Key Takeaways
• Saudi Premium Residency allows foreigners to live, work, and own property without a local sponsor since 2019, updated in 2024.
• Applicants choose between lifetime (SAR 800,000) or renewable annual (SAR 100,000) residency, each with specific document and financial requirements.
• Five new 2024 sub-categories target investors, property owners, entrepreneurs, talents, and gifted individuals, offering specialized pathways for residency.
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 has introduced a major change to its immigration policy with the launch of the Saudi Premium Residency program, often called the “Saudi Green Card.” This program offers a way for foreigners to live, work, invest, and even own property in the kingdom with long-term or permanent residency – all without the need for a local sponsor. Designed to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and talented people from all over the world, the system forms part of the country’s ambitious Vision 2030 reforms, which aim to grow the economy and make Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 a destination for global talent.
What Is the Saudi Green Card (Saudi Premium Residency)?
The Saudi Premium Residency, also known as the Saudi Green Card, is a residency program launched in 2019 and expanded in 2024. It allows approved foreigners to live, work, and own property in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 on a long-term or permanent basis, without the traditional requirement for a Saudi sponsor. This offers much greater freedom and control to expats compared to older visa options. It is open to business owners, skilled professionals, investors, and top talent. The program supports Saudi Arabia’s 🇸🇦 economic goals by making it easier for global talent and money to contribute to the kingdom’s development, as explained by VisaVerge.com in their recent investigation.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Saudi Premium Residency, a person must meet certain basic rules. These include:
- Age: The applicant must be at least 21 years old.
- Passport: A valid passport is required, with a validity of at least six months.
- Good Conduct: The applicant cannot have a criminal record.
- Health: A medical exam must show the person is in good health.
- Finances: The applicant must prove they have enough money to support themselves and their family while living in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦.
Some categories (such as for investors, businesspeople, or special talents) may have extra requirements. The details can change, so it is important to check the official sources.
Purpose and Benefits of the Saudi Green Card
Those who are approved for the Saudi Premium Residency enjoy wide-reaching benefits, many of which were only available to Saudi citizens in the past. These include:
- Freedom to Live and Work: Residents can live and work anywhere in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦, in any profession, without needing a job sponsor or employer guarantee.
- Property Ownership: They can buy and own residential, commercial, or industrial property almost anywhere in the country. (Exception: In the cities of Mecca, Medina, and some border areas, foreigners may only take long-term leases instead of owning property outright.)
- Business Rights: Residents may start and run businesses in their own name, which used to require a local business partner or sponsor.
- Family Sponsorship: The main applicant can bring family members to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦, including spouse, children under 25, parents, and—in some cases—unmarried daughters over 25 or special needs children of any age.
- Recruiting Domestic Workers: The ability to sponsor and employ domestic workers.
- Freedom of Travel: Saudi Premium Residency holders can enter and leave Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 as often as they wish, without needing separate exit/re-entry visas.
- Access to Services: Holders and their families can use public healthcare and education systems.
- Airport Privileges: They may use the same fast-track citizenship lines at airports as Saudi citizens.
- Financial Transfers: International money transfers are available with no extra fees.
- Family Continuity: If the main resident dies, the associated rights may continue for eligible family members, depending on their situation.
Application Process – Step-by-Step Overview
Anyone interested in applying for the Saudi Green Card must follow a set process, done mostly online. Here’s how it works:
- Go to the Official Premium Residency Portal: Start by visiting the Premium Residency Portal, which is run by the Saudi government.
- Create an Account: Register with your personal details and set up an account.
- Submit Personal Details: Fill out an application form with your own information, including a recent photo.
- Email Verification: You will need to confirm your email before proceeding.
- Complete Detailed Form: After logging in, you’ll be asked to provide detailed information, such as your background, education, work history, travel record, family information, and proof of funds.
- Upload Documents: Key documents needed include:
- A scanned copy of your valid passport
- Official proof of your financial status (such as bank statements)
- Health insurance for yourself and your family
- A police clearance certificate (to show you do not have a criminal record)
- A medical fitness certificate (showing that you are in good health)
- Pay Application Fee: You must pay a non-refundable fee when you submit your application.
- Track Your Application: Once submitted, you can track your application status online. If needed, you may be asked to send more documents.
- Final Steps: Once your application is approved, if you are living outside of Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦, you will present your documents at the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate to finalize your permit.
- Processing Time: Most applications are decided between 30 and 90 days.
Applicants should always use the official portal to avoid scams and make sure they’re following up-to-date procedures.
Required Documents and Evidence
All documents must be up to date, clearly readable, and meet the government’s standards. Required documents generally include:
- A copy of your valid passport (at least 6 months remaining)
- Recent passport-sized photos
- Proof of financial resources (bank statements, employment contracts, or investment details)
- Current health insurance for yourself and any family members
- Police clearance certificate (from each country where you have lived for more than 6 months recently)
- Medical fitness certificate from a licensed doctor or hospital
Some types of premium residency visas, like Investor or Entrepreneur, may require extra evidence, such as business plans, proof of company ownership, or investment details.
Processing Times and Fees
The time it takes to process an application can vary, but most people receive a decision within 30 to 90 days of submitting all their information and fees, as reported by VisaVerge.com. All application fees are non-refundable, even if the application is refused.
There are two main options for the Saudi Premium Residency, each with a different fee structure:
- Unlimited Duration (Lifetime Option):
- This gives permanent residency for life as long as you remain law-abiding and meet the conditions.
- One-time fee: SAR 800,000 (about $213,000 USD)
- One-Year Renewable:
- This begins as a one-year permit, which you can renew each year.
- Annual fee: SAR 100,000 (about $26,650 USD per year)
Five new sub-categories, introduced in 2024, may have extra or special costs.
Types of Premium Residency and Latest Changes
Starting in early 2024, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 expanded its Premium Residency with five new categories. These different types are made to fit various people’s needs and backgrounds:
- Real Estate Owner Residency: For those who own qualifying properties in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦. Details on property value, type, and location may affect eligibility.
- Investor Residency: For people investing money in Saudi businesses or projects. Proof of investment and a plan for economic contribution are usually required.
- Entrepreneur Residency: Designed for those launching new businesses or startups. Applicants typically need to submit a business plan and show some funding.
- Special Talent Residency: For professionals with top skills in areas like medicine, engineering, technology, or education. Proof of professional standing or achievements is needed.
- Gifted Residency: Targets people with high achievements in sports, arts, or science. Awards, certificates, or proven track records must be shared as evidence.
These new groups are meant to bring more property investors, business builders, and talented leaders into Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦, as part of its strategy to open up and strengthen the economy.
Validity Period and Renewal Options
- The Lifetime (Unlimited) Residency is valid for life. There is no need to renew every year, as long as all requirements are met.
- The Renewable Residency is granted one year at a time, but can be renewed indefinitely if fees are paid and the resident still meets all rules.
For the new categories (such as Real Estate Owner or Gifted), the period and renewal rules depend on the details of that category. For example, Investor or Entrepreneur residency may only remain valid if the business or investment continues to exist.
Rights and Restrictions
Rights:
- Freedom to work for any employer or as self-employed
- Can own most types of property, except in certain prohibited zones
- Access the education and public health care systems
- Bring eligible family members
- Travel in and out freely
Restrictions:
- Cannot own land or buildings in Mecca, Medina, or near the country’s borders. In these places, only long-term leases are allowed.
- Must not break the law. A criminal conviction or threat to public order can result in revocation of Premium Residency.
- Must keep residency and health insurance up to date.
Pathways to Permanent Residency
The Unlimited Duration option acts as permanent residency in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦. As long as you maintain your good standing, your rights and privileges continue for life. However, Saudi Premium Residency does not automatically lead to citizenship. Instead, it offers a stable, long-term way to live and work with most of the rights of citizens, but not voting or holding public office.
Comparison With Similar Visa Types
Unlike standard employment visas in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦, which tie a person to one job or sponsor, the Saudi Green Card allows freedom across the job market and sectors. Holders also have the right to own property and sponsor their family independently, which normal work visa holders cannot do.
Compared to Golden Visa programs in other countries (such as the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪), the Saudi Premium Residency is similar in offering residency in return for investment or talent, but with unique Saudi features like business establishment freedom and strong family sponsorship rights.
Common Misconceptions and Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Premium Residency mean you become a Saudi citizen?
No. The Saudi Green Card does not grant citizenship but does give nearly all the rights of a permanent resident, except for voting or running for public office.
2. Can anyone own property anywhere in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 with this residency?
Premium Residency holders can buy property almost anywhere except Mecca, Medina, and some border regions, where long-term leases are possible instead.
3. Is a job offer required to apply?
No. Applicants can apply as investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, or even retirees with a stable income—no job offer is necessary.
4. What happens if I lose my job or stop my business?
As long as you meet the basic requirements and pay the annual fee (if on a renewable permit), you can keep your residency. But specific categories like Investor may require you to keep your investment active.
5. Can family members use public services?
Yes. Family members included in your permit can use Saudi Arabia’s 🇸🇦 public healthcare and education.
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Investor
An Indian business owner decides to buy shares in a Saudi manufacturing company and applies for Investor Residency. He shows his eligible investment, uploads proof to the portal, and gets approved. Now he lives in Riyadh, manages the investment himself, and brings his family to join him.
Example 2: Special Talent
A highly qualified surgeon from Egypt 🇪🇬 applies under the Special Talent category. She submits her qualifications, references, and work experience, is accepted, and now works at a hospital in Jeddah with her children attending public schools.
Example 3: Retired Expat
A retired British professional, living in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 for many years, applies for the Saudi Green Card to stay after retirement. With proof of stable retirement income and passing the medical check, he is allowed to remain in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 with his wife, enjoying health services without work restrictions.
Recent Changes and Updates
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 expanded the Premium Residency in 2024 with new categories to bring in more property owners, investors, entrepreneurs, and gifted people. Rules have also been simplified, with a smoother application process and faster answer times in some cases. These changes reflect the kingdom’s goal to attract global talent and investment as part of its Vision 2030 plan.
For the most recent and official updates, check the Premium Residency Portal, which provides step-by-step guides, document checklists, and news updates.
Pros and Cons of the Saudi Green Card
Pros:
– Wide freedom to work and own property
– Family and dependents can join you
– No need for a job sponsor
– Fast, online application process
– Good access to public services
Cons:
– High upfront or recurring fees compared to normal work permits
– No ownership of property in Mecca or Medina
– No direct path to citizenship
– Need to keep financial health and insurance updated
Additional Resources
For those interested in applying, or seeking more detailed information about forms, latest rules, or document requirements, the best source remains the Premium Residency Portal. Here, there are clear sections for eligibility, document checklists, online forms, and detailed instructions for every step of the process.
Applicants can also review summaries and updates from immigration news sources such as VisaVerge.com for background analysis.
In summary, the Saudi Premium Residency (Saudi Green Card) offers a unique opportunity for foreign professionals, investors, and skilled people to live and work in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 on their own terms. While fees may be high, the wide freedoms and long-term security make it a strong option for many people looking for new opportunities in the Kingdom. For anyone interested in applying, staying updated on the official Premium Residency Portal is the best next step.
Learn Today
Premium Residency → A long-term or permanent residency program allowing foreigners to live, work, and invest in Saudi Arabia without a local sponsor.
Vision 2030 → A national reform plan by Saudi Arabia aiming to diversify the economy, attract talent, and reduce oil dependence by 2030.
Exit/Re-entry Visas → Special permits previously needed by foreigners to leave and re-enter Saudi Arabia, now not required for Premium Residency holders.
Sponsor → A Saudi citizen or company required under previous systems to legally employ or host a foreigner, no longer needed for Premium Residency.
Renewable Permit → A residency option valid for one year, renewable annually with payment and meeting ongoing requirements.
This Article in a Nutshell
Saudi Arabia’s new Premium Residency, or “Green Card,” is an ambitious effort to attract global talent and investment. Foreigners can now live, work, invest, and own property without a sponsor. With flexible options and competitive benefits, it’s a significant gateway for professionals and investors seeking new opportunities in the kingdom.
— By VisaVerge.com
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