Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Law, a Key Pillar in Advancing Vision 2030!!

As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to enhance investment attractiveness and diversify the economy, the Premium Residency Law was established by Royal Decree No. (M/106) dated 10/9/1440H.

This Law aims to attract global talent and foreign investors by granting them special residency privileges under a clear and well-regulated legal framework.

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According to Article 3 of the Premium Residency Law the types of premium residency are as follows:

1. Permanent Premium Residency

This type of residency is granted once, without a specific time limit, allowing the holder to reside in the Kingdom indefinitely.

Key privileges include:

• Permanent residency in the Kingdom with family members.

• Ownership of real estate for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes (except in Makkah and Madinah).

• Freedom to establish companies and move between establishments in accordance with Saudi regulations.

• Ability to employ domestic workers and invite relatives for visits.

• Freedom to enter and exit the Kingdom without the need for an exit/re-entry visa.

Eligibility:
Applicants must have a clean criminal record, proof of financial solvency, a valid medical report confirming good health, and legal residency status if applying from within the Kingdom.

2. Fixed-Term Premium Residency

This residency is granted for one or more years and can be renewed upon request.

It offers nearly all the privileges of permanent residency except for its indefinite duration.

It is most suitable for investors, professionals, and individuals wishing to reside in the Kingdom without being subject to the traditional sponsorship (kafala) system.

3. Specialized Premium Residency Categories 

In 2024, the Premium Residency Center introduced several specialized residency categories as part of the national effort to attract exceptional talents and investors. These include:

1. Exceptional Competence Residency

Granted to experts and distinguished professionals in scientific, medical, technical, and research fields who contribute significantly to national development.

2. Talent Residency

Designed for prominent individuals in cultural, artistic, and sports fields who enhance the Kingdom’s creative and entertainment sectors.

3. Investor Residency

Granted to foreign investors who make qualified investments within the Kingdom, in accordance with the regulations of the Saudi Ministry of Investment.

4. Entrepreneur Residency

Targeted at entrepreneurs and owners of innovative start-ups contributing to the growth of the national economy.

5. Property Owner Residency

Granted to individuals who own property in the Kingdom meeting a minimum value threshold as defined by the regulations.

4. Legal Rights and Privileges

According to Article (2) of the Premium Residency Law, Premium Residency holders enjoy a range of exclusive rights and privileges in Saudi Arabia, including:

• Residency in the Kingdom with their family members.
• The ability to issue visit visas for relatives.
• Recruitment of domestic workers as needed.
• Ownership of real estate (except in Makkah, Madinah, and border areas) and usufruct rights in Makkah and Madinah for up to 99 years.
• Ownership of private vehicles and other movable assets permitted by law.
• Employment in the private sector for the holder and eligible family members, with flexibility to change employers (excluding roles reserved for Saudi nationals).
• Freedom to enter and exit the Kingdom without a visa.
• Use of citizen lanes at airports and border points.
• The right to engage in commercial activities under the Investment Law.

Cancellation of Premium Residency

According to Article 9 of the  Premium Residency Law, it may be canceled under the following circumstances:

• If the holder is convicted of a crime resulting in imprisonment of 60 days or more, or a fine of at least 100,000 Saudi riyals (or its equivalent).
• If a judicial or administrative decision is issued to deport the holder from the Kingdom.
• If the application for residency is found to contain false or misleading information.
• If the holder fails to comply with the obligations stated in Article 7 of the Law.
• If the holder voluntarily relinquishes the permit.
• In cases of the holder’s death or loss of legal competence.

Additionally, the Board reserves the right to terminate the residency permit if it determines that doing so serves the public interest.

For the complete text of Article 9, please refer to Qanoniah.

5. General Provisions

• Premium Residency does not confer Saudi citizenship.

• The residency may be revoked in cases such as conviction of a criminal offense, deportation for security reasons, or violation of the system’s terms.

• The Premium Residency Center oversees implementation of the system and operates as an independent legal entity with financial and administrative autonomy under the Council of Economic and Development Affairs.

Conclusion

The Premium Residency Law represents one of the Kingdom’s modern legal tools aimed at positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for investment and innovation.

Through a transparent and structured regulatory system, it reinforces the principles of fairness, competitiveness, and economic diversification cornerstones of Saudi Vision 2030.

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