Saudi Arabia Golden Visa in 2025: costs, terms, and application process

Saudi Arabia’s Golden Visa, officially known as the Saudi Premium Residency, is a long-term residency programme for foreign nationals who want to live, work and invest in the Kingdom. It offers two main routes: 

• renewable temporary residence permits;
• direct permanent residency.

Holders of the Golden Visa enjoy wide-ranging benefits. They can set up and run businesses, hire staff, open local bank accounts, buy property within approved areas that exclude zones close to the holy sites, and bring their immediate family members to live with them in Saudi Arabia.

Growing demand for Saudi Premium Residency

In early 2024 the Saudi programme was expanded from two categories to seven. It now includes routes for: 

• highly skilled professionals, 
• talented individuals, 
• business investors, 
• entrepreneurs, 
• property owners,
• those willing to make a non-refundable financial contribution.

Between January 2024 and July 2025, more than 40,000 people applied for Saudi Premium Residency. In 2024 alone, over 8,000 permits were issued, most of them under the Exceptional Competence category, followed by Talent[1].

Saudi Arabia’s economic context

Saudi Arabia is a kingdom in the Middle East, located on the Arabian Peninsula. It is the largest country in the region and home to the two holiest cities of Islam, Maccah, and Madinah.

The country has one of the strongest economies in the Middle East, long powered by vast oil and gas reserves. Today, however, it is undergoing rapid transformation through the Vision 2030 strategy, which promotes foreign investment, tourism and the growth of new industries[2].

The Saudi Golden Visa is a central part of Vision 2030. Its aim is to diversify the economy beyond oil, attract international talent and capital, boost fast-growing sectors such as tourism and technology, and strengthen vital areas including education and healthcare.

For a comparison with other residency and Golden Visa programmes worldwide, see our full overview of residence by investment.

The Saudi Golden Visa was created to give foreign residents more independence and security than traditional work permits. Instead of relying on a local sponsor, visa holders have clear legal rights to live, work and invest across the Kingdom. 

1. Residency duration options. Applicants can decide whether they prefer limited-duration or unlimited-duration residency. This flexibility makes it easier to match the visa to personal goals and financial circumstances.

2. Independence from sponsorship. Under the traditional kafala system, foreign residents need a local sponsor or employer. Premium Residency removes this requirement. Holders can change jobs, start their own businesses, and stay in the Kingdom without depending on a sponsor.

3. Property ownership rights. Golden Visa holders can buy residential, commercial, and industrial property throughout Saudi Arabia.

However, in Maccah and Madinah, direct ownership is not permitted for religious reasons. Instead, residents can access long-term usufruct rights lasting up to 99 years. A usufruct works much like a long-term lease, giving the right to live in, rent out or earn income from a property without owning it outright[3].

4. Residency for family members. Immediate family members, including spouses, children, and parents, can live in Saudi Arabia under the same residency status. Both spouses and dependent children are also authorised to work in the private sector, with the freedom to change employers.

5. Exemption from expatriate fees. Premium Residency holders and their dependents are not required to pay the government fees that usually apply to foreign residents and their families. These fees, often called the expat levy or dependent fee, are charged annually for every spouse, child, or other dependent.

For example, in recent years the dependent fee has been SAR 400, or $105, per month per dependent[4]. A typical expatriate family of four would normally pay about SAR 14,400, or $3,850, per year just in dependent fees. Over 5 years, this amounts to almost SAR 72,000, or $19,000. 

6. Access to banking and financial services. Visa holders can open personal and business accounts with Saudi banks, as well as access a full range of financial services once identity checks and documentation are complete. Many banks also offer packages designed specifically for expatriates[5].

7. Priority processing at airports. Premium Residency holders can use the same airport lanes as Saudi citizens and nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council countries. This allows faster immigration and security checks, avoiding the longer queues faced by most international travellers.

8. Business opportunities. Premium Residency holders can establish and run businesses under Saudi Arabia’s updated Investment Law[6]. 

The reform simplifies licensing, removes the need for a local partner, and grants access to priority sectors such as technology, tourism and renewable energy. Investors also benefit from government incentives, including streamlined registration and customs exemptions.

9. Freedom of travel without exit permits. Unlike standard work visas, Premium Residency does not require exit or re-entry permits. Holders and their families can travel in and out of Saudi Arabia freely. There is no official minimum stay requirement to maintain residency.

10. Modern infrastructure and quality of life. Saudi Arabia offers modern infrastructure including international airports, high-speed rail and extensive road networks. Expanding digital government services make daily life easier, while ongoing development aims to increase living standards further.

In 2023, Saudi Arabia currently ranks first among G20 countries on national safety metrics reported by the General Authority for Statistics and Saudi Press Agency in 2023[7]. The Kingdom has set a goal of placing three of its cities among the world’s top 100 most liveable.

Eligibility for Saudi Premium Residency is based on two sets of rules: general requirements that apply to all applicants, and specific criteria that depend on the pathway you choose. This approach ensures that residents have financial stability, good character and a genuine intention to build their life in Saudi Arabia.

Basic requirements for all applicants

Everyone applying for the Saudi Golden Visa must meet the following conditions:

1. Be at least 21 years old.
2. Provide a clean criminal record from the home country, confirming the absence of serious legal issues.
3. Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to live in Saudi Arabia, supported by recent bank statements or evidence of assets.
4. Submit a medical report issued within the last 6 months to confirm current health status.
5. Arrange comprehensive health insurance before the residency permit becomes active, ensuring access to medical care in the Kingdom.
6. Prove that all funds come from legal sources, with documents showing the origin of income, investments, or assets. This requirement is particularly important for those applying through the investor, entrepreneur, or real estate pathways.

Family members inclusion

The Saudi Golden Visa allows the main applicant to include close family under the same residency status. Eligible dependents are:

• spouse, 
• parents, 
• unmarried children under 25 who rely financially on the applicant. 

All included family members must meet the same health and security requirements as the main applicant.

Saudi Arabia’s Golden Visa offers several pathways for foreign nationals who want to obtain resident status in the Kingdom[8]. 

The options are tailored to different profiles:

• direct payment residency — limited or unlimited duration residency based on non-refundable contributions;
• entrepreneur residency — for startup founders, with separate routes for early-stage ventures and high-impact businesses;
• real estate owner residency — for applicants who purchase qualifying residential property;
• investor residency — for business investors who establish or expand operations and create jobs;
• special talent residency — for researchers, healthcare professionals and senior executives with in-demand skills;
• gifted residency — for exceptional talents in sports, culture, and the arts.

Each pathway has its own eligibility requirements, investment thresholds, and benefits, giving applicants the flexibility to choose the route that best matches their goals and resources.

Saudi Arabia offers two residency pathways for those who prefer to secure their status through direct financial contributions instead of property or business investment. Applicants make non-refundable payments to the Saudi government, which serve as fees for Premium Residency with full benefits.

There are two options, depending on how long you plan to stay and how you wish to structure the payment.

Limited duration premium residency — SAR 100,000+

This option works like an annual membership that can be renewed for up to 5 years. The cost is SAR 100,000, about $27,000, for each year of residency.

Applicants can pay year by year or make a larger upfront payment to cover several years. Residency remains valid for the period paid for, from 1 to 5 years. At the end of each period, applicants can renew by paying the fee again and meeting the basic eligibility requirements.

Unlimited duration premium residency — SAR 800,000+

This option provides permanent residency through a one-time payment. The cost is SAR 800,000, about $215,000, paid once to the Saudi government.

In return, applicants receive permanent residency that never needs to be renewed. This pathway is best for individuals who are committed to living in Saudi Arabia long term and value the security and convenience of permanent status without future renewal costs.

The entrepreneur residency pathway is designed for innovators and startup founders who want to build businesses that contribute to Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing economy. It has two categories, each with its own investment requirements.

Common eligibility criteria

All applicants must:

1. Obtain an entrepreneur licence from the Ministry of Investment, confirming that the business meets the Kingdom’s standards.
2. Provide a recommendation letter from an accredited investment entity, showing that professional investors see potential in the venture.

Category 1: early-stage entrepreneurs — SAR 400,000+

This category is for smaller startups or businesses in their early stages. It gives promising entrepreneurs an accessible entry point even if they do not yet have large amounts of capital.

Specific eligibility criteria. The applicant must:

1. Secure funding of at least SAR 400,000, about $107,000.
2. Maintain at least 20% ownership in the company.

Residency duration. Residency is granted for 5 years and can be renewed once for another 5 years if conditions continue to be met. Entrepreneurs must also show at least 30 months of residence in Saudi Arabia during any 5-year period.

Category 2: high-impact entrepreneurs — SAR 15,000,000+ 

This category is for larger ventures with strong financial backing and high growth potential. These businesses are expected to create more jobs and make a bigger impact on the Saudi economy.

Specific eligibility criteria. The applicant must:

1. Secure funding of at least SAR 15,000,000, about $4,000,000.
2. Maintain at least 10% ownership in the company.

Residency duration. Residency is granted as permanent status. To maintain it, entrepreneurs must create at least 10 jobs in the first year and another 10 in the second year, for a total of 20 jobs within two years.

Special benefits

Staff nomination rights. Holders can nominate two key employees for Special Talent Residency, even if those employees do not meet the usual requirements. This helps founders attract and keep essential team members.

Exemption from labour quotas. Startups are exempt from the Nitaqat labour quota system for their first 3 years, giving them time to grow before needing to meet standard workforce requirements.

The real estate owner residency pathway is designed for people who want to secure their status in Saudi Arabia by purchasing property.

Property requirements

To be eligible, the applicant must own property or hold registered usufruct rights with a minimum value of SAR 4,000,000, which is about $1,070,000.

The property must be:

1. Free from mortgages or liens, with no future mortgages placed on it while used for residency purposes.
2. Residential and suitable for living in, such as a house or apartment, rather than commercial or industrial premises.
3. Completed and ready to occupy, since undeveloped land, construction sites or homes needing major work do not qualify.
4. Independently valued by an accredited professional registered with Taqeem, the Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers, to confirm that it meets the minimum value threshold.

Residency duration

Residency under this pathway remains valid as long as the applicant continues to own the qualifying property or hold the usufruct rights. This means residency is directly linked to property ownership, offering long-term security.

For many applicants, this option combines the benefits of permanent residency with the opportunity to build equity in Saudi Arabia’s expanding real estate market, making it both a lifestyle choice and a solid investment.

What property can an investor afford for SAR 4,000,000?

With a budget of SAR 4,000,000, an investor can buy high-quality residential property in major cities such as Riyadh or Jeddah:

• in Riyadh — a luxury apartment of 300 to 400 sqm in a premium district, or a villa of 400 to 700 sqm depending on location;
• in Jeddah — a premium apartment of 400 to 600 sqm in a high-end area, or a well-furnished villa of 600 to 800 sqm in good neighbourhoods.

The investor residency pathway is designed for people who want to start a new business or expand existing operations in Saudi Arabia.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible, the applicant must:

1. Obtain and maintain a valid investment licence issued by the Ministry of Investment, confirming that business plans have been reviewed and approved.
2. Provide commercial registration documents proving that the business is legally established and authorised to operate in Saudi Arabia.
3. Submit the company’s Memorandum of Association showing the ownership share and percentage.

Residency duration

The investor residency pathway grants direct permanent residency, but this status depends on meeting performance commitments within the first 2 years:

• at least SAR 7,000,000, or about $1,870,000, must be invested as actual capital in the business.
• at least 10 jobs must be created for workers in Saudi Arabia.

When both conditions are fulfilled, residency becomes permanent without renewal requirements. Investors can then keep their residency status indefinitely as long as they continue to run their qualifying business.

The special talent residency pathway is designed for highly qualified professionals whose skills are in demand for Saudi Arabia’s development. It focuses on three groups: researchers, healthcare and scientific professionals, and senior executives.

Unlike other pathways based on property or business investment, this one is built around professional qualifications, work experience, and the ability to contribute knowledge in priority sectors. It offers a clear route to long-term residence with the possibility of permanent residency.

Requirements for researchers, healthcare and scientific professionals

Applicants in this category must meet several conditions:

1. Employment: hold a valid contract with a Saudi employer listed on the government whitelist in a priority sector such as healthcare, research or technology.
2. Salary: earn at least SAR 14,000, about $3,750, for researchers, or SAR 35,000, about $9,350, for healthcare and scientific professionals.
3. Education and experience: have at least a bachelor’s degree and 3 years of relevant work experience. Advanced degrees strengthen the application.
4. Professional recognition: provide a recommendation letter from the employer and evidence of at least 3 published studies in the field.
5. Assessment system: applications are scored using an internal points system. The passing score is not disclosed, so applicants are advised to present strong evidence across all areas, including academic records, contracts, salary, publications and recommendation letters.

Requirements for senior executives

Senior executives must meet a different set of conditions:

1. Position: hold a contract for a first or second executive-level role, such as CEO, CFO, CTO or senior vice president, with clear decision-making authority.
2. Salary: earn at least SAR 80,000, about $21,500, per month.
3. Documentation: provide a recommendation letter from the employer confirming leadership role and contributions.

Residency duration

Residency is initially granted for 5 years and can be renewed once for another 5 years if eligibility is maintained.

To convert to permanent residency, applicants must continue to meet all criteria, live in Saudi Arabia for at least 30 months within any 5-year period, and demonstrate ongoing contributions to national development.

Special benefits 

Saudi special talent residency holders are exempt from the Nitaqat programme, which requires companies to employ a set number of Saudi nationals. This gives employers more flexibility in retaining highly skilled foreign professionals.

The gifted residency pathway is designed for people with outstanding achievements in sports, culture, and the arts. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global centre of cultural and sporting excellence and supports the Vision 2030 goal of diversifying the economy and raising the Kingdom’s international profile.

By welcoming world-class talents, Saudi Arabia seeks to encourage cultural exchange, foster innovation in creative industries and attract individuals who can contribute to the nation’s cultural and sporting development.

Two categories of applicants

Category A: internationally recognised talents. This route is for individuals who have already reached the highest levels in their fields, such as Olympic athletes, world-renowned artists, or winners of prestigious international awards.

Category B: established professionals. This route is for people with strong achievements at national or regional level who show significant potential. It covers professionals recognised within their communities who can still make valuable contributions to Saudi Arabia’s cultural and sporting landscape.

Eligibility criteria 

All applicants must secure an official ministry recommendation, arranged through the Premium Residency Centre.

Category A applicants must also provide evidence of international awards or recognition, such as Olympic medals or leading cultural prizes, as confirmed by the Ministry of Culture or the Ministry of Sports. 

Category B applicants must meet eligibility standards set by the Ministry of Culture or the Ministry of Sports, including national or regional achievements and recognition within their professional community.

Gifted residency holders are not subject to the Nitaqat system, which sets quotas for employing Saudi nationals. This gives cultural and sporting institutions greater flexibility in retaining unique talent.

Residency duration

Gifted residency is granted for 5 years. It can be renewed once for another 5 years if the applicant continues to meet all conditions and has lived in Saudi Arabia for at least 30 months during the 5-year period.

Permanent residency is possible if the applicant:

• continues to meet all eligibility requirements;
• fulfils the 30-month residence condition within 5 years;
• receives a renewed endorsement from the Ministry of Culture or Ministry of Sports confirming their ongoing contribution to Saudi Arabia.

The Premium Residency programme has a standard government application fee of SAR 4,000 — about $1,000. This applies to most routes, except for limited- or unlimited-duration residency.

Applicants should also budget for:

• medical reports — required for the main applicant and dependants before residency activation;

• translations and certifications — all non-Arabic documents must be officially translated and attested;

• licensing costs — business and entrepreneurial routes often involve extra fees for permits, company formation and other regulatory steps.

All payments are made in Saudi riyals via the Premium Residency Centre’s online portal[9].

Most applications are approved faster when the file is clean and complete. Start by preparing the universal documents below for the main applicant and every dependent. Keep scans clear and in colour, name files consistently and upload everything through the Premium Residency Centre portal.

The application requires main applicant and dependent to provide a standard set of documents, which include:

1. Valid passports for the main applicant and every dependent.
2. Clean criminal record certificates for adults.
3. Proof of financial solvency, for example recent bank statements and asset evidence.
4. Recent medical report issued by a licensed clinic.
5. Digital photos that meet visa standards.
6. Proof of address and basic civil status documents.
7. Online forms and declarations completed in the government portal.
8. Health insurance arranged after approval and before activation.
9. Proof of lawful stay if applying from inside Saudi Arabia.

Check that every document is readable and up to date. Translate non-Arabic documents into Arabic through a certified translator, and arrange legalisation or an Apostille where required by the authorities. Keep originals ready in case a Saudi embassy or government office asks to see them.

If you plan to include family members, gather their evidence at the same time. Birth and marriage certificates must be consistent with passport data. Children and parents must meet the age and dependency rules.

Renewals take place in the same online account used for the first application. To renew or upgrade a Premium Residency, applicants must complete the procedure through the official Premium Residency Center portal. 

The process generally involves the following steps:

1. Access the portal at pr.gov.sa and sign in to the personal account[10].
2. Review the selected residency product and confirm eligibility for renewal or upgrade.
3. Upload updated documents, ensuring all records are valid and translated into Arabic where required.
4. Settle the prescribed government fee through the designated payment system.
5. Await confirmation of approval and, once granted, arrange or update health insurance to activate the renewed or upgraded residency.

Families keep the same rights during renewal and after an upgrade, provided all dependents still meet the age and dependency rules.

The Saudi Golden Visa does not provide automatic citizenship. Holding this status gives you long-term residency rights, but it does not make you a Saudi citizen. You keep the rights of a resident, such as living, working, owning property and running a business — but not the political rights reserved for nationals.

Saudi Arabia’s nationality law does, however, allow naturalisation in certain cases. To qualify, a foreigner must:

• have lived in the Kingdom legally for at least 10 consecutive years;
• be of good conduct;
• have a clean criminal record;
• be able to speak Arabic;
• show proof of legitimate income. 

Applicants may also be assessed on their contributions to Saudi society. The decision is highly discretionary and rests with the Ministry of Interior.

A quick primer to help new residents settle smoothly. It covers where people live, how schools and healthcare work, what to expect from housing and payments, and a few cultural tips.

Where expatriates live and why

Riyadh is the main business hub. Popular areas include the Diplomatic Quarter, planned and managed by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, with green spaces, security and community facilities. 

Jeddah draws families who want coastal living and fast links to Maccah and Madinah via the Haramain High-Speed Railway. 

The Eastern Province, especially Al Khobar and Dhahran, appeals to energy and industrial professionals and offers compound living with amenities.

Schooling map and enrolment timing

International schools cluster in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province, offering British, American and International Baccalaureate curricula. 

Most follow an August or early September start, though rolling admissions are common when places are available, so early applications help.

Healthcare system and insurance

Saudi Arabia combines a large public system with leading private providers. Flagship centres include King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh, alongside nationwide private groups such as Saudi German Health. 

Premium Residency holders must arrange compliant health insurance after approval, under rules issued by the Council of Health Insurance. 

Housing, neighbourhoods and typical lease terms

Most rentals run on one-year contracts documented through the government’s Ejar platform, which standardises lease terms, protects both parties and tracks payments[11]. 

Compounds offer added security and shared facilities, while city apartments suit those who want shorter commutes. Always verify that the lease is registered in Ejar before paying any deposit. 

Banking and everyday payments

Opening a bank account becomes straightforward once residency is active. 

Daily life is largely cashless. The national mada network links all banks and point-of-sale terminals, and bills and government fees are settled through the SADAD system available in online and mobile banking. 

Culture, community, and integration tips

Dress and behaviour in public should respect local norms. The Public Decency Regulations set the baseline and apply to all residents and visitors. Day-to-day life blends modern convenience with tradition, so expect shops and services to consider prayer times and national holidays. 

Getting around

Domestic travel is efficient. The Haramain High-Speed Railway links Maccah, Jeddah, the airport, and Madinah on a 450 kilometre route, and Saudi Arabia Railways operates national passenger and freight lines. 

Modern highways connect major cities, and international airports serve all regions.

1. Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency has developed into a diverse framework that suits investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and families. 
2. Unlike traditional permits, it removes the sponsor requirement, giving residents long-term independence and access to opportunities in one of the region’s largest economies.
3. The programme offers multiple entry points. Real estate owners and investors can secure their status through property or capital commitments, entrepreneurs can scale ventures with accredited funding, and talented or gifted individuals can qualify through their professional achievements. 
4. The limited and unlimited residency options provide a direct contribution route without the need to manage assets or businesses.
5. Costs vary significantly, from SAR 100,000, or $27,000, for one-year residency to SAR 800,000, or $215,000, for permanent contribution-based residency, and up to SAR 15,000,000, or $4,000,000 for advanced entrepreneurial ventures.
6. For families seeking safety and education, investors looking for clear ownership rules, and global citizens valuing prestige and mobility, the programme offers a structured way to join Saudi Arabia’s transformation. To compare Saudi Arabia with other residency programmes worldwide, explore our residence by investment overview.

1. Source: Number of application, Saudi Gazette
2. Source: Saudi Vision 2030, official website
3. Source: New law on foreign property ownership, Gulf News
4. Source: Costs of the expat levy, Inside Saudi
5. Source: 20 best banks in Saudi Arabia, Rasmal
6. Source: Foreign Investment Law, Ministry of Investment
7. Source: Safety ranking, GASTAT Statistics
8. Source: Saudi Golden Visa options, Saudi Arabia Government 
9. Source: Application fees and requirements, Premium Residency Centre portal
10. Source: Saudi Golden Visa options, Saudi Arabia Government 
11. Source: Renting apartment, Ejar