Saudi Arabia Investor Residency (Premium Residency)

A regular investor residence (iqama) is tied to the foreign investment licence and to the investing establishment as sponsor, shows the occupation "investor", cannot carry a work permit and does not allow residential property registration. Investor Premium Residency has no sponsor and carries all Premium Residency benefits.

You need valid investment licence(s) or investment registration from the Ministry of Investment showing a minimum ownership share of SAR 7,000,000; valid commercial registration(s) from the Ministry of Commerce; the company's articles of association or other documents proving your share; proof that at least SAR 7,000,000 of capital was injected for your share, through audited accounts, a capital-injection certificate or other documents the Center accepts; and proof of ten employees within your share, verified by the company's GOSI (social insurance) certificate.

The permanent residency is conditional on maintaining at least SAR 7,000,000 of investment and at least ten employees during the first two years. The Premium Residency FAQ describes the product as investing in economic activities in Saudi Arabia under the Investment Law with a share of no less than SAR 7 million.

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.

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.