What Is Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia?
Premium Residency, commonly known as the “Saudi Green Card” is a long-term, sponsor-free residency program introduced under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. It allows foreign nationals to live, work, invest, and own property in the Kingdom without requiring a local sponsor. Administered by the Saudi Premium Residency Center (SPRC), the program has become a key driver of foreign investment and talent acquisition.
For MFD Services clients, Premium Residency offers a structured and compliant pathway to establish long-term presence in one of the GCC’s most strategically positioned economies.
Types of Premium Residency Available in 2025
The program currently offers seven distinct residency tracks, each tailored to specific applicant profiles:
- Unlimited Duration Residency: Permanent residency with a one-time fee of SAR 800,000
- Limited Duration Residency: Renewable annually at SAR 100,000
- Investor Residency: For individuals investing in Saudi businesses
- Entrepreneur Residency: For startup founders and innovation leaders
- Exceptional Competence Residency: For professionals in medicine, law, engineering, and other high-demand fields
- Talent Residency: For creatives, academics, and niche specialists
- Real Estate Owner Residency: For foreign nationals acquiring property in the Kingdom
Each category has its own eligibility criteria and documentation requirements. MFD Services provides strategic guidance to help applicants select the most suitable track and prepare compliant submissions.
Benefits of Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia
Premium Residency offers sponsor-free autonomy and a wide range of privileges that distinguish it from traditional Gulf residency models. These include:
- Full ownership of Saudi-based businesses
- Real estate acquisition rights across most regions
- Residency for spouse and dependents
- Visa-free entry and exit
- Access to healthcare and education systems
- Exemption from expat levies
These benefits are particularly valuable for professionals and investors seeking long-term operational stability and regional mobility.
Who Is Eligible for Premium Residency?
Eligibility depends on the selected category but generally includes:
- A valid passport
- Clean criminal record
- Recent medical clearance
- Proof of financial solvency
Some tracks may require additional documentation, such as investment certificates or professional endorsements. MFD Services assists clients in preparing all required documents and ensuring alignment with SPRC’s regulatory standards.
How to Apply for Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia
Applications are submitted digitally through SPRC’s official portal. The process involves:
- Selecting the appropriate residency category
- Uploading required documentation
- Completing background and solvency checks
- Paying the applicable fee
- Awaiting SPRC review and approval
MFD Services offers end-to-end support throughout the application process, including eligibility assessment, documentation review, and strategic positioning.
Premium Residency Trends in 2025
Between January 2024 and July 2025, SPRC received over 40,000 applications. In 2024 alone, 8,074 permits were granted, with the highest approvals in the Exceptional Competence and Entrepreneur categories. This reflects Saudi Arabia’s shift toward skill-based and innovation-driven residency, aligning with its broader economic diversification goals.
Impact on Real Estate and Investment Markets
Premium Residency has significantly influenced Saudi Arabia’s property sector. In Q1 2025, the Kingdom recorded SAR 109 billion in real estate transactions. Rental yields reached 9% in Riyadh and 4% in Jeddah, while apartment prices rose by 6.6% year-on-year. Foreign nationals acquiring long-term residential and commercial assets are contributing to this upward trend.
MFD Services supports clients in navigating property acquisition, due diligence, and compliance within the residency framework.
Tax Benefits and Financial Incentives
One of the most searched aspects of Premium Residency is its financial appeal. Residency holders are exempt from personal income tax on salaries and wages. There are no exit visa requirements, and expatriate levies do not apply to Premium Residency holders or their dependents. These incentives make the program especially attractive to high-net-worth individuals and business owners seeking cost-efficient relocation.
Family Inclusion and Lifestyle Access
Premium Residency allows holders to include their spouse, children under 25, and even parents under the same residency umbrella. Families can live, work, and study in Saudi Arabia without additional sponsorship. Access to private healthcare, international schools, and streamlined travel enhances the lifestyle appeal for relocating families.
Comparison with UAE and Qatar Residency Programs
Unlike UAE’s Golden Visa or Qatar’s Permanent Residency, Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency offers sponsor-free access from day one. There are no minimum stay requirements, and business ownership is unrestricted. While other Gulf programs often require local partnerships or sector-specific approvals, Saudi Arabia’s model is broader and more autonomous—especially for MFD Services clients seeking full control over their operations.
Common Challenges and How MFD Services Helps
Applicants may face challenges related to documentation, category selection, and regulatory interpretation. Restrictions on property ownership in religious zones, solvency thresholds, and sector-specific disclaimers can complicate the process.
MFD Services mitigates these risks by offering tailored advisory support, ensuring applications are complete, compliant, and strategically positioned for approval.
Future of Premium Residency: What to Expect in 2026
Saudi Arabia is expected to expand the program further with:
- Digital nomad residency pathways
- Fast-track approvals for strategic sectors such as AI, fintech, and biotech
- Deeper integration with national platforms for taxation, healthcare, and education
- Broader outreach to South Asia, Europe, and the GCC
MFD Services continues to monitor these developments and will guide clients on emerging opportunities.
Why Premium Residency Is a Strategic Move for MFD Clients
Premium Residency is no longer a niche offering—it is a strategic gateway to long-term engagement with Saudi Arabia’s economy. For MFD Services clients, it enables sponsor-free autonomy, business ownership, family inclusion, and access to one of the region’s most promising markets.
Whether entering the Kingdom as an investor, entrepreneur, or skilled professional, Premium Residency provides a future-ready platform for growth, stability, and regional expansion.