Saudi Arabia Entrepreneur Residence

The Saudi Arabia Entrepreneur Residence is open to entrepreneurs and innovators with viable business projects that have received funding, ranging from SAR 400,000 for a 5-year, renewable residency to SAR 15 million for permanent residency, subject to job creation requirements.

To qualify for the Saudi Entrepreneur Residence, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Category 1 (5-Year Residence)

• Entrepreneurial License from the Ministry of Investment.

• Investment round(s) from an investment entity totaling at least SAR 400,000.

• Recommendation letter from the investing entity.

• Minimum 20% ownership stake in the company.

Category 2 (Permanent Residence)

• Entrepreneurial License from the Ministry of Investment.

• Investment round(s) from an investment entity totaling SAR 15,000,000.

• Recommendation letter from the investing entity.

• Minimum 10% ownership stake in the startup.

• Job-creation requirements vary by tier: sources for the broader Saudi investor residency cite at least 10 jobs within two years for a SAR 7 million investment, and the SAR 15 million entrepreneur tier may carry a different requirement.

Upon approval, the residence grants the holder the right to:

• Reside in Saudi Arabia with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.

• Be exempt from the financial levy on expatriates and dependents.

• Issue visit visas for relatives.

• Use citizen and GCC lanes at ports of entry.

• Conduct commercial activities in accordance with the Investment Law;

• Own and benefit from real estate.

• The spouse and children may work in private-sector establishments.

• Safety and security
• Short processing time
• Minimal physical presence requirements
• Enhanced business access to large economies
• Lower taxes
• Warm climate

Naturalization for foreigners in Saudi Arabia is highly discretionary and selective. Generally, applicants are expected to demonstrate long-term lawful residence, fluency in Arabic, good conduct, a satisfactory security clearance, and a stable source of income.

Saudi Arabia has historically restricted dual citizenship, and renunciation of prior nationality may be required.

There is a formal process for applying for Saudi citizenship after 10 years of lawful residence; however, timelines are not guaranteed, and decisions ultimately rest with the authorities.

Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.

Applications for this program may be directed to:

The Saudi Premium Residency Center (SPRC).

Legislation upon which this program is based: Royal Decree No. (M/106)