From Dreams to Destinations
From Dreams to Destinations
Category: Articles
TABLE OF CONTENT :
Saudi Arabia launched the Golden Visa program to welcome investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and families who want long-term stability in the Kingdom.
The government expanded the program on January 10, 2024, and added five new categories: Investor, Entrepreneur, Special Talent, Gifted, and Real Property Owner.
In this article, we will outline the comprehensive costs, requirements, key benefits, and application steps for obtaining a Saudi Arabian residency by investment.
Saudi Arabia Residency by Investment means the Saudi Premium Residency, also called the Saudi Golden Visa. The program provides foreign nationals with a long-term opportunity to live, work, and invest in the Kingdom without requiring a local sponsor.
The government offers two paths: a renewable temporary residency permit and a direct permanent residency permit. Both options support investors, professionals, and families who want a stable base in Saudi Arabia.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the 10 key advantages.
One of the biggest benefits is that you no longer need a local sponsor to live or work in Saudi Arabia. Traditional expat visas require a Saudi employer or sponsor, but with premium residency, you have full freedom to manage your life and investments independently.
Saudi Arabia offers two types of Premium Residency: renewable one-year permits and permanent residency. These flexible options let investors or entrepreneurs choose short-term or long-term commitments based on business and family plans.
Premium residents can include spouse, children under 25, and parents in the application. Family members can enjoy the same travel freedom as the primary resident. Saudi law allows inheritance and property rights for family members in case of disability or death.
Unlike standard expats, Premium Residency holders and their dependents do not pay monthly expat levies. Families can save significant money every year, especially when supporting multiple dependents.
You can leave and return to Saudi Arabia without applying for multiple exit and re-entry permits. Frequent business travelers or global entrepreneurs can save time and avoid administrative hassle.
You can work in the private sector, switch employers freely, and start your own company. Business owners have the right to operate without a Saudi partner in most sectors. Some investment laws even allow reduced minimum capital for certain businesses.
Residents can purchase residential, commercial, and industrial properties, except in restricted areas such as Mecca, Medina, and border zones. Residents can earn rental income and build wealth through property investments.
Premium residents can open bank accounts, manage income, invest in stocks, and own movable private assets like land, vehicles, and boats. Saudi Arabia encourages high-net-worth individuals to participate in the growing economy.
Premium Residency holders can use priority lanes at airports for check-in and immigration. Frequent travelers and business professionals can gain time efficiency.
Saudi Arabia does not impose personal income tax on wages for premium residency holders. Corporate and withholding taxes apply in some cases, but individuals enjoy the benefit of tax-free salaries.
Anyone who wants a Saudi Premium Residency (Golden Visa) must meet specific requirements.
Every applicant, no matter the investment path, must:
Family Members Inclusion
The Saudi Golden Visa allows the main applicant to include close family members under the same residency status.
Eligible dependents include:
The Saudi Arabia Golden Visa Program offers multiple pathways to get Saudi Arabia Premium Residency.
Here is a detailed overview of each program.
Foreign nationals can secure residency through direct financial contributions.
Entrepreneur residency targets startup founders and innovators who want to grow businesses in Saudi Arabia. The program has two categories.
Foreign nationals can obtain residency by purchasing property worth SAR 4,000,000+ ($1,070,000) or holding usufruct rights.
Property must meet these conditions:
Investor residency targets individuals who establish or expand businesses in Saudi Arabia.
Applicants must:
Residency becomes permanent after fulfilling these requirements. Investors maintain residency by continuing to operate qualifying businesses.
Saudi Arabia rewards outstanding talents in sports, arts, and culture. Applicants must receive endorsement from the Ministry of Culture or Sports.
Residency lasts 5 years, renewable once. Permanent residency is possible if applicants meet eligibility requirements, complete 30 months of residency within 5 years, and receive renewed ministry endorsement.
Gifted residency holders are exempt from labor quotas, allowing institutions more flexibility in retaining top talent.
Related Blog - 10 Best Residency by Investment Programs in 2025
Here is the step-by-step process for the Saudi Golden Visa application.
You will start on the official Premium Residency portal and create a secure account. After you sign in, you can choose the route that matches your profile. Many people choose a route as a real estate owner, investor, entrepreneur, or special talent. The first step normally takes about one day.
You will need to fill in the online forms and upload your documents through the portal. The program also allows eligible family members to join, so you prepare their documents as well. Many applicants spend one to two weeks on document work and form updates.
You will need to send your file through the portal so authorities can review your background and confirm your information. The portal may ask for clarifications or extra evidence, including updated bank statements or certified translations. Most reviews take three to eight weeks.
A decision appears in your account after the final review. The portal also guides you on any missing items and explains how to upload extra documents. Most applicants receive a result two to five days after the checks finish.
An approval requires a full payment for the Premium Residency route you choose. You also need to arrange valid medical insurance for yourself and eligible dependents. Many people complete both steps in one to three days.
The final stage takes one to five days. Once payment and insurance are confirmed, the system issues the Premium Residency electronically. You can activate access in the portal, register all qualified dependents, and gain entry to resident services.
Preparing a complete and organized application helps you get approval faster.
You must collect all required documents for yourself and any dependents before uploading them to the Premium Residency Centre portal.
You need to provide the following documents:
Make sure all documents are clear, up to date, and easy to read. Translate any non-Arabic documents through a certified translator.
If you plan to include family members, gather their documents at the same time. Children and parents must meet age and dependency rules set by Saudi authorities.
The Premium Residency Program charges a standard government application fee of SAR 4,000, which equals about $1,000. Most residency routes follow this fee, except for limited- or unlimited-duration residency, which have their own separate costs.
Applicants must also budget for additional expenses. Medical reports are required for the main applicant and any dependents before activating the residency.
Applicants following business or entrepreneurial routes may pay extra fees for licenses, company formation, and other regulatory steps. Applicants make all payments in Saudi riyals through the Premium Residency Centre’s online portal.
Approval for Saudi Premium Residency usually takes between one to three months when applicants submit a complete and well-prepared application. Most steps, including account creation, form submission, and document uploads, are done online through the official Premium Residency portal. Applicants who follow the portal instructions carefully and provide all required documents often receive faster approval.
Saudi Arabia does not charge personal income tax on salaries or wages for Premium Residency holders. Individuals pay no tax on earned income, no matter their nationality.
There is no capital gains tax or inheritance tax for residents under the program.
Companies that are not Saudi-owned or GCC-owned pay a 20% corporate tax rate. Premium Residency holders can set up new businesses or invest in existing companies and enjoy the freedom to operate in the local economy with fewer barriers.
Saudi Arabia’s tax-friendly policies under Vision 2030 make the Kingdom an attractive base for global investors. Combined with financial freedom and business opportunities, Premium Residency offers a stable and profitable environment for long-term planning.
The Saudi Golden Visa does not give you automatic citizenship. Holding the Golden Visa lets you live, work, own property, and run a business in Saudi Arabia for the long term, but political rights are reserved for Saudi nationals.
You can apply for naturalization under Saudi Arabia’s nationality law if you meet specific conditions. You must have lived legally in the Kingdom for at least 10 consecutive years.
You need a clean criminal record, good conduct, the ability to speak Arabic, and proof of legitimate income. Authorities may also look at your contributions to Saudi society when reviewing your application. The Ministry of Interior makes the final decision, and approvals remain highly discretionary.
Related Blog - 10 Best Citizenship by Investment Programs in 2025
Saudi Arabia sees Premium Residency as a key tool to drive Vision 2030 economic goals. The Kingdom wants to increase foreign direct investment (FDI) to 5.7% of GDP. The private sector’s contribution is expected to grow to 65% of GDP.
From January 2024 to July 2025, over 40,000 applications for Premium Residency were filed. This shows growing global confidence in Saudi Arabia’s investment climate under Vision 2030 reforms.
The government links residency programs to mega-projects that match its economic diversification goals. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) supports large efforts in tourism, renewable energy, and innovation. Premium Residency holders can benefit from these projects.
New investment laws make business setup easier by reducing bureaucracy, cutting licensing costs, and simplifying regulations.
Entrepreneur and high-impact investor visas will play a bigger role. Vision 2030 emphasizes the digital economy, tourism, and renewable energy. Foreign entrepreneurs can take part in these fast-growing sectors.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE offer investment-based residency programs, but the requirements, costs, and benefits differ.
| Feature | Saudi Arabia Golden Visa | UAE Golden Visa |
| Real Estate Investment | SAR 4,000,000 (~US$1.07M), mortgage-free | AED 2,000,000 (~US$545,000) |
| Business Investment | SAR 7,000,000 (~US$1.87M), create 10 jobs | AED 10,000,000 (~US$2.7M) |
| High-Impact Entrepreneurs | SAR 15,000,000 (~US$4M), create 20 jobs | Depends on visa type |
| Residency Duration | 1–5 years limited, or permanent via SAR 800,000 | 5 or 10 years, renewable |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, children under 25, parents | Spouse, children, parents |
| Business Flexibility | Full ownership in most sectors | Must maintain investment |
| Visa-Free Exit & Re-Entry | Yes | Yes |
| Tax Benefits | No personal income tax | No personal income tax |
| Best For | Long-term investors, high-net-worth, job creators | Mid-level investors seeking residency |
If long-term stability, property ownership, and full business freedom are your goals, Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency offers stronger benefits.
If lower costs and flexible residency options matter more, the UAE Golden Visa is a simpler choice.
The Saudi Golden Visa, also called Premium Residency, lets you live, work, own property, and run businesses in Saudi Arabia without a local sponsor. The program targets investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and families who want long-term stability.
Costs depend on the residency route. Direct payment routes charge SAR 100,000 ($27,000) per year for limited-duration residency or SAR 800,000 ($215,000) for permanent residency. Real estate investments start at SAR 4,000,000 ($1.07M), business investors at SAR 7,000,000 ($1.87M), and startup founders at SAR 400,000 ($107,000).
Temporary residency must be renewed before expiration. Permanent residency does not require renewal, but must follow Saudi laws. You can upgrade from temporary to permanent if you meet investment, job creation, or exceptional talent requirements.
An iqama ties you to a local sponsor or employer. Premium Residency gives full freedom to live, work, start a business, own property, and include family members. The program also provides tax benefits, visa-free exit and re-entry, and fast-track airport services.
You can qualify through a one-time payment of SAR 800,000 ($215,000), a high-impact business investment of SAR 15,000,000 ($4M), creating 20 jobs, or investing SAR 7,000,000 ($1.87M) in a business with 10 jobs.
Yes, you can include your spouse, children under 25, and parents.
A Saudi Arabia expat visa is a work or residency permit that allows foreign nationals to live and work in the Kingdom under sponsorship from a Saudi employer or sponsor.
Saudi Arabia does not have a Green Card like the U.S. Premium Residency or Golden Visa.
Yes. You can qualify by buying a residential property worth at least SAR 4,000,000 ($1.07M), mortgage-free and ready to occupy.
Unlimited Duration Premium Residency grants permanent residency without renewal. You qualify through a one-time payment of SAR 800,000 ($215,000).
No, the Saudi Golden Visa or Premium Residency does not grant automatic citizenship.
You can apply through the official Premium Residency portal. WeRWealthy will help you create an account, choose your route, upload documents, pay fees, and submit proof of investment or property online.
You must be at least 21, have a clean criminal record, show proof of legal income, submit a medical report, and have health insurance. You also need to meet the requirements of your chosen route, such as investment or talent endorsements.
Yes, US citizens can get Premium Residency or permanent residency if they meet the investment, property, or talent requirements.
Yes, but only through naturalization after living in Saudi Arabia for 10 consecutive years.
The golden card refers to the Premium Residency or Saudi Golden Visa, which grants long-term residency and investment rights without a local sponsor.
It is the Premium Residency obtained through a one-time payment of SAR 800,000 ($215,000), granting permanent residency without renewal.
No personal income tax applies to salaries or wages under Premium Residency, regardless of nationality.
Saudi Arabia does not offer a fixed 10-year visa. Premium Residency provides long-term or permanent residency with flexible options.
Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency gives you long-term stability, business freedom, and a tax-friendly environment in one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
The Kingdom lets you choose between temporary renewable permits and permanent residency through investment. You do not need a local sponsor, and you can invest freely.
If you want long-term security, family inclusion, and full business freedom, Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency is the best option for you.
Start your journey today with WeRWealthy, and get expert guidance for your Saudi Premium Residency.
Our expert-driven process is faster, easier, and completely hassle-free.