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.
Related News Articles
Boosting India's Housing Market: Developers Seek Tax Incentives and Industry Status in Budget 2024
The Indian housing sector is looking forward to the Union Budget 2024, expecting tax reliefs and other sentiment boosters to stimulate growth in the market.
Kalpataru Ltd Set to Enter Nagpur Real Estate Market with Plotted Development Project
Mumbai-based Kalpataru Ltd plans to launch a plotted development project in Nagpur, marking its entry into the city's real estate market. The project will be spread across 37 acres and will have 400 plots of sizes 1,200 to 4,000 sq ft range.
Hong Kong Halts Commercial Land Sales for Seventh Consecutive Quarter
Hong Kong's government has announced that it will not sell any commercial land in the quarter from October to December, citing low demand and high office vacancy rates.
Homebuyers Forum Claims RERA Act Falls Short of Objectives, Urges Consumer Affairs Ministry for Action
A forum representing homebuyers in Maharashtra claims that the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, has failed to meet its objectives. The forum is now urging the Union Consumer Affairs Ministry to issue specific guidelines to protect consu
Ahmedabad Shines with Top Rental Yields in India
Ahmedabad leads the pack with the highest rental yields in India, clocking in at 3.9%, according to a recent report by Magicbricks. Other cities like Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune are also seeing significant increases in rental returns.
Incuspaze Expands with Major Leasing Deal in Gurugram's Thriving Real Estate Market
Incuspaze, a prominent player in the commercial real estate sector, has announced a significant leasing deal in Gurugram, marking a major expansion in one of India’s most booming real estate markets. This move underscores the growing demand for quality of