Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency program recorded 40,163 applications between January 2024 and July 2025, reflecting strong demand after major reforms in early 2024. Officials attribute the surge to expanded categories and clearer benefits that make the program more attractive to global talent and capital.
Officials confirm 8,074 Premium Residency permits issued in 2024, with most approvals in the “Exceptional Competence” track. The program is positioned to attract global talent and investment as part of Vision 2030.
What’s new and why it matters
- The program expanded from two to seven categories in January 2024, widening eligibility for skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs.
- Applicants can now choose from: Exceptional Competence, Talent, Business Investor, Entrepreneur, Real Estate Owner, Limited Duration Premium Residency, and Unlimited Duration Premium Residency.
- The surge to 40,163 applications signals growing global trust in Premium Residency as a stable, long-term option to live, work, invest, and own property in Saudi Arabia without a local sponsor.
Permits issued and recipient profile
- 2024 permits issued: 8,074.
- Breakdown: Most approvals went to Exceptional Competence (5,578), followed by Talent (348); the remainder were across investor, entrepreneur, and real estate owner tracks.
- The strong tilt toward high-skilled applicants suggests the program rewards experts in fields such as engineering, medicine, technology, and research.
Core benefits applicants cite
- Live and work in Saudi Arabia without a sponsor.
- Include family members: spouses, children under 25, parents, and certain dependents.
- Visa-free entry and exit privileges.
- Freedom to change employers and work in the private sector.
- Property and vehicle ownership; direct investment.
- Recruit domestic workers.
- Usufruct rights in Makkah and Madinah for up to 99 years.
- Access to citizen-designated airport lanes for smoother travel.
Fees and durations (2025)
| Category | Duration | Fee (SAR) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limited Duration Premium Residency | 1–5 years, renewable | 100,000 per year | ~$26,670 |
| Unlimited Duration Premium Residency | Permanent | 800,000 one-time | ~$213,340 |
- Other categories (Investor, Entrepreneur, Talent, Exceptional Competence, Real Estate Owner) carry specific requirements such as minimum investment, proof of qualifications, or property thresholds.
- Check the official portal for exact criteria and thresholds.
Streamlined, fully online process
Saudi authorities have digitized applications to speed decisions. Typical application path:
- Create an account on the Saudi Premium Residency Center portal.
- Select the category that matches your profile and goals.
- Upload documents: passport, ID, birth/marriage certificates, bank statements, police clearance, and proof of investment or qualifications.
- Pay fees online.
- Submit the application for review.
- Respond to any requests for additional information.
- Receive your Premium Residency permit and related privileges upon approval.
Why applications are rising now
- Category expansion increases eligibility.
- Clear, tangible benefits—no sponsorship requirement and broad family inclusion—attract global professionals.
- Faster processing and online submissions reduce friction.
- Alignment with mega-projects like NEOM signals long-term stability and growth.
Official stance and supporting agencies
- The Saudi Premium Residency Center states the program supports Vision 2030 by attracting global talent and investment.
- The Ministry of Investment and the Ministry of Interior back the program’s role in economic diversification and international competitiveness.
How this affects different groups
- Individuals and families:
- Offers stability, the ability to switch jobs, and access to top schools and healthcare.
- Seen as safer and longer-term than short-term work visas.
- Investors and entrepreneurs:
- Direct market access and property ownership facilitate long-term planning and faster business setup/expansion.
- Saudi Arabia:
- The scheme brings skills, startups, and capital, supports new industries, and helps reduce reliance on oil revenue.
What analysts say
- Economists view 40,163 applications as evidence the Kingdom’s reforms are working.
- Immigration specialists say Saudi Premium Residency compares favorably with other “golden visa” models, especially because of job flexibility and family coverage.
- Critics note high fees may deter middle-income applicants; however, the seven-category model may widen the eligible pool over time.
- Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests sustained demand as rules settle and more approvals build confidence.
Real-life scenario
Consider a senior software architect with a spouse and two children under 25:
– Under Exceptional Competence, they present qualifications, job history, and clean records.
– If approved, the family settles in a major city; the architect works in the private sector with the freedom to change employers.
– The spouse can start a small business; the children attend international schools.
– The family’s long-term plans are safer without needing a local sponsor.
Tips to strengthen your application
- Match your profile to the right category.
- Prepare clean, translated documents—use certified translations where required.
- Demonstrate financial capacity with bank statements and investment proofs.
- Keep police clearance and medical checks current.
- Be honest and consistent; small errors can delay review.
Common questions
- Can you move from a time-limited permit to unlimited?
- Authorities haven’t announced an automatic upgrade path; however, strong compliance and continued eligibility may support future applications.
- Can adult children over 25 qualify as dependents?
- Only certain dependents qualify (e.g., unmarried daughters over 25 and children with special needs), subject to rules.
- Can you own property anywhere?
- Property ownership is allowed under program rules; usufruct rights in Makkah and Madinah are available for up to 99 years.
Potential challenges
- High fees may be a barrier for some families.
- Strict evidence standards for skill-based categories—collect detailed proof of education, licenses, patents, or awards.
- Investor and real estate routes require careful compliance with Saudi regulations, including due diligence and clear source-of-funds documentation.
What to expect next
- Officials signal continued growth as more projects launch and regulations evolve.
- Ongoing reviews could refine categories, eligibility, and processing times.
- Stronger linkages with labor, investment, and real estate reforms may further strengthen the program.
How to apply and where to get help
- Start at the Saudi Premium Residency Center portal: saprc.gov.sa for eligibility, fees, and application steps.
- For government guidance on visas and entry rules, consult the Ministry of Interior’s Absher services page, which supports immigration-related processes, including visitor and resident services.
Key takeaway: Demand is high—40,163 applications in 18 months—and while approvals have favored high-skilled talent, the seven-category model broadens access. Prepare complete documents, match your profile to the right track, and be ready to respond quickly during review.
Bottom line: Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency has become a mainstream long-term immigration option in the region. With 8,074 permits issued in 2024 and 40,163 applications through July 2025, momentum is clear. For qualified professionals, founders, and investors, the program offers a practical route to build a stable life and business base in the Kingdom. For Saudi Arabia, these permits support Vision 2030 by bringing in skills, jobs, and capital to help power the next phase of growth.
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