Saudi Premium Residency: Your Route to Permanent Residency in 2026

Saudi Premium Residency: Your Route to Permanent Residency in 2026

This is everything you need to know about Saudi Premium Residency, including eligibility, benefits, and application steps. 

3 February 2026

To boost its Vision 2030 agenda for massive economic transformation, Saudi Arabia has launched the new Saudi Premium Residency Visa program to attract global talent and investment. 

This ‘Saudi Green Card’ provides residency rights to investors, entrepreneurs and high-value workers without the need for a local sponsor. It allows unrestricted freedom of movement, as well as the right to set up and manage businesses. 

This guide sets out the latest Saudi Premium Residency products and their allowances for entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals looking to expand their operations into Saudi Arabia.

Whether you’re seeking to simplify visa processes, optimise tax structures, or streamline HR and relocation, the Premium Residency Program presents a compelling proposition.

What are the New Saudi Premium Residency Products?

The Saudi Premium Residency Program, overseen by the Saudi Premium Residency Center, provides foreign nationals with a choice between limited-duration and unlimited-duration residency options.

The program allows expatriates to live, work, and invest in Saudi Arabia without needing a sponsor. Both individual entrepreneurs and businesses will 

Key Saudi Premium Residency Products in 2026

Special Talent Residency

This Product targets skilled professionals in executive leadership, healthcare, science, and research whose knowledge and experience would benefit the country’s transformation. 

General Benefits

1. Reside in Saudi with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.
2. Flexibility to move from one establishment to another.
3. Exemption from the fees imposed on expats and their dependents and companions.
4. Exit and return to Saudi for the premium residency holder and their family members without requiring a visa.
5. The entitlement to obtain visit visas for relatives.
6. Use tracks dedicated to citizens and GCC nationals at airports.
7. The entitlement to work in the private sector and move between establishments applies to the husband, wife, and dependents, including the daughters’ and sons’ dependents.
8. Conducting business under the guidelines of The Investment Law.
9. Own and Usufruct real estate.

Special Benefits

• Eligibility for permanent residency upon meeting conditions.
• Exemption of the primary premium residency holder from the (Nitaqat) Program.

Eligibility Criteria

1. For Researchers, Healthcare, and Scientific Professionals

A: Researchers:

• Employment contract in whitelisted entities with priority specialisations.
• Minimum monthly salary of SAR 14,000.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• More than three years of work experience in a related field.
• Minimum score in the points system.
• Recommendation letter from the employer.
• A minimum of 3 research in a related field.

B: Healthcare and Scientific Professionals:

• Employment contract in whitelisted entities with priority specialisations.
• Minimum monthly salary of 35,000 SAR.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• More than three years of work experience in a related field.
• Minimum score in the points system.
• Recommendation letter from the employer.

2. For Executives

• Employment contract for executives at the first or second level, with a total minimum monthly wage of 80,000 SAR.
• Recommendation letter from the employer

Residency Duration

• A five-year fixed-term residency, renewable for one term upon meeting product eligibility criteria.
• Permanent residency status, upon continued adherence to product eligibility standards and a residency for 30 months in 5 consecutive or non-consecutive years.

One-time fee:

4,000 SAR 

Gifted Residency

The Gifted Residency Product is a key lever in Saudi Arabia’s push into the global cultural and sporting spheres, as exemplified by events like Riyadh Season and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. 

The program seeks to attract distinguished talents in these fields. 

General Benefits

1. Reside in Saudi with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.
2. Flexibility to move from one establishment to another.
3. Exemption from the fees imposed on expats and their dependents and companions.
4. Exit and return to Saudi for the premium residency holder and their family members without requiring a visa.
5. The entitlement to obtain visit visas for relatives.
6. Use tracks dedicated to citizens at airports.
7. The entitlement to work in the private sector and move between establishments applies to the husband, wife, and dependents, including the daughters’ and sons’ dependents.
8. Conducting business under the guidelines of The Investment Law.
9. Own and Usufruct real estate.

Special Benefits

• Obtain permanent residency upon meeting the conditions.
• Exemption of the primary premium residency holder from the “Nitaqat” Program.

Eligibility Criteria

A: First Category:

• Before applying for the Gifted Residency, all applicants must meet the general eligibility criteria.
• Nomination or receiving one of the specified exceptional awards.
• Meeting the minimum financial capability (ensuring the ability to bear the cost of living in Saudi).
• Obtaining a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture or the Ministry of Sports based on the applicant’s field (The Premium Residency Center coordinates with the Ministries of Sports and Culture to obtain a letter of recommendation on behalf of the applicant for a “Gifted” Premium Residency product).

B: Second Category:

• Before applying for the Gifted Residency, all applicants must meet the general eligibility criteria.
• Fulfilling the minimum eligibility criteria approved by the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Sports.
• Meeting the minimum financial capability (ensuring the ability to bear the cost of living in Saudi).
• Obtaining a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture or the Ministry of Sports based on the applicant’s field (The Premium Residency Center coordinates with the Ministries of Sports and Culture to obtain a letter of recommendation on behalf of the applicant for a “Gifted” Premium Residency product).

Residency Duration

1. A fixed-term residency for five years, renewable once upon meeting the eligibility criteria for the product and having a residence for a period of 30 months during the five years, either consecutive or non-consecutive.
2. Permanent residency when continuously meeting the eligibility criteria for the product and having a residence for a period of 30 months during five years, either consecutive or non-consecutive, and receiving an endorsement to have a permanent residency from the Ministry of Culture or Ministry of Sports

One-time fee:

4,000 SAR 

Investor Residency

This product is intended for investors looking to conduct business in Saudi Arabia. As part of the Kingdom’s huge diversification push, Saudi authorities are attempting to position the country as an investment destination for sectors far beyond its traditional specialisations in fossil fuels. This residency product aims to make Saudi Arabia attractive as a place to settle in, as well as capitalise.  

General Benefits

1. Reside in Saudi with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.
2. Flexibility to move from one establishment to another.
3. Exemption from the fees imposed on expats and their dependents and companions.
4. Exit and return to Saudi for the Premium Residency holder and their family members without requiring a visa.
5. The entitlement to obtain visit visas for relatives.
6. Use tracks dedicated to citizens at airports.
7. The entitlement to work in the private sector and move between establishments applies to the husband, wife, and dependents, including the daughters’ and sons’ dependents.
8. Conducting business under the guidelines of The Investment Law.
9. Own and Usufruct real estate.

Special Benefits

• Directly obtaining permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to qualify for the Investor Residency.
• Holding an investment license
• Submitting a valid license(s) issued by the Ministry of Investment for an investment(s), with a minimum of 7 million SAR of the applicant’s actual capital invested.
• Valid Commercial Registration
• Memorandum of Association showing investor shares

Residency Duration

Direct permanent residency conditioned on:

• Injecting SAR 7 million during the first two years.
• Creating 10 jobs during the first two years.

One-time fee:

4,000 SAR

Entrepreneur Residency

This product is designed for entrepreneurs and innovators looking to move into growth sectors in Saudi.

As Saudi Arabia advances in key global competitiveness and small investor protection indices, it aims to become a top destination for entrepreneurship. This product seeks to create a more stable and nurturing incubator environment for founders and SMEs.

General Benefits

1. Reside in Saudi with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.
2. Flexibility to move from one establishment to another.
3. Exemption from the fees imposed on expats and their dependents and companions.
4. Exit and return to Saudi for the premium residency holder and their family members without requiring a visa.
5. The entitlement to obtain visit visas for relatives.
6. Use tracks dedicated to citizens at airports.
7. The entitlement to work in the private sector and move between establishments applies to the husband, wife, and dependents, including the daughters’ and sons’ dependents.
8. Conducting business under the guidelines of The Investment Law.
9. Own and Usufruct real estate.

Special Benefits

• Nominate two staff members to obtain the “Special Talent” Residency and to be exempted from its criteria (e.g., Executives).
• The entity exemption from “Nitaqat” for the first 3 operational years.
• 2nd category: Directly obtain permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria

1. First Category
   • Holding an entrepreneur license from the Ministry of Investment.
   • Obtain a minimum of 400,000 SAR round/s as investment from an entity accredited by the Center.
   • Recommendation letter from the investment entity.
   • The applicant’s share in the company is not less than 20%.
2. Second Category
   • Holding an entrepreneur license from the Ministry of Investment.
   • Obtain a minimum of 15 Million SAR round/s as investment from an entity accredited by the Center.
   • Recommendation letter from the investment entity.
   • The applicant’s share in the start-up is not less than 10%.
   • Create at least 10 jobs during the first year and at least 10 additional jobs during the second year.

Residency Duration

First Category: A fixed-term residency for five years, renewable for one term upon continued adherence to the eligibility standards of the first group, and a residency for 30 months in 5 years.

Second Category: Permanent residency directly, conditioned on creating at least 10 jobs in the first year and at least 10 jobs in the second year.

One-time fee:

4,000 SAR 

Real Estate Owner Residency

This product, bolstered by new laws effective January 2026, targets owners of properties in Saudi Arabia worth over SAR 4,000,000.

Saudi is one of the safest countries in the world, ranked third among G20 nations in the Security Indicator. One of its Vision 2030 aims is that three of its cities will rank among the world’s hundred most liveable. 

General Benefits

1. Reside in Saudi with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.
2. Flexibility to move from one establishment to another.
3. Exemption from the fees imposed on expats and their dependents and companions.
4. Exit and return to Saudi for the premium residency holder and their family members without requiring a visa.
5. The entitlement to obtain visit visas for relatives.
6. Use tracks dedicated to citizens at airports.
7. The entitlement to work in the private sector and move between establishments applies to the husband, wife, and dependents, including the daughters’ and sons’ dependents.
8. Conducting business under the guidelines of The Investment Law.
9. Own and Usufruct real estate.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Own or Usufruct real estate assets worth a minimum of SAR 4,000,000 within Saudi
2. The property is free from existing and future mortgages.
3. The real estate must be residential property (however, foreigners can now buy freehold commercial and industrial property in most cities, excluding full access in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Riyadh – but this doesn’t qualify for residency).
4. The real estate must be developed and not from undeveloped or unimproved lands.
5. The real estate asset must be appraised by accredited valuers within the Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers “Taqeem”.

Residency Duration

Tied to real estate ownership or usufruct

One-time fee:

4,000 SAR

Limited Duration and Unlimited Duration Premium Residency

This offering is specifically crafted for individuals seeking Permanent or Annual Residency in Saudi.

The Limited Duration and Unlimited Duration Premium Residency products make permanent residency an easier prospect for high-value individuals. 

General Benefits

1. Reside in Saudi Arabia with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.
2. Flexibility to move from one establishment to another.
3. Exemption from the fees imposed on expats and their dependents and companions.
4. Exit and return to Saudi for the premium residency holder and their family members without requiring a visa.
5. The entitlement to obtain visit visas for relatives.
6. Use tracks dedicated to citizens at airports.
7. The entitlement to work in the private sector and move between establishments applies to the husband, wife, and dependents, including the daughters’ and sons’ dependents.
8. Conducting business under the guidelines of The Investment Law.
9. Own and Usufruct real estate.

Eligibility Criteria

Providing proof of the applicant’s financial capability.

Applicants must also have a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months at the time of application.

All conditions are subject to change

Residency Duration:

Limited Duration Premium Residency: A Fixed-term residency for one year up to 5 years, renewable.

Unlimited Duration Premium Residency: Permanent residency.

One-time fee:

Limited Duration Premium Residency: 100,000 SAR for each year.

Unlimited Duration Premium Residency: 800,000 SAR.

Emerging Trends: New Pathways in 2026

New Ultra-Wealthy Pathways

News from late January 2026 confirms that Saudi Arabia is drafting plans to specifically target the “Ultra-High-Net-Worth” (UHNW) segment.

•   The Proposed Criteria: The government is considering a new track for individuals with a verified net worth of at least $30 million (approx. SAR 112.5 million).
•   The “Superyacht” Advantage: To boost the Red Sea luxury tourism ecosystem, a specialized pathway is being developed for superyacht owners who moor their vessels in Saudi waters.
•   Approval Process: This track is expected to require a formal recommendation from the Ministry of Investment (MISA).
•   Why it Matters: This mirrors Abu Dhabi’s “Golden Quay” program and signals Saudi Arabia’s intent to compete directly with Dubai for the world’s most mobile wealth.

Student Residency

To support the “Human Capability Development Program” under Vision 2030, a dedicated track for students is on the horizon.

•   Target Group: This pathway is designed for high-achieving international students graduating from top-tier Saudi or global universities.
•   The Objective: The goal is to allow the “best and brightest” to transition directly from their studies into the Saudi workforce or startup ecosystem without the traditional sponsorship (Iqama) friction.
•   Status: While still in the deliberation phase as of January 2026, an official announcement is widely expected by April 2026.

Life in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia offers a blend of rich history, modern infrastructure, and a high standard of living. Premium Residency holders enjoy access to:

• World-class healthcare and education.
• Upscale residential areas and gated communities.
• Cultural events like the Riyadh and Jeddah Seasons.
• Recreational activities such as desert camping and watersports.

Fast-track your Saudi Premium Residency Permit Application

Applying for Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency program is easier with expert guidance. Centuro Global provides a tailored concierge solution for businesses and individuals throughout the process. From preparing your documents to learning the ropes of compliance with local regulations, our dedicated team will support your transition into the Saudi market.

For businesses and professionals ready to seize the opportunities presented by the Saudi Premium Residency Program, the time to act is now, and we’re ready to help you. 

Get in touch today to start your journey to Saudi residency.  

 

FAQS About the Saudi Premium Residency Program

Can I switch between residency products? Yes, holders may apply for a different product by submitting a new application, provided they meet the specific eligibility criteria.

Does Premium Residency facilitate Saudi citizenship? While Premium Residency offers permanent residency, it does not directly lead to citizenship. Naturalisation in Saudi Arabia remains a complex process.

What is the application process? Applications can be submitted through the official Premium Residency Center website (pr.gov.sa). Tools like the eligibility checker simplify the process by assessing an applicant’s qualifications.

Are there alternative programs in other countries? Comparable programs, such as Portugal’s Golden Visa, offer similar pathways to residency or citizenship. However, Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Program is distinct in its focus on fostering economic growth and attracting specialised talent.

Family members eligible for Saudi Premium Residency? Family members, including spouses, children under 25, and parents, are eligible for residency under the Premium Residency Program. Children with special needs and unmarried daughters over 25 can also qualify.

What differentiates Premium Residency from the Investor Visa? Premium Residency offers more flexibility, including the ability to work in the private sector and own real estate directly, unlike the Investor Visa, which ties holders to their investment establishment.