By the end of this guide, you’ll understand how Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency (Investor Visa) works, explore every investment route—beyond the usual SR 4 million real estate option—learn about self-sponsorship, see how the program is driving a real estate boom, and discover its role in Vision 2030.

What Is the Premium Residency Program?

Saudi Arabia introduced the Premium Residency Program to attract high-net-worth individuals and skilled professionals. It offers two main tracks:

Investor Residency Track

This requires a minimum investment of SAR 4 million (about USD 1.07 million) into sectors such as real estate, tourism, healthcare, or manufacturing. Benefits include:
– Owning property anywhere in the Kingdom
– Conducting business without a local sponsor
– Visa-free travel to select countries
– Residency for your family under one application

Special Talent Residency Track

Targets executives, scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional skills or international acclaim in their field, as outlined by Arab News.

Diverse Investment Routes Beyond SAR 4 Million

Several pathways let you tailor your investment and commitment:
– Unlimited Premium Residency: One-off fee of SAR 800,000 allows permanent residency privileges.
– Limited-Duration Premium Residency: Renewable annually for SAR 100,000 per year.
– Business Setup Residency Permit: For entrepreneurs establishing a new company in Saudi Arabia, one-time fee of SAR 85,000.

Self-Sponsored Application Process

Unlike most Saudi visas, Premium Residency is entirely self-sponsored—you submit financial proofs directly to the Ministry of Interior, streamlining the process and granting full autonomy over your application, as detailed on the Saudi Ministry of Interior’s portal.

Real Estate Market Boom Fueled by Residency Permits

“The introduction of the Premium Residency has transformed Saudi’s property landscape,” says Gulf real estate analyst John Smith.
– Q1 2025 real estate transactions hit SAR 109 billion, a 37% jump from Q1 2024.
– Riyadh residential prices rose 10%, while Jeddah saw a 5% uptick.
– Rental yields in Riyadh reached as high as 9%.

From Limited-Term to Unlimited Residency

You can start with a limited-duration residency and upgrade to unlimited (permanent) residency by paying the one-off SAR 800,000 fee. While Saudi Arabia doesn’t currently grant citizenship by investment, unlimited residency grants nearly all rights of a permanent resident—renewable indefinitely without sponsor requirements, according to Saudi nationality law.

Alignment with Vision 2030 and Economic Growth

Premium Residency is a cornerstone of Vision 2030’s aim to diversify the economy. It ties directly into over USD 1 trillion in planned giga-projects—from NEOM to the Red Sea Development—by securing long-term foreign capital inflows and expertise, as outlined in the Vision 2030 Resilient Economy program.

Your Next Move in the Kingdom

Whether you’re seeking a foothold in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, eyeing high rental returns, or hoping to join Saudi’s scientific and healthcare revolution, Premium Residency gives you the flexibility to make Saudi Arabia home. Start mapping your investment strategy now—this window of opportunity won’t stay open forever.