Saudi Premium Residency 2025 — What’s New & How It Works
Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency (often called the “Saudi Green Card”) gives qualified foreigners more freedom: live, work, invest — all without needing a local sponsor. The program has been upgraded in recent years.
What’s New & Recent Updates
- From January 2024 to July 2025, more than 40,000 applications for Premium Residency were submitted.
- In 2024, Saudi Arabia approved 8,074 permits. Most approvals were under the Exceptional Competence category.
- The program has expanded. Initially there were just a few routes, but now there are seven categories (e.g. Investor, Special Talent, Entrepreneur, Real Estate Owner, Unlimited Duration, Limited Duration)
Fees & Duration
Here are updated cost and duration options:
| Type / Category | Fee in SAR | Duration / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Duration (Permanent) | 800,000 SAR (one time) | Permanent status, no need to renew |
| Limited Duration (Renewable) | 100,000 SAR per year | Can renew yearly |
| Special / New Categories | Starting from 4,000 SAR | For categories like Real Estate Owner, Special Talent, etc. |
Additionally, there is an application processing fee (SAR 637) and costs like medical check, document translation etc.
Benefits You Get
If your application is approved, you get:
- No need for a Saudi sponsor (kafeel) to live or work in Saudi Arabia
- Right to own property, except in holy cities (Mecca, Medina) or border areas
- Freedom to change jobs without extra permission
- Include family: spouse, children under 25, and parents as dependents
- Travel in and out of Saudi freely, with easier re-entry
- Ability to start and run a business, invest in Saudi markets, etc.
- Exemption from some expatriate levies, no exit visa, etc.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
To apply, you usually need:
- Valid passport and legal entry to Saudi Arabia
- Clean criminal record and good health (medical check)
- Proof of income, savings, or investment depending on category
- Meeting the requirements of whichever category you apply under — e.g. certain investments, property ownership, talent credentials etc.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Go to the official Premium Residency Center portal (pr.gov.sa)
- Create an account and choose your category
- Upload documents: passport, bank statements, medical report, property proof etc.
- Pay application fee and the residency fee (depending on chosen category)
- Wait for review — processing time varies (a few weeks to months)
- If approved, you get your residency status and can bring family etc.
Challenges & Things to Consider
- The high cost for permanent residency (SAR 800,000) is prohibitive for many people.
- Some applications get rejected due to not enough proof of finances or not matching category criteria.
- The process can take several months, especially if additional proof or corrections are requested.
- Buying property is limited in holy cities and border areas.
