Understanding the Saudi Premium Residency or ‘Saudi Green Card’

Saudi Premium Residency is a residence permit offering foreign nationals the right to reside, hold a job, run a business and purchase a property in the Kingdom – regardless of the presence of a sponsor. It has become hugely popular since its launch in 2019.

The programme is informally referred to as the ‘Saudi Green Card‘. It seeks to attract talents, skilled professionals and entrepreneurs to Saudi Arabia in an effort to help the booming economy expand further.

7 types of Saudi Premium Residency

1. Special Talent Residency

Three types of people can get the so-called Saudi Green Card under the special talent category. They are Iqama holders, professionals in healthcare and sciences, and researchers. There are minimum salary ranges.

2. Limited and Unlimited Duration Residency

The limited duration Saudi Premium Residency is accessible for an annual fee of SR 100,000. The unlimited duration option, on the other hand, can be accessed against a one-time fee of SR 800,000. For more information, check out the official platform.

3. Real Estate Residency

Foreign nationals are eligible for the Saudi Premium Residency if they invest in real estate as per certain terms, such as the minimum investment should be SR 4 million, property must be free from mortgage, and it must be residential.

4. Investor Residency

If you are planning to invest or have already invested SR 7 million in a business, you can apply for Saudi Premium Residency. The requirements are: get an investment licence, create 10 jobs in the business, and ensure commercial registration.

5. Entrepreneur Residency

Entrepreneurs can also qualify for the Saudi Premium Residency. One of the benefits is that the startup company can take advantage of an exemption from the Saudi localisation program during its first three years of operation.

6. Gifted Residency

Under the Gifted Residency category, 2 types of people can get the Saudi Premium Residency. Nomination or receiving one of the specified exceptional prizes, or fulfilling the minimum eligibility criteria approved by the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Sports.