Premium Residency programme enables foreign nationals to live, work, and conduct business in Kingdom without the need for a local sponsor (kafeel)
RIYADH: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-Oct 14th, 2025) The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced fresh updates to its Premium Residency (Special Privilege Iqama) scheme for October 2025, detailing new fees, benefits, and an improved application process aimed at attracting global investors and skilled professionals.
According to the Saudi government, the Premium Residency programme enables foreign nationals to live, work, and conduct business in the Kingdom without the need for a local sponsor (kafeel). It is part of the broader Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the economy and create a more investment-friendly environment.
The updated scheme includes two categories of residency:
Permanent Residency: A lifetime residency permit requiring a one-time payment of SAR 800,000 (approximately USD 213,000).
Renewable Residency: A residency permit renewable on an annual basis with a fee of SAR 100,000 (around USD 26,700).
Benefits
Under the programme, Premium Residency holders are entitled to several privileges, including:
Exemption from the sponsor (kafeel) system.
Eligibility to own property in most areas of the Kingdom (excluding Makkah, Madinah, and border regions).
Permission to start or work in businesses.
The right to sponsor spouses and children.
Visa-free travel to and from Saudi Arabia.
Access to banking, healthcare, and education services.
The ability to transfer funds abroad without restrictions.
However, the residency does not confer Saudi citizenship or voting rights.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be at least 21 years old.
Hold a valid passport.
Have no criminal record.
Be medically fit.
Have entered Saudi Arabia legally.
Provide proof of stable income or financial assets.
Application Process
Interested candidates can apply through the official website (pr.gov.sa) by creating an account, filling out the online form, and uploading required documents such as a passport, bank statement, and medical report. After submitting the fee, applicants can expect a decision within one to three months.
Saudi authorities emphasized that the Premium Residency initiative is designed to strengthen the Kingdom’s economic base, encourage long-term foreign investment, and integrate skilled talent into Saudi Arabia’s growing sectors.
