Saudi Arabia Launches Premium Residency Visa for Foreign Investors, Entrepreneurs, and Real Estate Owners
Saudi Arabia has introduced a Premium Residency Visa for foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and real estate owners. This visa offers numerous benefits, including the ability to live and work in Saudi Arabia with ease.
Premium Residency VisaSaudi ArabiaForeign InvestorsReal EstateEntrepreneursReal Estate NewsAug 30, 2025
There are five types of Premium Residency Visas:
Types of Premium Residency Visas
Exceptional Competency Residency
This visa targets scientific, administrative, and research talents who possess distinguished capabilities and expertise. These individuals can contribute to enhancing local capabilities and exchanging expertise.
Talent Residency
This visa is for talented and professional individuals in the sports, cultural, and artistic fields. Applicants need a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture or the Ministry of Sports and must meet the minimum eligibility criteria approved by the Culture and Sports System.
Business Investor Residency
This visa is designed for investors looking to invest in economic activities within Saudi Arabia. Applicants must submit a valid investment license from the Ministry of Investment and have a minimum investment of seven million Saudi riyals.
Entrepreneur Residency
This visa targets entrepreneurs and innovators who want to develop various sectors in Saudi Arabia. Applicants can nominate two individuals from their work team to obtain exceptional competence residency and exemption from its criteria, such as executives.
Property Owner Residency
This visa is for individuals who own or use residential real estate assets worth no less than 4 million Saudi riyals (approximately Rs 10 crore) in Saudi Arabia. The property must be existing and not under development.
Advantages of the Premium Residency Visa
Travel Flexibility
Holders of the Premium Residency Visa and their family members can leave and return to Saudi Arabia without requiring a visa.
Financial Benefits
Premium Residency Visa holders are exempt from the financial fee imposed on expatriates and their companions. They are not subject to special taxes and are only subject to the tax provisions applicable in the Kingdom.
Work Opportunities
Foreigners holding the Premium Residency Visa can work in private sector companies and conduct business activities as per the rules.
Property Ownership
Holders of the Premium Residency Visa can own and use real estate properties in Saudi Arabia.
Investment Opportunities
Premium Residency holders can invest in the Kingdom’s stock market in accordance with relevant regulations. However, the Premium Residency Visa does not entitle its holder to obtain Saudi citizenship.
Different from Investor Visa
The Premium Residency Visa is distinct from the Saudi Arabia Investor Visa. The investor visa is linked to a non-Saudi person obtaining an investment license in accordance with the Investment Law, and their name is registered as the owner of the investment license. The investor’s residency is tied to an employer, while the holder of the Premium Residency Visa is not linked to an employer. The investor’s occupation is listed as “investor,” which does not apply to the Premium Residency Visa. Additionally, the residential property is not registered in the name of the investor residence permit holder.
How to Apply
Applying for the Premium Residency Visa involves two steps:
1. Visit the Official Link : Go to the official link on the Embassy’s website, which is the only verifiable source for the Premium Residency Visa. After logging in, submit your application.
2. Submit Documents : After receiving approval of your application, bring all required documents and a passport to the nearest Saudi consulate to receive the Visa.
By offering the Premium Residency Visa, Saudi Arabia aims to attract a diverse range of talented individuals and investors, furthering the country's economic and cultural development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Premium Residency Visa in Saudi Arabia?
The Premium Residency Visa is a special visa offered by Saudi Arabia to foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and real estate owners. It provides numerous benefits, including the ability to live and work in Saudi Arabia with ease.
Who can apply for the Exceptional Competency Residency visa?
The Exceptional Competency Residency visa is for individuals with distinguished capabilities and expertise in scientific, administrative, and research fields. These individuals can contribute to enhancing local capabilities and exchanging expertise.
What are the financial benefits of the Premium Residency Visa?
Premium Residency Visa holders are exempt from the financial fee imposed on expatriates and their companions. They are only subject to the tax provisions applicable in the Kingdom.
Can holders of the Premium Residency Visa invest in the Saudi stock market?
Yes, Premium Residency holders can invest in the Kingdom’s stock market in accordance with relevant regulations.
How do I apply for the Premium Residency Visa?
To apply for the Premium Residency Visa, visit the official link on the Embassy’s website, submit your application, and then bring all required documents and a passport to the nearest Saudi consulate to receive the Visa.
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