Your Guide to Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Options

Saudi Arabia is undergoing one of the most ambitious economic transformations in the world. Through its Vision 2030 initiative, the Kingdom is shifting away from an oil-based economy toward a diversified model that emphasizes innovation, investment, tourism, healthcare, sports and technology.

This transformation is creating significant opportunities for global businesses to expand operations, invest and access new markets in the Middle East and Africa regions.

As the Saudi economy diversifies, demand for highly skilled global talent is rising sharply. The government is introducing immigration programs like Premium Residency to make it easier for international professionals, investors and entrepreneurs to live and work in Saudi Arabia.

Understanding these new pathways is essential for human resources, immigration and global mobility professionals to support business growth and build a future-ready workforce.

Envoy Global is here to help your organization leverage these options as part of your organization’s global immigration program.

What is Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency?

Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency program is a set of immigration options designed to attract highly skilled individuals, investors, entrepreneurs and property owners. Unlike traditional visa programs, Premium Residency does not require a local sponsor (previously known as the Kafeel system). As such, individuals and their families have greater freedom and flexibility to change jobs, move throughout the country and more.

Key Benefits of Premium Residency

Residential Freedom: Premium Residency holders and their eligible family members have the right to reside, work and invest in Saudi Arabia, with the freedom to change employment within the private sector.

Property Ownership: Holders are permitted to own residential, commercial and industrial real estate throughout the Kingdom, with the exception of Mecca, Medina and border regions.

Ownership of Vehicles: Holders have the right to own cars and other means of private transportation, as well as to license them in Saudi Arabia.

Family Benefits: Premium Residency includes the ability to issue visit visas for various family members, including parents, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings and their children.

Investment Opportunities: Holders have the right to invest in the Saudi Capital Market.

Workforce Management: There is a possibility to recruit foreign domestic workers and arrange their residency.

Travel Flexibility: Holders can freely leave and enter the Kingdom at their discretion, using lanes designated for Saudi citizens at airports.

Continuation for Family: In the event of the primary holder’s death, the spouse and children under the age of 21 will retain their Premium Residency rights and benefits.

These pathways empower companies to offer attractive incentives to international hires and support long-term workforce planning in Saudi Arabia.

Premium Residency Options for Global Talent

Below is a breakdown of the major Premium Residency pathways HR teams should know:
 

Residency Type	Ideal For	Key Benefits	Basic Requirements
Special Talent Residency	Healthcare, science, research professionals, senior executives	5-year term, renewable; eligibility for permanent residency	Bachelor’s degree, 3+ years of experience, SAR 80,000+ monthly salary for executives
Gifted Residency	Award-winning individuals in culture or sports	5-year renewable term; pathway to permanent residency	Endorsement from the Ministry of Culture or Sports; financial solvency
Investor Residency	Business investors	Immediate permanent residency	SAR 7 million investment; create 10 jobs within two years
Real Estate Owner Residency	Residential property investors	Residency linked to property ownership	SAR 4M+ property; no mortgages; property must be residential and developed
Limited Duration Residency	General applicants seeking flexibility	1-year renewable residency	Proof of financial solvency; SAR 100,000 annual fee
Unlimited Duration Residency	Long-term expatriates	Permanent residency	SAR 800,000 one-time fee; financial solvency

 

Additionally, the Premium Residency program has been extended to some executives of companies with regional headquarters (RHQ) licenses.

The Saudi government traditionally issues a residence permit allowing individuals to live in the Kingdom while employed. This permit is essential for expatriates wishing to work in Saudi Arabia, as entry is not permitted without it.

Under the Premium Residency visa scheme, individuals who meet the necessary qualifications can choose between a temporary or permanent residency permit.

This initiative aims to attract foreign investors, innovators and skilled professionals. Those who have graduated from Saudi universities or previously lived in the country have a better chance of obtaining permanent residency due to their familiarity with local culture and norms.

This self-sponsored category enables you to operate a business in Saudi Arabia, enjoy visa-free travel and sponsor family members for residency permits.

Premium Residency and Your Global Talent Strategy 

Expand Access to Global Talent

The Premium Residency program enables organizations to access a broader pool of qualified foreign nationals without facing restrictive sponsorship regulations.

Enhance Talent Retention

Premium Residency provides expatriate employees with long-term stability and greater autonomy, making your offer more competitive in the global market and with fewer sponsorship hurdles, your organization can move key employees into Saudi Arabia quickly, efficiently and strategically.

How Envoy Global Supports Your Success

Envoy Global provides a better way to manage your global immigration program.

Our team in our Riyadh office is ready to leverage their extensive knowledge of Saudi Arabian immigration procedures and the local business landscape to support your immigration needs across the Middle East, including taking full advantage of Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia.

Simplify Immigration Through Technology

The Envoy Global Platform eliminates bottlenecks and improves efficiencies with automated workflows, greater self-service for mobility professionals and employees, and end-to-end visibility into every case. The result: a faster, more transparent immigration process that reduces risk and empowers smarter decision-making.

Support Your Global Workforce

Wherever you find global talent, you’ll find Envoy Global. Our team provides highly coordinated, responsive support, with immigration experts who understand local requirements and cultures in more than 180 countries.

Focused on Client Success

We put your program at the center of everything we do. Drawing on deep, real-world immigration experience, we help expedite cases, resolve challenges quickly and provide workforce insights that help companies grow strategically.

Global immigration is constantly evolving. Envoy Global is the partner you need to navigate today’s challenges and plan for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Contact us today to learn how Envoy Global can help you unlock new talent opportunities in Saudi Arabia and around the world.