Permanent residency for living, doing business, and tax optimization under the Vision 2030 government strategy
Apply now to get expert advice
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. It grants foreign investors and professionals resident status independent of an employer. Holders of this status receive rights nearly equivalent to those of Saudi citizens: 100% business ownership, property purchase, unrestricted entry and exit, and the ability to sponsor visas for family members (parents, spouses, and children up to 25 years old).
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).
Fill out the form and get a detailed guide about the service from iWorld specialists
Apply now to get expert advice
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.
Country
Greece
Country
Turkey
Country
The UAE
Saudi Arabia and the UAE: key differences and similarities
18.09.2025
Is Saudi Arabia part of the UAE? What’s the difference between Saudi Arabia and the UAE? Explore economies, lifestyle, business, taxes, tourism, and career opportunities to find out which country suits you better.
Learn more
Citizenship by investment countries and programs in 2025
05.09.2025
Current citizenship by investment programs: Countries, amounts, terms, and requirements. Learn how investors can obtain a second passport in 2025. Which countries offer the most favorable conditions?
Learn more
How to open a company abroad and start a business in another country
10.10.2025
How to start a business abroad in 2025. Guide to starting a business overseas, covering international business setup, legal tips and expansion abroad.
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.
Apply now to get expert advice