Sovereign KSA - Saudi Premium Residency Visa

Saudi Arabia introduced the Premium Residency programme in 2019 as part of Saudi Vision 2030, a national transformation initiative aimed increasing economical, social and cultural diversity in the Kingdom. It is sometimes referred to as the Saudi ‘Green Card’.

Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency programme is not a pathway to Saudi citizenship. It is a long-term residency framework that sits alongside the Kingdom’s wider reforms in company law, immigration and investment licensing. Premium Residency holders enjoy the ability to live and work in the Kingdom with fewer administrative barriers and clearer rights than are available under standard visas.

The aim is to attract investors, entrepreneurs and experienced professionals, reduce reliance on local sponsorship, and support long-term private sector growth. The scheme is administered by the Premium Residency Centre and provides eligible foreign nationals with long-term, stable and self-sponsored residency status that supports work, investment and family life.

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

The programme offers seven different options, known as the ‘Premium Residency Products’, which each have their own eligibility thresholds and document requirements, and are designed to accommodate different needs:

Unlimited Duration Premium Residency is a permanent residency option available to eligibale investors for a one-time fee of SAR800,000. It grants foreign national the permanent right to live, work in the private sector and own residential property in the Kingdom without a local sponsor, as well as to sponsor family members. It does not require annual renewal. Applicants must be able to provide proof of sufficient financial resources and fees do not contribute towards other in-country investments.

A five-year fixed-term renewable residency option for individuals with exceptional talents who have distinguished achievements in sport, culture or the arts. This pathway recognises global and regional achievers. Applicants will be required to submit proof of awards, international rankings, participation in recognised events or substantive contributions to national projects. Endorsement from a recognised federation or cultural body is often required.

Designed for start-up founders and innovators establishing new ventures that are aligned with national development priorities, the Entrepreneur Residency has two options:

• A five-year renewable residency requiring an investment of at least SAR400,000 from an entity accredited by the Premium Residency Centre. The applicant is required to have a minimum 20% ownership stake in the company, an entrepreneurial licence from the Saudi Ministry of Investment (MISA) and a recommendation letter from the investing entity. The visa is renewable for another five-year term if the applicant has spent at least 30 months in Saudi Arabia during the first five-year period.
• A permanent residency requiring an investment of SAR15 million in a new business that creates at least 10 jobs per year for the first two years. The applicant must maintain a minimum ownership stake in the business of 10%.

Both options allow premium residency holders to live, work and own property in Saudi Arabia without a sponsor, and also provide benefits like family residency and the ability to nominate two staff members for Special Talent residency.

Saudi Premium Residency provides practical rights that support day-to-day life and long-term planning:

Residence and mobility

• Right to reside in Saudi Arabia without a local sponsor.
• Multiple entries and exits without additional permits.
• Eligibility to hold a driving licence and register private vehicles.

Work and business

• Right to work for an employer of choice or to own and manage a business, subject to standard licensing requirements.
• Access to local banking, utilities and government portals.
• Option to hire domestic workers within permitted limits.

Property and investment

• Ability to own residential property outside restricted areas such as Makkah and Madinah.
• Ability to invest in listed and unlisted companies in permitted sectors.
• Access to local financial services subject to standard due diligence.

Family inclusion

• Family member sponsorship – spouse and children under 25 years.
• Visitor visas for parents
• Access to education and healthcare services on the same basis as residents, subject to provider rules.

Rights are always subject to prevailing laws, municipal rules and sector-specific licences. Holders must comply with taxation, insurance and public order requirements.

The Investor and Entrepreneur categories can involve additional capital thresholds and, in some cases, job creation undertakings. Real estate applicants should budget for valuation, title verification and any municipal charges. Government fees are separate from professional fees and translation, attestation and medical costs.

Sovereign supports clients through the full Saudi Premium Residency journey from our office in Riyadh, including:

• Initial eligibility criteria review, category selection and document roadmap.
• Coordination of translations, legalisations and attestations.
• Preparation of forms, financial summaries and supporting evidence.
• Submission to the Premium Residency Centre and follow-up on enquiries.
• Alignment with MISA licensing, banking, tax and immigration steps where relevant.
• Post-approval administration, renewals and family sponsorship.

To discuss your eligibility for the Saudi Premium Residency and enjoy the significant opportunities available in the KSA, contact Sovereign in Riyadh or email our team at ksa@sovereigngroup.com. We will provide a clear view of your options, required documents and realistic timelines so that you can plan with confidence.