Saudi Premium ResidencyOverview
Premium Residency was introduced in 2019 as the first sponsor-free residence status in the Gulf. Holders are not tied to a Saudi employer or kafeel, may leave and re-enter without exit/re-entry visas, and can conduct business, change jobs in the private sector and own real estate subject to the Kingdom's geographic restrictions. The programme is administered by the Premium Residency Center, which takes applications online.
The original two products, Limited Duration and Unlimited Duration, are purely fee-based: applicants demonstrate financial capability and pay either SAR 100,000 for each year of residence (one to five years, renewable) or a one-off SAR 800,000 for permanent status. In January 2024, five further products were added to target specific profiles: Special Talent, Gifted, Investor, Entrepreneur and Real Estate Owner. These carry a product fee of SAR 4,000 rather than a large government charge, but each has its own substantive conditions.
For private clients, the Real Estate Owner product is often the most relevant. It requires developed, unmortgaged residential property worth at least SAR 4 million, or an approved off-plan unit of the same value with at least SAR 1 million or 10% paid and no real estate financing. The residence lasts as long as ownership or usufruct of the qualifying property is maintained. The Investor product, by contrast, requires at least SAR 7 million of investment through a licensed entity and a commitment to employ at least ten people.
The wider legal environment is also shifting. A new Law on Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis was published in July 2025 and took effect in January 2026, with the Real Estate General Authority designating zones where foreigners may own property. Its implementing regulations are expected to clarify how Premium Residency entitlements interact with the new regime, so property-based plans should be checked against the latest zoning lists before purchase.
Key benefits
- Residence without a Saudi sponsor or employer, for the holder and family
- Freedom to leave and re-enter without exit/re-entry visas
- Right to work in the private sector and change employers, outside professions reserved for Saudis
- Business ownership under the Investment Law and access to property ownership in permitted zones
- Exemption from expatriate and dependant fees, and use of Saudi/GCC lanes at entry points
- Visit visas for relatives
- A permanent option through the Unlimited Duration and Investor products
Requirements
- Valid passport with at least 180 days of remaining validity
- Clean criminal record for the applicant and accompanying family members
- Medical report from an approved centre, issued within the previous six months
- Proof of financial capability appropriate to the chosen product
- Minimum age of 21 for the Limited and Unlimited Duration products
- Lawful residence status, with generally at least 90 days remaining, if applying from inside the Kingdom
- Health insurance for the full residence period once approved
- Product-specific conditions, such as property value, investment licence, salary or ministry endorsement
Investment options
Limited Duration
SAR 100,000 per year
One to five years, renewable. Suitable for clients who want flexibility before committing to permanent status.
Unlimited Duration
SAR 800,000 one-off
Permanent residence for the holder and family, without an investment obligation.
Real Estate Owner
SAR 4,000,000 property
Developed, unmortgaged residential property, or approved off-plan with at least SAR 1 million or 10% paid. Valid while ownership is held.
Investor
SAR 7,000,000
Investment through an entity with a valid investment licence and commercial registration, and at least 10 jobs created. Permanent, initially conditional.
Entrepreneur
SAR 400,000 or SAR 15,000,000
Category 1: Ministry of Investment entrepreneur licence, SAR 400,000 raised from an approved entity and 20% ownership (5 years). Category 2: SAR 15 million raised, 10% ownership and job creation (permanent).
Special Talent and Gifted
Executives, healthcare, science and research professionals meeting salary thresholds, and individuals with exceptional achievement in culture, sport or the arts endorsed by the relevant ministry. Typically 5 years, renewable.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Product selection
We compare the products against the client's objectives, assets and family situation, including the cost of fee-based status versus property or investment.
- 2
Document preparation
Passport, police clearance, medical report and financial evidence are assembled, with translations and attestations as required.
- 3
Online application
The application is filed with the Premium Residency Center and the processing fee is paid.
- 4
Assessment and security review
The Center reviews eligibility, background and, for specialised products, the supporting endorsements or licences.
- 5
Approval and payment
On approval, the product fee is paid and health insurance is arranged.
- 6
Issuance and family
The Premium Residency is issued, followed by linked family members.
Typical documents
- Passport copies for the applicant and family members
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical report from an approved centre
- Bank statements or other evidence of financial capability
- Marriage and birth certificates for dependants, attested and translated into Arabic
- Title deed or developer contract for the Real Estate Owner product
- Investment licence, commercial registration and capital evidence for the Investor or Entrepreneur products
- Employment contract, employer recommendation and degree for Special Talent
- Ministry endorsement or award evidence for the Gifted product
How Legal Wealth helps
Legal Wealth helps clients decide whether a fee-based, property or investment product best fits their plans, models the cost over time, and prepares a complete, consistent application file. We coordinate with Saudi counsel, developers and banks where property or a licensed company is involved, check new foreign-ownership zoning before any purchase, and align Saudi residence with tax, succession and family-governance planning elsewhere, all on a discreet, compliance-first basis.
Enquire with Legal WealthFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between Limited and Unlimited Duration?
Limited Duration costs SAR 100,000 for each year of residence, for one to five years, and is renewable. Unlimited Duration is a one-off SAR 800,000 for permanent status. Neither requires an investment.
Can I use a mortgage for the Real Estate Owner product?
No. Existing property must be unmortgaged, and off-plan purchases must not use real estate financing. The property must be worth at least SAR 4 million.
Which family members are covered?
Generally a spouse, children under 25 and parents who are not working in the Kingdom. Children with special needs and unmarried daughters may remain linked beyond 25 under applicable rules.
Does Premium Residency lead to Saudi citizenship?
Not automatically. Naturalisation is separate and discretionary.
How does the 2026 foreign ownership law affect me?
Since January 2026, non-Saudis may own property in zones approved by the Council of Ministers and listed by the Real Estate General Authority, with Makkah and Madinah restricted to Muslims. We confirm zoning and any approval requirements before purchase.
Can Premium Residency be revoked?
Yes, for serious criminal convictions, deportation orders, false information or failure to keep meeting product conditions, such as selling the qualifying property.
Last reviewed: 2026-10. Requirements, fees and timelines change. Information is general, reviewed on the date shown, and is not legal or tax advice.
