Kingdom of Saudi Arabia · investor · Leads to settlement
Premium Residency
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Saudi Arabia's permanent residence programme — available for a lump-sum fee or annual fee, with property ownership and employer-independent work rights.
- Processing time
- 2–8 weeks (through the PRC online portal).
- Government fees
- Verify current fees on prc.gov.sa — the programme initially launched with SAR 800,000 (permanent) and SAR 100,000/year (renewable).
- Typical duration
- Permanent (one-time fee option) or 1 year renewable (annual fee option).
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
Premium Residency, launched in 2019 under Vision 2030, is Saudi Arabia's equivalent of a permanent residence programme. It allows non-Saudi nationals to live, work, and own property in Saudi Arabia without a Saudi employer sponsor (kafeel). Two options are available: (1) Permanent — a one-time fee (verify the current amount on prc.gov.sa — initially set at SAR 800,000); (2) Renewable — an annual fee (verify on prc.gov.sa — initially set at SAR 100,000/year). Holders can own real estate (including residential and commercial property), invest in Saudi businesses, and move freely in and out of the Kingdom without exit/re-entry permits. Family members (spouse and dependents) are covered. This is a cornerstone of Vision 2030's strategy to attract international talent and investment to diversify the Saudi economy beyond oil. The programme is managed by the Premium Residency Center (PRC).
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Indian applicants
Indian nationals are the largest foreign workforce in Saudi Arabia (approximately 2.5 million as of 2024). Premium Resid…
Pakistani applicants
Pakistani nationals are a significant Saudi workforce (approximately 1.5 million). Premium Residency offers independence…
Egyptian applicants
Egyptian professionals in Saudi Arabia (healthcare, engineering, education, accounting) use Premium Residency for long-t…
Filipino applicants
Filipino nationals in Saudi Arabia (approximately 800,000) concentrate in healthcare (nurses, medical technologists), en…
British applicants
British nationals in Saudi Arabia concentrate in oil/gas (Aramco ecosystem), finance, healthcare, and education. Premium…
American applicants
American nationals in Saudi Arabia concentrate in oil/gas (Aramco and contractors), defence, healthcare, and education. …
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity.
- ✓No criminal record — a clean police-clearance certificate is required.
- ✓Medical fitness — a medical examination is required.
- ✓Financial capacity to pay the Premium Residency fee (verify current fees on prc.gov.sa).
Common blockers
- !Criminal record — any significant criminal history disqualifies the application.
- !Medical unfitness — certain communicable diseases may disqualify.
- !Inability to pay the required fee.
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport.
- ·Police-clearance certificate from your home country (and any country of residence in the past 5 years).
- ·Medical-fitness certificate from an approved medical facility.
- ·Payment of the Premium Residency fee through the PRC portal.
Application pathway
Apply online via PRC portal
Create an account on the Premium Residency Center website (prc.gov.sa) and submit the application with required documents.
Background and medical checks
Complete security screening and a medical examination at an approved facility.
Pay the fee
On conditional approval, pay the Premium Residency fee (permanent or annual renewable — verify current amounts on prc.gov.sa).
Receive Premium Residency card
On final approval, receive the Premium Residency card. You can now live, work for any employer, own property, and invest in Saudi Arabia without a sponsor.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ApplyApplicantApply for Premium Residency ↗
Select a Premium Residency product and start the official PRC online application.
Premium Residency Center · verified
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Related routes
Work Visa and Iqama (Employer-Sponsored Residence)
Standard employer-sponsored work visa and residence permit (iqama) — the primary route for most foreign workers in Saudi Arabia.
Freelance Permit (Tashrih al-Amal al-Hurr)
Self-employment permit allowing foreign residents to freelance in approved professions without an employer sponsor — a Vision 2030 reform.
Frequently asked questions
Can Premium Residency holders work in Saudi Arabia without a sponsor?+
Yes — this is one of the key advantages. Premium Residency holders can work for any employer or be self-employed without needing a separate work permit, employer sponsor (kafeel), or exit/re-entry permit. This is a fundamental departure from the traditional kafala system, where workers are tied to their sponsoring employer.
Can Premium Residency holders own property in Saudi Arabia?+
Yes. Premium Residency holders can own real estate in Saudi Arabia, including residential and commercial property. This right is not available to standard iqama (residence permit) holders in most cases. Property ownership is one of the programme's primary attractions for investors.
Can my family join me on Premium Residency?+
Yes. Premium Residency covers your spouse and dependent children. Family members also benefit from residency rights without separate employer sponsorship. They can live, study, and (for spouses) work in Saudi Arabia.
How does Premium Residency differ from a standard iqama?+
The standard iqama is employer-tied (you cannot change jobs without your sponsor's consent, though 2021 reforms have introduced some portability), does not allow property ownership, and requires exit/re-entry permits for international travel. Premium Residency removes all of these restrictions: you can work for anyone, own property, invest freely, and travel without exit permits. It is essentially a Gulf equivalent of permanent residence.
Is Premium Residency the same as Saudi citizenship?+
No. Premium Residency is a permanent residence programme, not citizenship. Saudi citizenship (tabi'iyya) is extremely rare for non-Saudis and is granted by royal decree in exceptional cases. Premium Residency does not provide a pathway to citizenship. However, it provides nearly all practical benefits of residence: work rights, property ownership, and freedom of movement.
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We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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