What is the Permanent Residency For Expats In Saudi Arabia?

Living in Saudi Arabia on a work visa can feel like walking a tightrope. You face strict sponsorship rules, limiting your freedom to change jobs or start a business.

Renewing your iqama every one or two years means constant paperwork, fees, and uncertainty; especially if your company decides not to extend your contract. 

Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Program is the solution to all these problems. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore every aspect of Permanent Residency for Expats in Saudi Arabia: what it is, who qualifies, the benefits you gain, step‑by‑step application instructions, detailed eligibility criteria, how to maintain your status, and answers to the most common questions. 

By the end of this article, you will understand how to apply confidently and plan your future in the Kingdom; no more sponsorship headaches, no more visa renewals tied to employers, and a new chapter of freedom in Saudi Arabia.

What Is Saudi Premium Residency? 

Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Program, also known as the “Saudi Green Card.” Launched under Vision 2030 to diversify the economy, this ambition offers eligible expatriates the chance to live, work, and invest in Saudi Arabia without a local sponsor (kafeel) under the kafala system. Traditionally, expatriates rely on an iqama (work visa) sponsored by an employer. The iqama restricts job mobility, property ownership, and family sponsorship. Permanent Residency for Expats through Premium Residency removes these hurdles.

There are two main types of Premium Residency:

• Permanent Residency: 

Granted for an unlimited duration after a one‑time fee of SAR 800,000 (roughly US$213,000).
 

• Renewable Residency: 

Issued for one year and renewable annually upon payment of SAR 100,000 (roughly US$26,660).
 

Introduced as part of Vision 2030, Premium Residency aims to attract global talent and investment to support Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification. Unlike the traditional iqama, it offers greater autonomy, stability, and rights akin to those enjoyed by Saudi citizens, making it a game‑changer for expatriates seeking long‑term residence in the Kingdom.

Key Benefits of Saudi Premium Residency 

Premium Residency holders enjoy privileges that go far beyond what a standard iqama provides:

• No Local Sponsor Required

Live and work independently, change jobs freely, and launch new ventures without a kafeel.

• Business & Property Ownership

Own and manage companies, buy residential and commercial real estate, and enjoy full property rights.

• Family Sponsorship

Sponsor your spouse, children, and other dependents without needing a local sponsor.

• Exemption from Nitaqat Saudization

Not subject to Saudization quotas when hiring, giving your business greater staffing flexibility.

• Access to Government Services: 

Benefit from public healthcare, education, and other facilities on par with Saudi citizens.

• Visa‑Free Travel

Enter and exit the Kingdom without visa restrictions linked to employment, making international travel seamless.

These benefits streamline your life, reduce bureaucracy, and help secure your family’s future. With Premium Residency, you can plan long‑term investments, career moves, and personal milestones without the stress of sponsorship changes or frequent renewals.

Eligibility Categories & Requirements 

Saudi Premium Residency is open to a variety of professional and investment profiles. Below is a detailed breakdown of each category’s criteria.

1 Researchers

• Employment: Contract with an approved research institution or university.
   
• Salary: Minimum SAR 14,000 per month.
   
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in a priority specialization (science, technology, engineering, medicine).
   
• Experience: At least 3 years of relevant work.
   
• Publications: Minimum of three peer‑reviewed research papers in recognized journals.
   
• Recommendation: Letter of endorsement from your employer or academic supervisor detailing your contributions.
   
• Points Test: Achieve the required minimum on Saudi’s official points‑based system, which scores factors such as age, education, experience, and language proficiency.
   

2 Healthcare & Scientific Professionals

• Employment: Valid contract with a recognized health or science entity (hospital, clinic, lab).
   
• Salary: Minimum SAR 35,000 per month.
   
• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree or above plus at least 3 years of specialized clinical or scientific work.
   
• Recommendation: Formal letter from employer detailing your role and achievements.
   
• Points Test: Pass the threshold score based on credentials and professional standing.
   

3 Executives

• Position Level: Executive Level 1 (top-level management) or Level 2 (senior management) in a Saudi‑registered company.
   
• Salary: Minimum SAR 80,000 per month.
   
• Recommendation: For Level 2, a recommendation letter from the company’s board or owners is required, confirming your leadership role.
   

4 Investors

• Real Estate Route:
   
  • Own residential real estate valued at least SAR 4 million.
     
  • Property must be fully developed, mortgage‑free, and appraised by the Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers.
     
• Business Investment Route:
   
  • Invest a minimum of SAR 7 million in a Saudi‑registered company.
     
  • Create at least 10 full‑time jobs for Saudi nationals within two years for permanent status.
     
• Residency Term:
   
  • SAR 7 million investment qualifies for permanent residency.
     
  • Lower investments may yield a five‑year renewable permit.
     

5 Entrepreneurs

• License: Valid entrepreneur license from the Ministry of Investment.
   
• Investment & Ownership:
   
  • First Category: SAR 400,000 investment + at least 20% ownership in your startup. Five‑year fixed term.
     
  • Second Category: SAR 15 million investment + at least 10% ownership + job creation targets (minimum 20 jobs). Eligible for renewal or upgrade to permanent status based on performance.
     

6 Real Estate Owners

• Mirror the real estate criteria under the investor category.
   
• Residency linked to property ownership can be renewed indefinitely, provided the property remains under your name, fully developed, and appraised as required.
   

7 Limited‑Duration Residency

• For specific temporary needs—education, medical treatment, short‑term projects, or sabbaticals.
   
• Applicants must meet general program standards (clean legal record, valid passport) and clearly state their purpose and duration.
   

Note: Each category has a distinct set of documentation requirements. Always consult the official online portal for detailed checklists and up‑to‑date guidelines before you apply.

Step‑by‑Step Application Process 

Applying for Saudi Premium Residency involves several well‑defined steps. Follow these carefully to streamline your experience:

1. Eligibility Assessment
    
   • Review the criteria for your chosen category.
      
   • If applicable, use the official points calculator (available on the Qiwa platform) to verify your score.
      
2. Document Preparation
   Compile and certify the following documents (English or Arabic, with official translations):
    
   • Passport Copy: Valid for at least six months.
      
   • Passport‑Size Photos: As per Saudi civil status guidelines.
      
   • Employment Contracts or Licenses: Detailing your role, salary, and contract duration.
      
   • Academic Certificates & Transcripts: Attested by relevant authorities.
      
   • Bank Statements/Salary Slips: Showing required minimum income or investment funds.
      
   • Recommendation Letters: From employers, academic supervisors, or board members.
      
   • Property Appraisals: For real estate and investor categories, from accredited valuers.
      
   • Investment Proof: Bank guarantees, share certificates, or company formation documents.
      
   • Points Test Results: Screenshot or official report from the online calculator.
      
3. Online Submission
    
   • Access the Qiwa Premium Residency portal

• Create or log in to your account using your Saudi Mobile ID (Absher credentials).
   
• Fill out the digital application form, upload all documents in PDF or JPEG format, and confirm details.
   

4. Fee Payment
    
   • Permanent Residency: SAR 800,000 one‑time payment.
      
   • Renewable Residency: SAR 100,000 per year.
      
   • Pay via bank transfer or credit card directly through the portal. Keep payment receipts for your records.

Although there are many credit cards in Saudi Arabia but to know which one is best, we have a detailed guide for you: Which Credit Card Is Best In Saudi Arabia?
 

5. Application Review
    
   • The Ministry of Interior and related agencies will evaluate your submission.
      
   • Processing times vary by category and completeness but generally range from 4 to 12 weeks.
      
   • During review, you may receive requests for additional documents or clarifications.
      
6. Approval & Permit Issuance
    
   • Upon approval, you receive an electronic notification.
      
   • Visit your nearest Jawazat office to present originals and collect your Muqeem card (physical residency permit).
      
   • Activate your permit by registering your thumbprints and updating your civil status details in Absher.

Duration, Renewal & Upgrading 

Understanding how long your permit lasts and how to renew or upgrade it is crucial:

• Permanent Residency
   
  • Granted indefinitely after paying the one‑time fee and meeting all investment/job‑creation criteria.
     
  • No annual renewals required unless you wish to update your personal details.
     
• Renewable Residency
   
  • Valid for one year, renewable annually by paying SAR 100,000 and confirming your continued compliance:
     
    • For employees: valid employment contract and salary proof.
       
    • For investors: maintained investment levels and job‑creation targets.
       
    • For property owners: proof of ongoing ownership and property condition.
       
• Upgrading to Permanent
   
  • If you hold a renewable permit, you can apply for permanent status once you meet higher thresholds in your category (e.g., additional investments or jobs created).
     
  • Submit an upgrade application via Qiwa with updated documents and pay the SAR 800,000 fee.
     
• Maintaining Status
   
  • Notify authorities within 30 days of any major change: new job, business sale, property transfer, or family status.
     
  • Keep your Absher profile and civil status records up to date to avoid fines or permit suspension.

Wrapping Up

Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Program unlocks a world of freedom and opportunity for expatriates, eliminating sponsorship chains, avoiding frequent visa renewals, and granting full rights to live, work, own property, and sponsor family. Whether you are a researcher advancing scientific goals, a healthcare professional saving lives, an executive leading major corporations, an investor driving economic growth, an entrepreneur building startups, or a real‑estate owner securing your assets, this scheme aligns with Vision 2030’s drive for diversification and your personal ambitions.

Take control of your destiny in Saudi Arabia—start your Premium Residency application today and join the growing community of global talent shaping the nation’s promising tomorrow.

FAQs

Q1: What is the main difference between an iqama and Premium Residency?

An iqama ties you to a local sponsor and requires renewal every one or two years. Premium Residency gives you independent rights to live, work, own businesses, and sponsor family without a kafeel, plus visa‑free travel in and out of Saudi Arabia.

Q2: Can I sponsor my spouse and children under Premium Residency?

Yes. Premium Residency holders can sponsor immediate family members; spouse, children, and even parents—without needing another sponsor. You only need to show your permit and financial capability.

Q3: Is there an age limit for applicants?

No official age limit exists. Applicants of any age can apply as long as they meet the specific category requirements for salary, education, experience, or investment. Points‑based categories may favor younger applicants due to scoring.

Q4: How long does the application process take?

 Processing typically takes 4 to 12 weeks once you submit a complete application and fees. Delays can occur if your documents are incomplete or require additional verification. 

Q5: Can I work for any employer after getting Premium Residency?

Yes. You are free to accept employment offers from any Saudi‑registered company without needing a new sponsor or iqama. You can also work as a consultant or freelancer.

Q6: Are there any taxes for Premium Residency holders?

 Saudi Arabia imposes no personal income tax, so holders enjoy the same tax‑free salary environment as citizens. However, businesses may pay corporate taxes, and property owners may be liable for Zakat or municipality fees on real estate. 

Q7: What happens if I leave Saudi Arabia for an extended period?

Your Premium Residency remains valid even if you travel abroad. For renewable permits, ensure you re-enter before expiry or renew while outside via the portal. For permanent permits, re-entry is unrestricted.

Q8: Can my dependents work or study under my sponsorship?

• Work: Dependents need their own iqama sponsorship (you can sponsor them as employer).
• Study: Children can enroll in Saudi schools and universities; you must provide proof of enrollment and financial support.

Q9: Do I need health insurance as a Premium Residency holder?

While public healthcare access is granted, private health insurance is highly recommended to cover specialized treatments and faster services. Many employers offer plans, but you can also purchase individual coverage.

Q10: Can I buy property anywhere in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, Premium Residency holders can purchase residential or commercial property in most urban areas. Some special economic zones or gated compounds may have additional rules. Always verify with local real‑estate regulations.

Q11: Is Premium Residency recognized across GCC countries?

No. This permit is specific to Saudi Arabia. If you wish to work or live in another GCC country, you must apply under that country’s residency rules.

Q12: Can I change my Premium Residency category after approval?

Yes. If you qualify under another category (for example, moving from renewable investor status to permanent investor status), you can submit supporting documents and request a category change via Qiwa without paying the initial application fee again.