Saudi ArabiaBusiness and self-employment

Saudi Arabia Entrepreneur Residency for start-up founders

Entrepreneur Residency (Premium Residency)

In short

Entrepreneur Residency is the Premium Residency product for start-up founders holding an entrepreneur licence from the Ministry of Investment. The first category needs at least SAR 400,000 raised from an entity accredited by the Center and a stake of at least 20%; the second needs SAR 15 million raised, a 10% stake and 20 jobs over two years, and grants permanent residency directly. The one-time fee is SAR 4,000.

Apply on Premium Residency Portal checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Validity
Category 1: fixed-term residency as set by the Center. Category 2: permanent, conditional on the job targets
Fee
SAR 4,000One-time Premium Residency fee.
Funds required
SAR 400,000Minimum funding round(s) from an entity accredited by the Center for category 1 (SAR 15,000,000 for category 2).
Work
Yes – run your start-up and work in the private sector
Family
Parents, spouse and children under 25
Path to permanent residence
Category 2 gives permanent residency directly if at least 10 jobs are created in year one and 10 more in year two
Where to apply
Online on the Premium Residency portal

Two categories

Category 1: an entrepreneur licence from the Ministry of Investment, funding round(s) of at least SAR 400,000 from an entity accredited by the Premium Residency Center, and your share in the company not below 20%.

Category 2: the same licence, funding round(s) of at least SAR 15 million from an accredited entity, a share of at least 10% in the start-up, and the creation of at least ten jobs in the first year and at least ten more in the second year.

Special benefits for founders

Entrepreneurs can nominate two staff members, for example executives, to receive Special Talent Residency without meeting its criteria. The company is exempt from Nitaqat (Saudisation quotas) for its first three operational years. Category 2 holders obtain permanent residency directly.

Licence first, then residency

The entrepreneur licence is issued by the Ministry of Investment (MISA). Once the start-up has closed a qualifying round with an investor accredited by the Center, the founder applies on the Premium Residency portal and uploads the licence, cap table and funding evidence together with the general documents.

  1. Register on the Premium Residency portal and choose one product (products cannot be combined).
  2. Obtain an entrepreneur licence from the Ministry of Investment and incorporate the start-up.
  3. Close a funding round with an entity accredited by the Premium Residency Center.
  4. Upload all required documents electronically; a representative or one of the Center's listed lawyers may file on your behalf with proof of representation.
  5. After approval, pay the fee within 30 days (otherwise the application is cancelled) and obtain medical insurance valid in Saudi Arabia.
  6. If you are abroad, request the Premium Residency entry visa on KSA Visa and travel to complete issuance of the residency.

Forms

Cancellation and grace period

The residency is cancelled, among other reasons, after a conviction carrying at least 60 days in prison or a fine of SAR 100,000 or more, a deportation order, false information in the application, breach of the law, failure to renew medical insurance, or relinquishment. The holder may stay up to 60 days after cancellation to settle affairs, extendable to a total of 180 days. Premium Residency does not give a right to Saudi citizenship.

Benefits shared by all Premium Residency products

Holders live in Saudi Arabia without a sponsor, together with parents, spouses and children under 25; can move between employers; are exempt from the fees imposed on expatriates and their dependants; may leave and re-enter without a visa; can obtain visit visas for relatives; use citizens' lanes at airports; may conduct business under the Investment Law, own or hold usufruct of real estate, hire domestic workers on the same terms as citizens and own private vehicles. Family members may work in the private sector, except in jobs reserved for Saudis.

Documents

Required documents

Travel

  • Valid passport (applicant aged at least 21)

Money

  • Proof of solvency
  • Evidence of funding round(s) from an entity accredited by the Center (SAR 400,000 or SAR 15 million)

Work

  • Entrepreneur licence from the Ministry of Investment
  • Shareholding documents showing at least 20% (category 1) or 10% (category 2)

Other

  • Clean criminal record
  • Medical report no older than 6 months showing no communicable diseases

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Identity

  • If applying from inside Saudi Arabia: proof of legal residence and clearance of the previous sponsorship

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Saudi start-up visa?

The equivalent is Entrepreneur Residency under Premium Residency, which requires a Ministry of Investment entrepreneur licence and accredited funding.

What is the minimum investment?

At least SAR 400,000 raised from an accredited entity with a 20% stake for category 1; SAR 15 million with a 10% stake and 20 jobs for category 2.

Does the start-up have to meet Saudisation quotas?

Not for its first three operational years.

Can I bring key staff?

Yes. Two staff members can be nominated for Special Talent Residency without meeting its criteria.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Saudi Arabia

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per entry
  • Investor visa Validity: Permanent, conditional on keeping SAR 7 million invested and 10 employees for the first two years

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: For the duration of the study programme

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: For the length of the employment contract, renewed through the iqama
  • Skilled worker visa Validity: Five years, renewable once if the criteria are still met

Family

  • Family reunification visa Maximum stay: As long as the sponsor's residence remains valid (permanent for families of citizens)

Residence

  • Golden visa and residence by investment Validity: Real Estate Owner: as long as the property is held (off-plan: ownership must transfer within 5 years). Limited Duration: 1–5 years, renewable. Unlimited Duration: permanent
  • Permanent residence Validity: Indefinite, subject to the product's conditions and the Premium Residency Law

Online travel permits

Saudi Arabia visa guide