Permanent residency for living, doing business, and tax optimization under the Vision 2030 government strategy
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The Premium Residency program was launched by the Government of Saudi Arabia in 2019 and expanded in 2024 as part of the national Vision 2030 strategy. The program offers two priority options: permanent residency providing maximum long-term stability, and a residence permit for owners of residential property. The program is run by the government and does not require a local sponsor.
Holders of Premium Residency enjoy rights closely comparable to those of Saudi citizens, including full ownership of businesses, the ability to acquire real estate, unrestricted entry and exit from the country, and the right to sponsor visas for family members: spouse, parents, and children up to the age of 25.
Saudi Arabia does not levy personal income tax. Earnings from salaries, dividends, and capital gains are tax-free, making the jurisdiction one of the most tax-friendly for residency.
A unique advantage of the program: you can sponsor residency not only for spouses and minor children but also for parents and children up to 25 years old.
Family members of Premium Residents are exempt from the monthly government fee for dependents, which is mandatory for holders of regular work visas.
The right to register companies and conduct business without the need for a local partner (sponsor) holding a 51% stake. Full control over assets and operations in alignment with Vision 2030.
Unlimited entry and exit from Saudi Arabia without the need for exit visas. The right to work in the private sector and switch employers freely without requiring sponsorship transfer.
Premium Residency status allows the purchase of residential, commercial, and industrial properties in Mecca and Medina (under long-term lease agreements of up to 99 years), and full ownership in other regions of the country.
The ability to open personal and corporate bank accounts in Saudi Arabia, register vehicles, obtain local driving licenses, and access government services on equal terms with citizens.
Simplified procedures for hiring foreign staff and issuing guest visas for relatives. Direct access to the growing G20 market with large government projects (NEOM, Red Sea, Qiddiya).
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iWorld experts conduct an audit of your situation: they check compliance with the program criteria, analyze financial documents, and select the best visa category (Limited, Unlimited, or business options) to minimize the risk of rejection.
Learn MoreiWorld lawyers gather the complete set of documents: translate and legalize various certificates and diplomas, and prepare the financial justification (Solvency Letter). The application is submitted through the official Premium Residency Center portal on your behalf.
iWorld specialists liaise with the Saudi authorities until receiving the official approval letter (Initial Approval). At this stage, your eligibility for residency status is confirmed.
iWorld organizes the payment of government fees (one-time payment or annual tariff) and arranges the mandatory medical examination at accredited clinics.
In the final step, you receive your Premium Residency ID and activate your status. iWorld experts provide guidance on residency rights and benefits, opening bank accounts, and registration in Absher.
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Learn moreTo apply for Premium Residency, you will need the standard set of documents: a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity, a completed application form, biometric photos, a medical certificate confirming good health and the absence of infectious diseases, and a police clearance certificate from your country of residence.
The processing time for Premium Residency typically takes 4 to 12 weeks from the submission of the complete application package. The timeline may vary depending on the immigration authorities' workload and the completeness of the information provided by the applicant.
One of the key benefits of Premium Residency is the full freedom to engage in professional activities. Residents can work for any company (local or international) or run their own business. The only exception is for financially independent individuals, who are granted residency without the right to work.
Premium Residency offers significant freedom of movement — residents can leave Saudi Arabia and return without the need for visas or special permits.
Premium Residency provides the right to permanent residence in Saudi Arabia but does not directly lead to citizenship. Saudi Arabia has one of the strictest naturalization systems in the world, and citizenship is rarely granted to foreigners, typically only for extraordinary contributions. However, having Premium Residency could theoretically be a positive factor when applying for citizenship.
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