annual renewal of temporary residency and continuous fulfillment of financial solvency requirements.
- High fees for sponsored family members if the number is large.
However, these points are often balanced by advanced legal, security, and investment advantages that are difficult to obtain in other environments, making the system highly balanced.
How to obtain Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia?
Obtaining Premium Residency involves a clear and organized process managed by the Saudi government’s Premium Residency Center:
- Submit the application online via the official platform.
- Upload the required documents, including:
- Valid passport.
- A clean criminal record certificate from the country of residence.
- A health report confirming freedom from contagious diseases.
- Proof of sufficient financial solvency (fixed income source or bank account).
- Pay the application processing fee (subject to updates, but usually non-refundable).
- The specialized committee reviews the file to assess whether the conditions are met.
- Notification of approval or rejection is sent within a processing period not exceeding 30 business days, provided all requirements are complete.
- Pay the final residency fee (800,000 SAR for permanent, or 100,000 SAR annually for temporary).
- Receive the Premium Residency card and activate the account in government systems (Absher, Muqeem, etc.).
It is worth noting that the applicant does not need a “sponsor” or “guarantor” as is the case in traditional residency systems.
How to get Temporary Residency in Saudi Arabia?
The temporary or annual residency is a suitable option for investors and entrepreneurs who wish to test the Saudi market before transitioning to permanent residency. It can be obtained through the same steps as above, with the following specifics:
- A fixed annual fee of 100,000 Saudi Riyals.
- Renewable automatically each year, provided there is no violation of the system’s conditions.
- The holder enjoys all the benefits of Premium Residency, except that it does not grant “permanent” status.
A temporary residency holder can apply to convert to permanent residency later, provided they demonstrate financial and investment stability and adhere to regulations during their temporary stay.
What is the new residency system in Saudi Arabia?
The new residency system—known as the Premium Residency system—represents a fundamental shift in the Kingdom’s policy toward residents, transitioning from the traditional “individual sponsorship” system to one based on:
- The legal independence of the resident.
- Tying the resident to the economic and financial system, not to an individual sponsor.
- Encouraging long-term investment.
This system was issued by a Royal Decree in 2019, allowing qualified residents of all nationalities to enjoy rights that are largely similar to those of citizens in terms of residency, such as:
- Property ownership.
- Company formation.
- Sponsoring family and workers.
- Business management.
The Impact of Premium Residency on the Saudi Labor and Investment Market:
Since the system’s launch, concerned authorities have noted several positive impacts, most notably:
- Increased demand for property ownership by non-Saudis, especially in economic cities and permitted areas.
- The establishment of hundreds of new companies by investors with Premium Residency, particularly in technology, logistics, and renewable energy sectors.
- Reduced administrative pressure on the sponsorship system, leading to fewer labor disputes related to residency renewal or reporting.
- Incentivizing foreign scientific talent, such as doctors and researchers, to work in the Kingdom under attractive conditions.
According to a report by the General Authority for Statistics, the number of residents who obtained Premium Residency in the last quarter of 2024 increased by 18.6% compared to the previous year, reflecting foreign investor confidence in the system [Source: General Authority for Statistics, 2025].
Legal Analysis of the Rights and Duties of a Premium Residency Holder:
According to the executive regulations of the Premium Residency system, a residency holder enjoys the following rights:
- Rights:
- Owning real estate (except in Makkah and Madinah, where the right of usufruct is permitted).
- Buying and owning private vehicles.
- Working in or establishing private enterprises.
- Entering and exiting the Kingdom without prior permission.
- Using special lanes at air entry points.
- Duties:
- Adhering to all general regulations in the Kingdom (traffic, tax, commercial, etc.).
- Renewing documents as needed (e.g., driver’s licenses or commercial registrations).
- Not violating public order or security regulations.
- Committing to paying regular fees for family members and dependents.
A Premium Residency holder is treated in a special and distinguished manner, but without violating prevailing public laws. They are subject to legal accountability if they commit violations.
Official Saudi Statistics on Premium Residency Applications:
The Premium Residency Center released its annual report for 2024, including key indicators:
- Number of applications submitted: Over 21,000 applications from various nationalities.
- Approval rate: 37%, reflecting the precision of the regulatory criteria.
- Top nationalities receiving residency: Britain, India, the United States, Egypt, and Turkey.
- Most represented categories: Investors (42%), entrepreneurs (23%), medical and technical professionals (18%), academics (10%).
- Top economic activities established by holders:
- Technology and software sector.
- Private healthcare sector.
- E-commerce.
- Energy services and engineering consultations.
According to data from the General Authority for Statistics, the Premium Residency system contributed to the establishment of more than 1,300 new companies in just one year [Source: General Authority for Statistics – Quarterly Report, 2025].
The Impact of the Premium Residency System on Enhancing the Legal Investment Environment:
The Premium Residency system represents a significant step toward a sophisticated and more attractive legal investment environment for talent and capital. By freeing qualified residents from the sponsorship system, the Kingdom is promoting the principle of “individual legal responsibility” and opening the door to global strategic partnerships.
Utilizing this system requires a precise legal understanding and adherence to the Kingdom’s investment and labor regulations, but it represents a genuine opportunity to build a stable future in a supportive economic and legislative environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Does Premium Residency lead to Saudi citizenship? No, Premium Residency does not grant the direct right to apply for citizenship, but it contributes to building a positive legal record that may be considered in some special cases.
Is a Saudi partner required to obtain residency? No, the system is independent of partnership with a Saudi national. The resident can engage in activities on their own.
How long does the application process take? Applications are processed within a maximum of 30 business days after all requirements are met.
Can temporary residency be converted to permanent? Yes, provided the criteria for permanent residency are met and the specified fees are paid.
Is residency canceled upon a long absence from the Kingdom? No, as long as the holder does not violate the system’s conditions and pays the fees on time.
