Saudi Arabia · Temporary Residence
Saudi Premium Residency: Rights and Products
For founders and investors, residence in Saudi Arabia usually means Premium Residency, issued as a permanent or limited-duration product. It carries family, property, work and business rights written into a 2019 royal decree and its later amendments.
- Startup route
- Entrepreneur Residency (Premium Residency)
- Minimum capital
- Product-specific; confirm with Premium Residency Center
- Permanent residence
- Conditional PR via job targets or Investor product
- Citizenship
- 10 consecutive years' residence; discretionary
Premium Residency (limited-duration products)
The Premium Residency Law, issued by Royal Decree No. M/106 in 2019 and amended by Royal Decree No. M/84 of 1445H, now recognizes two types of residence: permanent and limited-duration. Each type comes in products proposed by the center's board, including the fee to be charged, and approved by the Council of Economic and Development Affairs. The center currently lists seven products: Special Talent, Gifted, Investor, Entrepreneur, Real Estate Owner, Limited Duration and Unlimited Duration. The Real Estate Owner product targets people who own property in the Kingdom, while the Limited Duration product serves those who want to live there for a set period. All applicants meet the same core conditions in the law.
- Legal basis
- Premium Residency Law, Royal Decree M/106 (2019)
- Types
- Permanent and limited-duration
- Products
- 7, including Entrepreneur and Real Estate Owner
- Government fee
- Set per product; confirm with the Premium Residency Center
- Family
- Spouses, children and parents, per the regulations
- Travel
- Exit and re-entry without a visa
Requirements
- A valid passport and proof of financial solvency.
- A criminal record certificate showing no previous convictions.
- A health report under six months old confirming freedom from infectious diseases.
- Lawful residence if the application is made from inside Saudi Arabia.
- Payment of the product's financial consideration and a medical insurance policy within 30 days of approval.
How to apply
- Choose the product that matches the applicant's profile on the Premium Residency Center portal.
- Submit the application with the documents the law and the product require.
- Wait for the decision, issued by the head of the center.
- Pay the fee and file medical insurance within 30 days, or the application is treated as cancelled.
Questions and answers
Does Saudi Premium Residency need an employer sponsor?
No. Premium Residency is granted by the Premium Residency Center on the holder's own application, and it gives the right to work in private-sector companies and to move between them without transfer fees. Family members of the holder receive the same right to work in the private sector.
Can Premium Residency holders buy property in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, with limits. The law allows ownership of real estate for residential, commercial and industrial purposes, except in Makkah, Madinah and border areas defined by the regulations. In Makkah and Madinah, holders may instead acquire usufruct rights for up to 99 years under mechanisms set by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Investment.
Who counts as family under Saudi Premium Residency?
A 2023 amendment widened the definition. Family now means the spouses, children and parents whom the holder supports, as specified in the executive regulations. Earlier wording covered only spouses and children up to 21. Family members can work in the private sector and travel without a visa alongside the holder.
Official sources
- Privileged Residency Permit Law - Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministerslaws.boe.gov.sa
- Premium Residency - Ministry of Communications and Information Technologymcit.gov.sa
- Premium Residency Center Grants More Than 100 Entrepreneurs Premium Residency During Biban Forum 2025 - SPAwww.spa.gov.sa
- Real Estate Owner Residency - Premium Residency Centerpr.gov.sa
Reviewed October 2026. Immigration rules change often. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority or a licensed adviser before applying.
Your path in Saudi Arabia.
Startup visa
Entrepreneur Residency from the Premium Residency Center for tech startups
02Temporary residence
Premium Residency for a set term, with family, property and business rights
03Permanent residence
Conditional PR through 20 jobs in two years, or the Investor product
04Citizenship
Discretionary naturalization after 10 years; fluent Arabic required