More commonly known as Premium Residency, the Special Residency in Saudi Arabia is a beneficial government initiative designed to attract high-skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs. It offers foreign nationals the freedom to live and work in the Kingdom without the need for a local sponsor.
There are multiple ways to secure Special Residency in Saudi Arabia, as well as a myriad of benefits that come with it. We’ll break it down in this article just for you.
Benefits of the Special Residency in Saudi Arabia
Special Residents of the Kingdom enjoy a range of freedom and privileges, such as the ability to live and work without a local sponsor, own property, start businesses freely, unlimited exit and entry (visa-free status and special airport lands), as well as the possibility of exemptions from certain governmental quotas like Nitaqat.
Most notably, the Special Residency in Saudi Arabia Arabia allows residents to sponsor family members – including spouses, children under 25 years of age, and dependent parents.

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Requirements for Special Residency in Saudi Arabia
Of course, such benefits come with a list of requirements. Eligibility criteria vary by residency type. However, some general requirements include:
- Minimum age of 21
- Clean criminal record and medical fitness
- Proof of financial solvency (e.g., funds, business ownership)
- Valid passport (and Iqama if applying from inside KSA)
- A medical report proving that the applicant (and family members) are free from infectious diseases.
- A residence permit that is valid and will remain valid for at least 90 days after the application date.
How Much Does Special Residency Cost in Saudi Arabia?
It depends. The cost of the Saudi Premium Residency varies depending on its type. Below, you can find an outline of the cost of each option:
Residency Type | Fee (SAR) | Duration | Key Requirement |
---|---|---|---|
Residency Type Special Talent / Gifted / Investor / Entrepreneur / Real Estate Owner | Fee (SAR) 4,000 | Duration ~5 years, renewable | Key Requirement Category-specific license or asset |
Residency Type Limited Duration Premium Residency | Fee (SAR) 100,000/year | Duration Renewable annually | Key Requirement Financial applicant status |
Residency Type Unlimited (Permanent) Premium Residency | Fee (SAR) 800,000 | Duration Lifetime | Key Requirement One-time payment |
What are the Different Pathways of Special Residency?
At first, Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Program was limited to only two options: the fixed-term Premium Residency, which grants the holder the right to reside for only one year renewable, and the lifelong Premium Residency, which offers permanent residency in the Kingdom.
In January 2024, Saudi Arabia expanded the program to reach a wider range of applicants by adding five new types, bringing the total to seven options, ranging from affordable options to high-investment programs:
Special Talent Residency
For skilled professionals in executive leadership, healthcare, science, and research.
- Benefits: Family residency, job flexibility, no expat fees, visa-free travel, own real estate, Nitaqat exemption, pathway to permanent residency.
- Criteria: For researchers: SAR 14,000+ salary, bachelor’s degree, 3+ years’ experience. For healthcare/Science: SAR 35,000+ salary.
- Duration: 5 years (renewable), permanent after 30 months over 5 years.
- Fee: SAR 4,000.
Gifted Residency
For exceptional cultural and sports talents.
- Benefits: Same as above, plus permanent residency pathway.
- Criteria: Nominations, awards, and ministry recommendation.
- Duration: 5 years (renewable).
- Fee: SAR 4,000.
Investor Residency
For investors supporting Saudi diversification.
- Benefits: Same as above, direct path to permanent residency.
- Criteria: Invest SAR 7 million + create 10 jobs in 2 years.
- Duration: Permanent residency.
- Fee: SAR 4,000.
Entrepreneur Residency
For startup founders and innovators.
- Benefits: Same as above, nominate 2 staff for Special Talent Residency.
- Criteria: Category 1: License + SAR 400,000 investment.
Category 2: SAR 15 million investment + job creation. - Duration: 5 years for Category 1, permanent pathway for Category 2.
- Fee: SAR 4,000.
Real Estate Owner Residency
For property owners in Saudi Arabia.
- Benefits: Same as above.
- Criteria: Own property worth SAR 4 million+, mortgage-free.
- Duration: Linked to property ownership.
- Fee: SAR 4,000.
Limited & Unlimited Duration Premium Residency

For those seeking flexible or permanent stay.
- Benefits: Same as above.
- Criteria: Proof of funds, valid passport (6+ months).
- Duration: Limited: 1–5 years (SAR 100,000/year).
Unlimited: Permanent (SAR 800,000). - One-time fee of SAR 800,000 for lifelong residency
How to Obtain Special Residency in Saudi Arabia?
To obtain a Special Residency in Saudi Arabia, applicants apply through the premium residency portal (Saudi Premium Residency Center).
You’ll be prompted to submit required documents such as medical reports, criminal records, financial statements, and property or business documentation.
Application review typically takes 60–90 working days, followed by fee payment and issuance of your new digital Iqama!
Read also: The Role of the National Center for Privatization in Real Estate Development in Saudi Arabia.
The Process: Registration on the Special Residency Portal in Saudi Arabia
Here’s a step by step guide to registering on the portal:
- Step One: Check Eligibility: You must be 21+, have a valid passport, clean criminal record, good health, and proof of financial means.
- Step Two: Prepare Your Documents: These will include a passport copy, photo, bank proof, police clearance, and medical report.
- Step Three: Apply Online through the official portal saprc.gov.sa.
- Step Four: Pay Fees (According to the type of residency)
- Step Five: Approval & Issuance. Receive residency ID and enjoy benefits!
A Flexible and Powerful Option for Investors
If you’re looking for the freedom to live, invest, and work in the Kingdom, the Special Residency in Saudi Arabia is a great option. From long-term visas and business privileges to residence without sponsorship, this initiative aligns seamlessly with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 vision to attract global talent and investment – and you just might be the talent they’re looking for!
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