The Saudi Arabian Golden Visa, also known as the Premium Residency program, was launched in 2019. It is aimed at investors, talented individuals, and highly qualified specialists. Participants receive a premium residence permit (temporary or permanent), which allows them to live, work, and conduct business in this economically strong country.
Typically, foreigners choose to invest in real estate, a business, or the economy. Initial investments vary depending on the type of residency. For instance, a one-year residence permit is granted with a non-refundable contribution of at least USD 26,700, while permanent residency requires a contribution of at least USD 213,300.
According to iWorld experts, Premium Residency can potentially serve as a basis for the subsequent naturalization of investors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after legislative changes in 2024. Furthermore, investors globally gain the opportunity to invest in one of the world’s most ambitious economies.
Residency status in Saudi Arabia is prestigious because it provides access to special lanes at airports, reliable banking services, and the ability to enter into contracts with foreign counterparties. These advantages, among others, make attractive to those planning to establish a presence in Saudi Arabia.
What is Saudi Premium Residency?
Premium Residency is a special residence permit awarded for investment, talent, or outstanding career achievements. It is essentially similar to golden visas in other countries, such as Turkey, Portugal, and the UAE. This status enables foreigners to legally reside, work, and conduct business in Saudi Arabia independently.
Depending on the option chosen, Premium Residency participants can obtain different types of residency:
- Temporary: 1 year.
- Long-term: 5 years.
- Permanent: indefinite.
Different types of Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia
Eligibility for the Premium Residency program and the Saudi Arabian residency includes investors in the country’s economy, business investors, entrepreneurs, real estate owners, highly qualified specialists, and internationally recognized talented individuals. The validity period and key requirements of the status depend on the selected category:
| Residency option | Key requirement | Validity period |
|---|---|---|
| Non-refundable investment (Temporary residency) | Donation from SAR 100,000 | 1 year, renewable |
| Non-refundable investment (Permanent residency) | Donation from SAR 800,000 | Permanent |
| Real estate purchase | Property purchase from SAR 4 million | Valid while the property remains in ownership |
| Company formation (Temporary residency) | Attracting SAR 400,000 in investment | 5 years |
| Company formation (Permanent residency) | Attracting SAR 15 million investment and creation of 20 jobs within 2 years | Permanent |
| Business investment | Investment of SAR 7 million and creation of at least 10 jobs | Permanent if conditions are met within 2 years |
| Highly skilled professionals | Contract with an accredited company, higher education, and a qualifying salary | 5 years |
| Exceptional talent | Outstanding achievements in culture, arts, or sports | 5 years |
Saudi Arabia residence permit for non-refundable investment
One of the easiest ways to obtain premium residency visa in Saudi Arabia is through a non-refundable investment in the country’s economy. The program requires a fixed government contribution. After making this contribution, you can legally reside in the country, conduct business, and own property in approved areas. The program also allows you to arrange residency visas for your family members.
The program offers 2 status options: temporary residence (TRP) and permanent residence (PR). The type of status granted depends on the investment amount.
Temporary residence is initially granted for 1 year and can be renewed regularly. The minimum investment is SAR 100,000 (approximately USD 26,700) for each year of residence. This type of residence permit is ideal for individuals considering moving to Saudi Arabia who want to test the market and seek flexibility without long-term commitments.
Permanent residence is a permit that does not require regular renewal. To obtain permanent residence, you must make a one-time, non-refundable contribution of SAR 800,000 (approximately USD 213,300). This type of residency is ideal for individuals seeking long-term immigration, establishing a business in the region, or diversifying their residency options.
Please note that the investment is non-refundable, regardless of the option chosen (residence permit or permanent residence). This means the money cannot be returned after 1 or 10 years. This category is typically chosen by wealthy investors and entrepreneurs seeking a simplified residency regime, freedom from sponsorship, and expanded business opportunities within Saudi Arabia.
Premium residency permit through real estate investment
Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency program offers the opportunity to obtain an investment residence permit through real estate purchases. The status allows foreign nationals to legally reside in the country without the need for a local sponsor and to own liquid assets. To participate, you must purchase a property with your own funds (without a mortgage) that:
- is valued at least 4 million SAR (approximately USD 1,066,700);
- is residential (commercial premises are not eligible);
- is completed (not under construction);
- has received an appraisal from a specialist authorized by the Saudi Accreditation Authority for Appraisers (Taqeem).
A residence permit is issued for the duration of property ownership. Once an investor sells a property, they lose their status unless they purchase a new property within 90 days or establish another basis for lawful residence in Saudi Arabia.
This type of residence permit is suitable for those who plan to:
- live in Saudi Arabia without paying rent (approximately USD 600 per month for a one-bedroom apartment);
- earn additional income from rentals;
- profit from reselling the property in a few years. The average annual price growth rate is projected to be 8% from 2026 to 2030.
Residence through company formation
The Premium Residency entrepreneurship category is intended for foreign investors establishing and developing a business in Saudi Arabia. This option allows you to obtain a 5-year residence permit without a Saudi sponsor, provided you demonstrate genuine economic participation. This status can be extended once for the same period, provided that the entrepreneur continues to meet the Premium Residency requirements and has spent at least 30 months in the country during the initial 5-year period.
To obtain a residence permit, you must:
- Own at least 20% of the company.
- Have a business license issued by the Ministry of Investment.
- Raise at least SAR 400,000 (approximately USD 106,670) from an accredited investor organization.
- Receive a letter of recommendation from an accredited organization.
A businessman can also obtain permanent residency in Saudi Arabia by opening a company if they:
- Owns at least 10% of the company.
- Holds a business license.
- Raises at least SAR 15 million (approximately 4 million USD) from an accredited investor organization.
- Receives a letter of approval from the investor organization.
- Commits to creating at least 10 new jobs in the first year and an additional 10 in the second.
Regardless of the option chosen (residence permit or permanent residence), the foreigner must conduct business activities in the country.
Residence permit for business investment
This Premium Residency category is intended for investors who invest in an existing company in Saudi Arabia. Unlike the entrepreneurial model, the foreign investor does not need to establish their own company or attract an accredited investor organization. This is a direct investment in an existing business.
Permanent residency in Saudi Arabia is issued if the investor:
- Receives an investment license from the Ministry of Investment.
- Has company registration documents from the Ministry of Commerce.
- Proves their investment in the business amounts to at least SAR 7 million (approximately USD 1,887,000).
- Confirms the employment of at least 10 people within their shareholding.
During the first 2 years, the investor must maintain the stated investment amount and number of jobs. This program is intended for large investors who are willing to engage in long-term economic activity without managing the company’s operations.
Citizenship, a residence permit, or business relocation anywhere in the world
- Live freely and travel the world
- Expand the horizons of your business
- Give your children an education at the world’s best universities
Leave an application and get a consultation specialist
Residence permit for highly qualified specialists
In addition to the investment residence permit, Saudi Arabia offers a residence permit for highly qualified specialists. It is designed for individuals working in management, healthcare, research, and science.
To obtain a residence permit, you must:
- Sign a contract with an accredited company operating in a priority sector, such as IT, finance, energy, logistics, or tourism.
- Provide a letter of recommendation from this company.
- In most cases, you must also score a sufficient number of points on the program’s eligibility criteria, including English proficiency, educational background, and awards, research, and patents.
Specific requirements also apply depending on the field of study:
| Requirement | Researchers | Healthcare/Science specialists | Executives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum monthly salary, $ | 3,700 | 9,300 | 21,300 |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree or higher | Bachelor’s degree or higher | – |
| Work experience, years | From 3 | From 3 | – |
| Additional requirements | At least 3 published research papers | – | – |
A residence permit is initially issued for 5 years and can be renewed once for the same period. Permanent residency is available to individuals who have consistently met the program’s key requirements and have resided in the country for at least 30 months over 5 years (whether consecutive or non-consecutive).
Premium residency for talent
Gifted Residency in Saudi Arabia is similar to special talent visas in other countries, such as France, the UK, and the US. This residence permit is granted to individuals with exceptional talent in sports, arts, and culture. Applicants’ achievements must be internationally recognized. Furthermore, applicants must be approved by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture or the Ministry of Sports.
The residence permit is issued for 5 years and can be renewed once if the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria and has resided in the country for at least 30 months during the 5 years. Representatives of the «talent» category may apply for permanent residency in the future if they meet the following requirements:
- Residency in the country for at least 30 months over 5 years (consecutive or non-consecutive).
- Ongoing compliance with all program conditions.
- Obtaining approval from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture or the Ministry of Sports.
How much does it cost to obtain a residence permit in Saudi Arabia?
When planning for residence permit or permanent residency costs in Saudi Arabia, consider the basic investment fee, government fees, and associated administrative costs:
| Expense item | Cost, $ |
|---|---|
| Application submission and processing | 170 |
| Issuance of a temporary/permanent residence permit | 1,070 |
| Document translation into English/Arabic (per document) | From 2 / From 12 |
Applicant requirements
Basic requirements for Saudi Arabian premium residency permit application:
- Age: 21 years or older (for permanent residency or a one-year temporary residence permit only).
- Have no criminal record.
- Financial solvency: You must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses in the country.
- Have no dangerous infectious diseases: A certificate from a medical center authorized by Saudi Arabian authorities is accepted. The document must be no more than 6 months old at the time of application.
- A valid temporary residence permit if applying within the country.
Residence permit for family members
Family members of the Premium Residency applicant may join them and will also receive a temporary or permanent residence permit in Saudi Arabia. The following may be included in the application:
- spouse;
- children under 25;
- parents who do not work in Saudi Arabia.
All family members must provide a certificate of good conduct (except for minors) and a medical certificate confirming the applicant does not have any dangerous infectious diseases.
How to apply for a Saudi Premium Residency program?
The application process for a Saudi Arabian Golden Visa consists of 4 steps:
- Document preparation.
You must provide a valid passport (valid for at least six months), police clearance certificates, health certificates, bank statements or other proof of sufficient income, and a passport-sized photo. If applicable, submit your marriage certificate or your children’s birth certificates. All documents must be translated into English or Arabic and notarized/apostilled. - Application submission.
Applications are submitted online through the official website of the Premium Residency program. First, you must register on the portal. Then, select the type of residence permit, complete the application form, attach scanned copies of all documents, and pay the state fee for filing and processing the application. - Awaiting a decision.
The application is processed within 1-2 weeks. You will then receive either a pre-approval decision or a notification of additional work, which takes a maximum of 60 days. Within 30 days of receiving a positive response, you must pay the state fee for the temporary or permanent residence permit and obtain health insurance. - Final stage.
All documents are reviewed again, and the applicant is issued a Premium Residency ID, a digital document that allows entry into Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival, the foreigner provides biometric data and receives a plastic residence card.
An authorized representative can submit the Premium Residency application on your behalf, so you may seek . They will prepare the documents, verify the applicant’s reputation, and ensure compliance with all program requirements. With their help, you can avoid the risk of refusal and obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit in Saudi Arabia as quickly as possible.
What a Saudi Arabian residence permit offers: 10 benefits for investors
Saudi Arabian residency is more than just a legal status; it’s also about prestige.
- Living in Saudi Arabia with your entire family without a sponsor.
Premium Residency allows the entire family to relocate to Saudi Arabia. Spouses, children, and parents can be included in the application at no additional cost. This is a long-term mobility solution, not a temporary fix for a year or two. Furthermore, residents are not tied to an employment contract or business; they can decide how to manage their time and assets. - Residents enjoy unrestricted entry and exit.
Residents can travel the world and return to Saudi Arabia without needing visas or risking losing their status. This is especially important for businesspeople who enter into contracts with international partners and travel frequently for business. Additionally, it is useful for those whose relatives or friends live in other countries. - Visitor visas for relatives.
With Premium Residency, you can invite your relatives (spouse, children, and parents) who are not included in your temporary or permanent residence application to Saudi Arabia on special visitor visas. This visa is easier to obtain than a standard tourist visa, and processing takes 3 business days. - Right to work and conduct business.
With a temporary/permanent residence permit, you can find employment with private companies and change employers at any time. You can also conduct business without local partners. This allows you to manage your time effectively and build your career or your dream company.Those who obtain residency through company formation are exempt from participating in the Nitaqat program for the first 3 years. Nitaqat is a Saudi Arabian Ministry of Human Resources initiative that requires local business owners to hire a certain number of Saudi Arabian citizens.
- Real estate ownership.
Premium Residency allows you to purchase residential, commercial, and industrial properties in Saudi Arabia, excluding Mecca, Medina, and border areas. You can purchase an apartment or house for your own use, earn passive income from rentals, or profit from future resale. The open real estate market is also attractive to business owners. You can invest in offices and warehouses for your company or for rental purposes. Furthermore, purchasing real estate in Saudi Arabia offers the opportunity to preserve capital in one of the most developed and safest countries in Asia. - Tax optimization.
There is no personal income tax in Saudi Arabia. Foreigners also do not pay taxes on income earned outside the country. - Education and opportunities for children.
Children of residents can attend public schools for free. Therefore, future generations will receive a high-quality basic education in a country that actively invests in research and technology. - Access to the banking system.
Saudi Arabian residents can open personal and corporate bank accounts. They can also obtain loans of up to USD 800,000, open deposit accounts, and send foreign currency transfers worldwide. - Priority service at the airport.
Residents can use special lanes at airports reserved for citizens of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States. Residents can use them to clear border and passport control separately from tourists. - Access to digital government services.
A residence permit/permanent residence card provides access to most government services online, eliminating the need to visit a government agency in person. You can request a property appraisal, register a newborn, apply for social benefits, and more.
Residence permit renewal in Saudi Arabia
Whether you can renew your Premium Residency status in Saudi Arabia depends on its type. A residence permit is issued for a limited period of 1 to 5 years, while a permanent residence permit is valid indefinitely.
To renew a residence permit, you must confirm that you meet all program requirements. For example, a key factor for real estate investors is retaining ownership of the property.
Renewing a residence permit must be arranged in advance because the process is similar to the initial application process. The documents must be prepared again and submitted to the Premium Residency Center for approval.
Saudi Arabian citizenship by investment: a myth or a real prospect?
Saudi Arabia does not grant citizenship through investment. Participants in the Premium Residency program can only obtain temporary/permanent residency through investment. However, it is impossible to definitively state that all temporary/permanent residents are ineligible for citizenship.
When Premium Residency launched, the law clearly stated that residency status would not lead to a Saudi Arabian passport (Clause 2, Article 11 of the Law on Granting Premium Residency Permits). After the program relaunched in 2024, however, this clause was removed from the new version of the law. In other words, the government lifted the ban on applying for citizenship, as noted in an official article published by the U.S. Library of Congress.
Given these new provisions, iWorld experts believe that Saudi Arabia could launch a citizenship-by-investment program in the future. These developments are facilitated by the country’s rapid economic growth, territorial potential, and ambitions to attract foreign capital.
Any questions?
Ask an immigration lawyer for free
