What Is Saudi Premium Residency?
Saudi Premium Residency is a long-term residency program launched in 2019 under Vision 2030. It offers non-Saudi residents expanded rights through two types: Permanent Premium Residency (indefinite) and Temporary Premium Residency (one year, renewable).
Types of Premium Residency
| Type | Duration | Fee | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent | Indefinite | SAR 800,000 (one-time) | Clean record, valid passport 6+ months |
| Temporary | 1 year (renewable) | SAR 100,000/year | Clean record, valid passport 6+ months |
Rights of Premium Residents
- Property ownership: Buy residential and commercial property (except Mecca/Medina)
- Business: Own businesses without a Saudi partner
- Travel: Enter and exit Saudi Arabia without a visa
- Family sponsorship: Sponsor spouse, children, and parents
- Employment: Work in the private sector without kafala transfer
- Vehicles: Import and register vehicles
- Domestic workers: Recruit domestic staff
Application Steps
- Visit the Saudi Premium Residency Center: saprc.gov.sa
- Create an account and fill in the application form
- Upload required documents electronically
- Pay fees via SADAD payment system
- Wait for approval (typically 30-90 days)
- Complete procedures (biometrics, resident ID)
Saudi Premium Residency vs UAE Golden Visa
| Criteria | Saudi Premium Residency | UAE Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Permanent or annual | 10 years |
| Cost (permanent) | SAR 800,000 (~$213,000) | ~$1,500 fees only |
| Property ownership | Allowed (except Mecca/Medina) | Allowed (freehold zones) |
| Income requirement | Not required | AED 30,000/month (employees) |
| Investment requirement | Not required (fees only) | AED 2M (investors) |
| Exit/re-entry | Free, unlimited | Free, unlimited |
FAQ
Does Premium Residency lead to Saudi citizenship?
No, it does not lead to citizenship or grant voting rights. It provides extended residency rights only.
Can I apply from outside Saudi Arabia?
Yes, applications can be submitted online from anywhere in the world through the SAPRC platform.
