saudi arabia premium
residency program

The Saudi Premium Residency program requires applicants to meet specific eligibility criteria, to ensure that they will contribute positively to society, comply with laws, and can financially support themselves while residing in Saudi Arabia.

To qualify for Premium Residency, you must meet the following conditions:

• You must be at least 21 years old at the time of the application.
• You must have a clean criminal record.
• You must undergo a medical examination to ensure you are in good health and do not have any contagious diseases.
• You must prove you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any dependents during your stay in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Arabia Premium Residency program has 7 different options, known as the ‘Premium Residency Products’, designed to accommodate different needs:

• Special Talent Residency
• Gifted Residency
• Investor Residency
• Entrepreneur Residency
• Real Estate Owner Residency
• Limited Duration Premium Residency
• Unlimited Duration Premium Residency

As well as the general eligibility criteria outlined above, additional requirements will apply depending on the product you are applying for.

You can apply online for the Saudi Premium Residency program. Saudi Arabia recently launched a new electronic platform to simplify applications for Premium Residency.  

The basic steps to submit an application are as follows:

• Step 1: Visit the official website designated for Premium Residency applications and create a user account.
• Step 2: Complete the online application form.
• Step 3: Scan and upload all required documents, as specific in the application guidelines.
• Step 4: Pay the application fee through the online portal.
• Step 5: After submitting your application, you may be asked to attend a biometrics appointment at a designated centre.

After your application has been approved, you must bring all your documents and passport to your nearest Saudi Embassy or Saudi Consulate, to receive the visa.

The application fees for this program will vary based on the specific product you are applying for. The application fee is charged at the beginning of the application process and is non-refundable. 

Currently, the fees range from 4,000 SAR to 800,000 SAR. Please note, fees are subject to change at short notice and without warning. For the latest information on Saudi visa fees, please speak to the Global Immigration team at Smith Stone Walters.

The length of residency granted depends on the category you have applied for. Some categories offer a 5-year fixed-term residency, whilst the Unlimited Duration Premium Residency offers permanent residency status to eligible individuals.

All Premium Residency holders:

• Can reside in Saudi with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.
• Have the flexibility to move from one establishment to another.
• Are exempt from the fees imposed on expats and their dependents and companions.
• Can exit and return to Saudi without requiring a visa.
• Are entitled to obtain visit visas for relatives.
• Can use tracks dedicated to citizens at airports.
• Are entitled to work in the private sector and move between establishments.
• Can conduct business under the guidelines of the Investment Law.
• Can own residential, commercial, and industrial property in Saudi Arabia.