This page covers the “Privileged Residency” independent means-based subcategory of Saudi Arabia’s broader Premium Residency Program, which also has qualifying routes for Entrepreneurs and Investors.
The Saudi Premium Residency program stands out in its region for offering permanent residency under certain circumstances.
With this visa, individuals who pay an annual fee to the government can retain residency in Saudi Arabia. If they pay SAR800,000, they can receive instant permanent status
Applicants for this visa type can choose between a fixed-term duration and an unlimited duration. Each option comes with corresponding fee (donation) requirements:
This program offers no path to citizenship. However, those who pay SAR 800,000 for the unlimited term visa are eligible for immediate permanent residency.
Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.
Applications for this program may be directed to The Distinguished Residence Center.
Legislation upon which this program is based Cabinet Resolution No. (247) dated 09/05/1440 AH.
The Saudi Premium Residency program approved 8,000 residents in 2024. Real estate agent Mohammed AlWahhabi said foreign residents seeking “stability and freedom” are driving the surge.
Anastasia Barna says the old rules pushed people out. Mahmoud Elwakil says the new ones finally let them in.
While the UAE leads with its Golden Visa, other GCC nations are quickly catching up with competitive investor residency pathways.
See more statistics on this program and others in the IMI Data Center.