As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's efforts to improve the living and working environment and attract talent and investors from around the world, the Kingdom has made available several types of residencies permit that provide individuals and their families with legal, social, and economic stability.

Below, we will review all the conditions and requirements set by the Kingdom for each type of residency.

First: Limited Duration and Unlimited Duration Premium Residency
The Premium Residency program is designed for individuals who wish to reside in Saudi Arabia either temporarily or permanently. It offers a distinctive environment with a wide range of benefits for the resident and their family, including:

1. Residency in Saudi Arabia with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under the age of 25.
2. Freedom to move between employers without restrictions.
3. Exemption from the fees imposed on expatriates and their dependents.
4. The ability for the Premium Residency holder and their family members to leave and return to Saudi Arabia without the need for a visa.
5. Issuance of visit visas for relatives.
6. Access to designated lanes at ports, similar to Saudi citizens and GCC nationals.
7. The right for spouses and children to work in private sector establishments and transfer between them.
8. The ability to conduct commercial activities in accordance with investment laws.
9. Ownership and use of real estate within the Kingdom.

Requirements:

- Submitting proof of the applicant's financial solvency.

Duration and Fees:

- Specific Residency: This is valid for one to five years, renewable, and costs SAR 100,000 per year.

- Permanent Residency: This is an indefinite residency, and costs SAR 800,000 per year.

Second: Investor Residency
The Business Investor Residency is tailored for investors who wish to establish and manage their businesses and projects in Saudi Arabia. It is designed to create a supportive and attractive working environment by granting a wide range of privileges to investors and their families, including:

1. Residency in Saudi Arabia with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under the age of 25.
2. Freedom to move between employers without restrictions.
3. Exemption from fees imposed on expatriates and their dependents.
4. The ability for the residency holder to exit and re-enter Saudi Arabia without requiring a visa.
5. Issuance of visit visas for relatives.
6. Access to designated lanes at ports, similar to Saudi citizens and GCC nationals.
7. The right for spouses and children to work in private sector establishments and transfer between them.
8. Permission to conduct commercial activities in accordance with the investment law.
9. Ownership and utilization of real estate within the Kingdom.
10. The direct option to obtain Permanent Premium Residency.

Requirements:

- The applicant must have an investment license.

• Submit a valid investment license from the Ministry of Investment with a minimum equity of seven million Saudi riyals.
• Submit a valid commercial registration.
• The articles of association proving the applicant's stake in the company.

Duration and Fees:

Investor residency is granted permanent residency for a fee of 4,000 Saudi riyals, subject to two conditions:

• The applicant must invest 7 million riyals during the first two years.
• Create 10 jobs during the first two years.

Third: Special Talent Residency

This residency targets academic, administrative, and scientific professionals, as well as distinguished talents and experts capable of making a lasting contribution to Saudi society. It reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to investing in human capital.

Key Benefits:

• Residency in Saudi Arabia with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under the age of 25.
• Freedom to transfer between companies.
• Full contractual rights without restrictions.
• The ability to exit and re-enter Saudi Arabia without conditions.
• Issuance of visit visas for relatives.
• Access to lanes designated for GCC citizens at ports.
• Eligibility to work in private sector establishments and to transfer sponsorship to spouses and children.
• The right to operate businesses and invest in commercial activities.
• Ownership and use of real estate.
• Eligibility to obtain Premium Residency upon meeting the required conditions.
• Exemption from the Nitaqat program for Premium Residency holders.

Eligibility Requirements:

• If the applicant is a researcher, they will be required to submit an employment contract with a designated entity in a priority specialization, a letter of recommendation from their employer, and three research papers in a related field.

The total monthly salary must be no less than 14,000 SAR. They must also hold a bachelor's degree or higher, have more than 3 years of work experience in a related field, and have met the points system requirements.

• If the applicant for residency is a health or scientific professional, he or she must submit an employment contract with a specific entity in a priority specialty, along with a letter of recommendation from their employer. They must also have a bachelor's degree or higher, have at least 3 years of practical experience, and earn a monthly salary of at least 35,000 SAR.
•  If the applicant for residency is an executive, he must submit an employment contract for a first or second level leadership position, and the total monthly salary must not be less than 80,000 SAR.

Fee and Duration:

Special Talent Residency is granted for a fee of 4,000 SAR, whether permanent or renewable, subject to the following conditions:

Specific Residency: For a period of up to five years, renewable once upon meeting the criteria and compliance with the requirements.

Permanent Residency: Subject to meeting all criteria and requirements, and a 30-month residency period within five consecutive or non-consecutive years.

Fourth: Gifted Residency

The Talent Residency is designed for distinguished individuals in the fields of sports, culture, and the arts. It aims to foster cultural and social development in Saudi Arabia while encouraging the exchange of expertise and knowledge.

Key Benefits:

• Residency in Saudi Arabia with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under the age of 25.
• Freedom to transfer between companies.
• Exemption from expatriate levies imposed on residents and their dependents.
• The Premium Residency holder and their family members can leave and return to Saudi Arabia without the need for a re-entry visa.
• Issuance of visit visas for relatives.
• Access to dedicated lanes for Saudi and GCC citizens at ports.
• Eligibility to work in private sector establishments, with the option for spouses and children to transfer employment between entities.
• The right to conduct commercial activities in accordance with Saudi investment laws.
• Ownership and use of real estate.
• Eligibility to obtain permanent Premium Residency upon fulfilling the required conditions.
• Exemption from the Nitaqat program for the primary Premium Residency holder.

Requirements:

This residency offers two application tracks, each with its own conditions:

Track One:

• Nomination for or receipt of one of the specified exceptional awards.
• Meeting the minimum financial solvency requirements to ensure financial sustainability while residing in Saudi Arabia.
• Securing a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture or the Ministry of Sports, depending on the applicant’s field.

Track Two:

• Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria set by the Ministry of Culture or the Ministry of Sports.
• Meeting the minimum financial solvency requirements to ensure affordability in Saudi Arabia.
• Obtaining a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture or the Ministry of Sports, depending on the applicant’s field.

Duration and Fees:

• A fixed-term residency of five years is granted for a fee of SAR 4,000, renewable once, provided the applicant resides in Saudi Arabia for at least 30 months within the five-year period (consecutive or non-consecutive) and continues to meet the eligibility requirements.
• A permanent residency is granted upon continued fulfillment of all requirements during the fixed-term residency period, completion of the 30-month residency requirement, and obtaining a recommendation from the relevant authority.

Fifth: Entrepreneur Residency

The Entrepreneur Residency targets founders and innovators who seek to establish their projects across various sectors. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing the business ecosystem, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating a more flexible environment for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Key Benefits:

• Residency in Saudi Arabia with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under the age of 25.
• Freedom to transfer between companies.
• Exemption from expatriate fees imposed on residents and their dependents.
• Exit and re-entry without the need for a visa.
• Issuance of visit visas for relatives.
• Access to dedicated lanes for Saudi and GCC citizens at ports.
• Permission to work in private sector establishments, with the option for spouses and children to transfer between employers.
• The ability to establish and operate businesses under the investment law.
• Ownership and use of real estate.
• The right to nominate two team members to obtain Exceptional Competency Residency, exempting them from the usual eligibility criteria (e.g., executives).
• Exemption from Nitaqat program requirements for the first three years of business operation.
• Direct eligibility for Permanent Premium Residency (available only under Category 2).

Eligibility Requirements:

Entrepreneur Residency is divided into two categories:

Category 1:

• Obtain an entrepreneurial license from the Ministry of Investment.
• Secure an investment round from a Center-approved investment entity with a minimum value of SAR 400,000.
• Provide a letter of recommendation from the investing entity.
• Hold at least a 20% ownership stake in the company.

Category 2:

• Obtain an entrepreneurial license from the Ministry of Investment.
• Secure an investment round from a Center-approved investment entity with a minimum value of SAR 15 million.
• Provide a letter of recommendation from the investing entity.
• Hold at least a 10% ownership stake in the startup.
• Create a minimum of 10 jobs during the first year, and an additional 10 jobs during the second year.

Duration and Fees:

• The fee for both categories is SAR 4,000.
• Category 1: A five-year residency permit, renewable once if requirements are met, provided the applicant resides in Saudi Arabia for at least 30 months within the five-year period.
• Category 2: Direct permanent residency, subject to the creation of at least 10 jobs in the first year and an additional 10 in the second year.

Sixth: Real Estate Owner Residency

The Property Owner Residency is designed for individuals who own real estate in Saudi Arabia. This residency aligns with the Kingdom’s vision to position three of its cities among the world’s top 100 destinations for quality of life. Holders of this residency enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:

Key Benefits:

• Residency in Saudi Arabia with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under the age of 25.
• Freedom to transfer between companies.
• Exemption from expatriate fees imposed on residents and their dependents.
• Exit and re-entry privileges for the Premium Residency holder and their family members without the need for a visa.
• Issuance of visit visas for relatives.
• Access to designated lanes for Saudi and GCC citizens at ports.
• Eligibility to work in private sector establishments, with the ability for spouses and children to transfer between employers.
• Permission to conduct commercial activities in accordance with investment laws.
• Ownership and use of real estate.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Ownership or usufruct rights to real estate assets valued at no less than SAR 4 million.
• The property must not be mortgaged, either at the time of application or subsequently.
• The property must be residential only.
• The property must be an existing, completed property (not under development or undeveloped land).
• A certified valuation of the property must be provided, issued by appraisers accredited by the Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers (TAQEEM).

Duration and Fees:

• The duration of this residency is linked to the continuity of property ownership.
• The applicable fee is up to SAR 4,000.

Final Note:
If you are an investor, entrepreneur, property owner, or qualified professional seeking permanent residency in Saudi Arabia, contact the Mohammed Al-Khilwi Office. Our team will assist you in completing all residency procedures smoothly and efficiently.

Disclaimer: This content is not legal advice. No liability is assumed. For legal consultation, please contact us.