Cost of living in Saudi Arabia
Food
Food expenses include both groceries and dining out. Grocery prices are relatively affordable, though they can vary based on personal preferences and shopping habits. Dining at restaurants is cost-effective, with a range of options from budget-friendly to higher-end dining.
Transportation
Transportation in Saudi Arabia is quite affordable. Fuel prices are low, and public transportation options, such as buses and metro systems, provide economical travel choices. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available at reasonable rates.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs in Saudi Arabia are generally reasonable, especially with the availability of modern hospitals and clinics. Many residents benefit from employer-sponsored health insurance, which can help offset medical expenses.
Education
For families, education costs can vary widely. International schools and private institutions may have higher tuition fees, while public schools are generally more affordable. There are also various educational opportunities for expatriates.
Entertainment and Leisure
Entertainment and leisure activities in Saudi Arabia range from cultural events and outdoor activities to shopping and recreational facilities. Costs can vary based on the activity, with options available to suit different budgets.
Utilities and Communication
Monthly expenses for utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, are typically manageable. Mobile phone plans and internet services are generally affordable, offering various options to suit different needs.
Quick Facts
| Aspect | Details |
| Time to Residency | Approximately 3 months |
| Minimum Cost | SAR 100,000 (about USD 26,640); some family members can be added in the same application |
| Permanent Residency Availability | Yes, available with an investment of SAR 800,000 (approx. USD 213,000) |
| Direct Citizenship Availability | No, direct citizenship is not available |
| Income Tax | Residents do not pay income tax; non-residents face a flat rate of 20% on adjusted profits |
| Types of Investors Addressed | Both EU and non-EU investors are accepted |
| Minimum Age | At least 21 years old at the time of application |
Saudi Arabia Premium Residency Options
Limited Duration Premium Residency
You can get Saudi Premium Residency for one to five years, with an annual fee of 100,000 SAR. If you pay for more than one year upfront, you get a 2% discount. This is good for investors and businesspeople who want to test out life in Saudi Arabia or work on a short-term project before going for permanent residency.
Unlimited Duration Premium Residency
For those wanting to stay permanently, you can buy Saudi Premium Residency for a one-time fee of 800,000 SAR. This residency lasts forever and includes your eligible family members at no extra cost. It is a great option if you want long-term stability without annual renewals.
Real Estate Owner Residency
If you invest in real estate, you can get a Saudi Premium Residency. You must own or have rights to residential properties worth at least 4,000,000 SAR. The property must be fully built and not mortgaged. This residency lasts as long as you own the property and benefits you from the growing real estate market.
Read more: Saudi Arabia Residency by Real Estate Investment
Investor Residency
Invest at least 7,000,000 SAR and create 10 jobs in the first two years to get permanent residency. You need an investment license and business documents from the Saudi Ministry of Investment. This option is for investors looking to take advantage of Saudi Arabia’s strong economy.
Entrepreneur Residency
Entrepreneurs can get Saudi Premium Residency by securing funding from approved investors. You can either get a 5-year residency with at least 400,000 SAR in funding and a 20% share in the business, or get permanent residency with a 15,000,000 SAR investment and creating 10 jobs per year. This option also offers exemptions from local employment rules and lets you nominate key employees for residency.
Special Talent Residency
People with exceptional skills in science, research, or management can apply if they have a job in a priority field and a salary between 14,000 and 80,000 SAR. There are two paths: one for those with a degree and experience in specialized fields, and another for senior managers. This residency lasts five years, can be renewed, and may be converted to permanent residency.
What are the eligibility criteria to apply for Saudi Premium Residency
Applicants need to meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for Saudi Arabia Premium Residency:
- Ensure passports are valid for at least six months and without restrictions.
- Demonstrate financial stability to support yourself and your family.
- Maintain a clean criminal record and consent to background checks.
- Obtain a recent medical report confirming no communicable diseases.
- Provide proof of legal residency if applying from within Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Premium Residency Required Documents
Applicants must provide the following documents to apply for Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia:
- Scanned copies of passports for all applicants and family members
- Recent personal photos of everyone included in the application
- Proof of residence address, such as a utility bill or residence card
- Bank statements for the past 12 months
- Certified copies of academic qualifications
- Approved medical report for the applicant and family members
- Documents proving financial solvency, such as payroll or audited statements
- Translations of documents into Arabic or English, if necessary
- Additional documents related to the specific Premium Residency product, such as proof of property ownership or recommendation letters
How to obtain Saudi Premium Residency
How to Apply: Step-by-step procedure
Here are the steps to apply for Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia:
- Visit the official Saudi Premium Residency Portal website.
- Fill out the initial application form with personal details, passport information, and email address, and upload a personal photo.
- Verify your email address using the verification link sent to you.
- Log in to your account and complete the full application form, including detailed information about yourself, any family members, education, travel history, and financial status.
- Attach all required documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Monitor your application and provide any additional information or documents if requested.
- Wait for the application to be processed and receive a notification about the status of your application.
Application Timeline
The processing time for obtaining Premium Residency is approximately 3 months.
Application Fee
The application processing fee for all Saudi Arabia Premium Residency categories is 170 USD.
Saudi Premium Residency Price
| Residency Category | Cost |
| Limited Duration Premium Residency | 100,000 Saudi Riyals per year |
| Unlimited Duration Premium Residency | 800,000 Saudi Riyals (one-time fee) |
| Business Investor Residency | 4,000 Saudi Riyals (one-time fee) |
| Real Estate Owner Residency | 4,000 Saudi Riyals (one-time fee) |
| Entrepreneur Residency | 4,000 Saudi Riyals (one-time fee) |
| Special Talent Residency | 4,000 Saudi Riyals (one-time fee) |
| Gifted Residency | 4,000 Saudi Riyals (one-time fee) |
Similar Residence by Investment Programs
Comparing Residency by Investment Countries
Similar Citizenship by Investment Programs
Family Members Eligible for Saudi Premium Residency
- Spouse
- Children under 25 years old
- Parents
- Children with special needs (regardless of age)
- Unmarried daughters aged 25 or older
Note: Eligibility to sponsor family members can vary depending on the type of Premium Residency.
Validity and Renewal for Saudi Premium Residency
| Residency Product | Validity |
| Limited Duration Premium Residency | Valid for one year, renewable annually. |
| Unlimited Duration Premium Residency | Permanent residency with no need for renewal. |
| Real Estate Owner Premium Residency | Validity depends on maintaining property ownership or usufruct. |
| Investor Premium Residency | Permanent residency, conditional during the first two years. |
| Entrepreneur Premium Residency | Five-year, renewable term or permanent residency (depending on investment). |
| Special Talent and Gifted Premium Residencies | Five-year, renewable term; convertible to permanent residency after 30 months. |
Saudi Premium Residency Benefits
Saudi Premium Residency applicants will have the right to various benefits, including:
- Reside in Saudi Arabia with their eligible family members and engage in work and commercial activities with the flexibility to change jobs within the private sector.
- Own residential, commercial, and industrial real estate throughout the Kingdom, except in Mecca and Madina, where usufruct rights of up to 99 years are available.
- Own and register cars and other private transportation.
- Issue visit visas for various family members, including parents, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, and their children.
- Invest in the Saudi Capital Market.
- Recruit foreign domestic workers and arrange their residency.
- Enter and exit the Kingdom at their own discretion and use lanes designated for Saudi citizens at Saudi airports.
- Retain residency rights and benefits for family members in the event of the primary holder’s death.
- Enjoy visa-free access to several countries. For more details, visit our page on Visa-Free Countries for Saudi Iqama Holders.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many dependents can be included in a single application?
There is no limit to the number of dependents that can be included in a single Saudi Premium Residency application. Eligible family members include spouses, children under 25 years old, parents, children with special needs regardless of age, and unmarried daughters aged 25 or above.
2. Step-by-step procedure and time frame for obtaining Saudi Premium Residency?
To apply for Saudi Premium Residency, register on the portal, complete the application form, upload required documents, and pay a 170 USD fee. Processing takes around 3 months, after which you will receive your residency permit if approved.
3. How to avoid mistakes when applying for Saudi Premium Residency by investment program?
To avoid mistakes when applying for Saudi Premium Residency, make sure to carefully check all requirements and instructions. Verify that your documents are accurate, complete, and properly translated if needed. Double-check all information and consider getting help from a professional advisor to ensure everything is in order.
4. Does Saudi Arabia provide a Golden Visa?
Yes, Saudi Arabia offers a Golden Visa, also referred to as the “Saudi Green Card” or “Saudi Premium Residency.”
5. Does Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia lead to citizenship?
No, Premium Residency does not offer a path to Saudi citizenship. It allows you to live, work, and invest in Saudi Arabia.
6. Does the Saudi Golden Visa offer permanent residency?
No, the Saudi Golden Visa does not offer permanent residency. It provides long-term residency, typically for 5 or 10 years, but it is renewable, not permanent.
7. What is the difference between the Saudi Arabia investor visa and the Saudi Arabia Green Card?
The Saudi Investor Visa is for foreign investors to live and work in Saudi Arabia, while the Saudi Green Card offers long-term residency to skilled professionals and investors without needing a local sponsor.
8. Does holding a Saudi Permanent Residency make it easier to become a Saudi citizen?
No, holding Saudi Permanent Residency does not automatically make it easier to become a Saudi citizen. Saudi citizenship is granted based on specific criteria, and permanent residency does not directly lead to citizenship.
