How To Get Residency In Saudi Arabia | A Complete Guide
Capital: Riyadh
Population: 32,175,224 (2022, 46th)
Ethic Group: 90% Arab
Area: 2,149,690 km2 (12th)
Offical Language: Arabic
Currency: Saudi riyal (SR)
GDP per Captial: $68,452 (27th)
Human Development Index: 0.900(37th)
Country Profile:
Saudi Arabia is the largest country and the leading economy in Middle East, as well as one of the world’s top oil producers and exporters.
As the birthplace of Islam, Saudi culture is profoundly shaped by Islamic traditions. Its social and legal systems are founded on Islamic principles. The cities of Mecca and Medina hold unparalleled religious significance as the two holiest sites in Islam.
From an economic perspective alone, Saudi Arabia has a very high Human Development Index: national healthcare and education are completely free, and the government does not levy income tax on its citizens.
How To Get Residency In Saudi Arabia:
In 2017, data revealed that foreign nationals made up 37% of Saudi Arabia’s total population. The majority of these were foreign workers holding work visas, but most could only reside in Saudi Arabia as long as they were employed, without the option to apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
This is largely due to Saudi Arabia’s historically restrictive immigration policies. For many years, the country was essentially closed off, granting entry primarily to Muslim believers. For non-Muslims, even tourist visas were rarely issued.
This closed policy only began to change slightly in 2016. That year, Crown Prince Salman proposed a plan to issue green cards to attract global talent. Then, in 2019, Saudi Arabia officially launched a Saudi Premium Residency (SPR) program. In Salman’s ambitious plan, such a premimu residency could attract overseas investments of up to 100 billion US dollars for his country.
Saudi Premium Residency Program:
What is Saudi Premium Residency Program?
In January 2024, the Saudi government implemented a new round of reforms to the Saudi Premium Residency (SPR) program. The revamped program now offers seven distinct residency options:
1. Special Talent Residency：Designed for researchers, experts in natural sciences, healthcare professionals, and corporate executives. Applicants must submit a recommendation letter, meet a minimum annual salary requirement, possess relevant work experience and educational qualifications, and achieve a qualifying score on a points-based evaluation system.
For detailed eligibility criteria and application requirements, you can click here to learn more.
2. Gifted Talent Residency: Awarded to outstanding professionals who have received prestigious awards in their fields and are endorsed by the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Sports.
3. Investor Residency: Granted to foreign investors who obtain an investment license, invest at least 7 million SAR (approximately 1.87 million USD) locally, and create over 10 jobs.
Unlike other SPR categories that offer renewable five-year residencies, this option provides direct permanent residency.
4. Entrepreneur Residency: Available to foreigners who establish or acquire businesses in Saudi Arabia and hold an entrepreneur license. This category has two tiers:
Tier 1 requires an investment of 400,000 SAR (around 110,000 USD) to start, acquire, or hold at least 20% equity in a Saudi company, allowing up to three five-year residency permits for management personnel.
Tier 2 requires an investment of 15 million SAR (approximately 4 million USD), with the creation of 10 jobs in the first two years and at least 10% equity ownership, granting up to three permanent residency permits for management.
5. Real Estate Owner Residency: Issued to foreigners who fully own residential property in Saudi Arabia valued at 4 million SAR (about 1.1 million USD) or more.
6. Limited Duration Premium Residency: Requires an initial payment of 100,000 SAR (approximately 27,000 USD) for the first year, with annual fees decreasing by 2% each subsequent year (e.g., 98% of the previous year’s fee in the second year).
This residency is valid for one to five years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the annual fees are paid.
7. Unlimited Duration Premium Residency: Offered to foreigners who make a one-time payment of 800,000 SAR (around 213,000 USD), granting permanent residency without renewal requirements.
These reforms mark a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at attracting global talent, investors, entrepreneurs, and property owners by providing flexible, long-term residency options free from the traditional sponsorship system.
How to apply for Saudi Premium Residency:
Currently, applications for the Saudi Premium Residency (SPR) program can be submitted online. The application process consists of two main steps:
1. Submit Your Application:
First, visit the official Saudi SPR website to create an account. Follow the instructions to complete application form, upload all required documents, and submit your application.
Required documents vary depending on the residency category you apply under, but generally include:
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Identification Documents: Valid copies of passports for the primary and secondary applicants, ID cards, passport-sized photos, and relationship proof such as birth and marriage certificates.
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Personal Information: A detailed resume outlining your educational background and work experience.
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Proof of Eligibility: Relevant documents such as investment certificates, employment verification, income statements, and bank statements.
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Financial Proof: Regardless of the category, you must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself and your family while living in Saudi Arabia.
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Saudi Address: A valid residential address in Saudi Arabia, which can be a hotel.
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Criminal Record Certificate: All adult applicants must provide a police clearance certificate issued by the authorities in their country of residence.
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Medical Examination Report: A completed medical examination for all applicants.
2. Biometric Registration:
Once your initial application is approved, you will be instructed to visit a Saudi embassy or consulate to register your fingerprints and other biometric data.
After completing this step, you will receive notification via email or through the online portal regarding the outcome of your application. If approved, you will be provided with detailed instructions in English on how to finalize your residency status.
Dependents:
Under the Saudi Premium Residency program, the primary applicant’s spouse, parents, and children under 25 can obtain visas as dependents.
Minimum Residency Requirement:
The Saudi SPR program does not have any minimum residency requirements. If the visa holder is not seeking permanent residency or citizenship, they can maintain their premium residency status without entering Saudi Arabia for extended periods.
Visa Validty:
The Saudi green card obtained through SPR program is valid for five years and can be continuously renewed under the original conditions upon expiration.
Foreigners holding a green card issued under the Premium Residency program who have legally resided in Saudi Arabia for five years, with at least 30 months spent in the country during that period, and who continue to meet the original eligibility criteria, are eligible to apply for permanent residency in Saudi Arabia.
Citizenship:
Foreigners who have legally resided in Saudi Arabia for no less than ten years and have scored over 23 points on a scoring system with a maximum of 33 points—covering residency duration and educational background—are eligible to apply for Saudi citizenship.
The detailed scoring criteria are as follows:
1. Residency Duration: Applicants who have continuously lived in Saudi Arabia for at least ten years receive 10 points.
2. Academic Background: If the applicant’s profession falls within the natural sciences and is in demand in Saudi Arabia, they can earn up to 13 points, broken down as follows:
Doctorate in Medicine or Engineering: 13 points
Doctorate in other disciplines: 10 points
Master’s degree: 8 points
Bachelor’s degree: 5 points
3. Family Relationship with Saudi Nationals: This category can earn up to 10 points:
Father is Saudi: 2 points
Only mother is Saudi: 2 points
Both mother and maternal grandfather are Saudi: 3 points
Both wife and primary applicant’s father are Saudi: 3 points
Only wife is Saudi: 1 point
More than two Saudi children or siblings: 2 points; otherwise, 1 point
Taxation:
Overall, Saudi Arabia is not considered a tax haven, but it maintains a very light tax burden. The country does not levy most common taxes on its residents, including income tax, property tax, inheritance tax, wealth tax, consumption tax, or gift tax.
The primary taxes in Saudi Arabia are limited to two categories: a land tax based on property ownership, and social contribution fees assessed on income and assets.
Passport Power:
Saudi Arabia does not recognize dual citizenship. Its passport ranks 59th globally. Passport holders can freely travel to a total of 87 countries and regions around the world. (May 29, 2025)
Useful Links:
Saudi Arabia Premium Residency Center：https://saprc.gov.sa/#/