The Saudi Premium Residency is a strategic option that allows non-Saudis to live and work freely within a clear legal framework and defined conditions. This residency was designed to provide a stable and secure environment for residents who wish to benefit from the advantages of long-term residency without the need for a Saudi sponsor.
In this article, we will discuss the eligibility requirements for applying for the Saudi Premium Residency, the benefits it offers, and the associated fees, to help you fully understand this system and how it can benefit you and your family.
المحتويات
Who is eligible to hold the Saudi Premium Residency in SA?
A Saudi Premium Residency holder in the Kingdom is a non-Saudi individual male or female with legal personal status. This also includes their dependents, such as a spouse, children under the age of 25, and parents. The Saudi Premium Residency is obtained by applying through the official electronic portal of the Saudi Premium Residency Center, in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Premium Residency Law and its Executive Regulations, which detail the requirements and procedures for obtaining this residency.
Saudi Premium Residency Requirements
The regulations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia outline several conditions that must be met by applicants seeking the Premium Residency. These conditions are as follows:
- Valid Passport: The applicant must provide a valid passport, along with valid passports for their family members. These passports must be free of any restrictions or conditions that could prevent their return at any time. Additionally, the passport must have at least 180 days of validity remaining at the time of application.
- Proof of Financial Solvency: The applicant is required to submit documentation proving their financial capability to support themselves while residing in the Kingdom. This may include a recent bank statement or other financial documents deemed necessary by the Premium Residency Center, according to a mechanism established for this purpose.
- Criminal Record Clearance: A criminal record certificate must be provided to demonstrate that the applicant has no prior convictions. The Center will verify this information through the relevant authorities within the Kingdom. The applicant must also consent to a declaration allowing the Center to request information about them and their family members from competent authorities outside Saudi Arabia.
- Medical Report: The applicant must submit a medical report dated within six months prior to the application, confirming that they are free from contagious diseases. This report should be issued by a medical facility accredited by Saudi authorities, or if submitted from abroad by a healthcare center recognized by Saudi embassies. This requirement also applies to family members.
- Legal Residency in the Kingdom: If the applicant is applying from within Saudi Arabia, they must be legally residing in the country at the time of application. Their current residency permit must be valid and should not expire within at least 90 days from the application date.
- Declaration of Accuracy: Submitting the application serves as a declaration by the applicant that all information and data provided are complete and accurate. If the required data is not completed within 30 days from the submission date, the Premium Residency Center has the right to cancel the application and deactivate the applicant’s electronic account.
Read also: A Complete Guide to Premium Residency Visa Saudi Arabia
Saudi Premium Residency Benefits
The Premium Residency grants its holder a set of exclusive rights and benefits as specifically outlined in Article (2) of the Premium Residency Law. These privileges include:
- Identification Card: The Saudi Premium Residency holder and their family members receive special identification cards containing essential information such as name, residency type, issue date, and any additional data the center deems necessary.
- Residence in the Kingdom: The holder and their family may reside in the Kingdom for the duration specified in their residency document, whether permanent or temporary (for one year or more).
- Engaging in Commercial Activities: The holder and their spouse(s) may engage in business activities within the Kingdom. In the event of the holder’s death, the spouse(s) may continue operating such businesses.
- Issuance of Visit Visas: The holder is entitled to issue visit visas to relatives, including parents, grandparents, children and their descendants, siblings and their children, as well as other relatives approved by the center.
- Recruitment of Domestic Workers: The holder may recruit domestic labor based on their personal needs.
- Ownership of Property: Premium Residency Saudi Arabia holders may own properties for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes, excluding properties in the cities of Makkah and Madinah and in border areas.
- Benefiting from Property in Makkah and Madinah: The holder may benefit from property in Makkah and Madinah for a period not exceeding 99 years, based on a usufruct deed issued by the notary public. This right can be transferred to others. For fixed-term residency holders, the usufruct period must not exceed the validity of their Premium residency visa Saudi Arabia.
- Ownership of Means of Transport: The holder may own private means of transportation land, sea, or air as well as other movable assets permitted by Saudi law.
- Employment in the Private Sector: The holder and family members are allowed to work in private sector establishments and move between jobs, except in roles restricted to Saudi nationals, and subject to applicable fees for non-Saudis.
- Freedom of Movement: The holder and their family have the right to leave and return to the Kingdom without prior permission. They may also use the lanes designated for Saudi citizens at entry and exit points by presenting their residency cards.
- Family Record Linking: It is possible to link the residency record of the holder with that of their parents and children who are over the age of 21.
For any inquiries regarding the legal benefits of the Saudi Premium Residency card, you may consult Etqan Law Firm, which offers specialized legal advice and support tailored to your needs.
Check out: Saudi Arabia New Marriage Law: Legal Consultations – Etqan
Fees for Obtaining the Saudi Premium Residency
The cost of acquiring a Premium Residency in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia varies based on the type of residency selected, as follows:
- Permanent Premium Residency (Lifetime Residency): A one-time fee of SAR 800,000 is required. This type of residency does not need annual renewal.
- Annual Premium Residency: An annual fee of SAR 100,000 applies and must be renewed each year based on the holder’s preference.
Additionally, the system offers an incentive for those who wish to obtain a Premium Residency for more than one year. If the applicant pays for multiple years in advance, they receive a 2% discount for each additional year, calculated on a cumulative basis.
This equates to a SAR 2,000 discount for every year paid upfront beyond the first.
These provisions are in accordance with Article (6) of the Executive Regulations of the Premium Residency Law, designed to encourage long-term residency in the Kingdom while offering financial benefits for extended commitments.
Learn about: Commercial Registration Saudi Arabia: Key to Legal Business
Conclusion:
The Saudi Premium Residency offers a unique opportunity for holders to gain legal and social stability. If you are considering applying or want to learn more about the details of this system, we recommend seeking specialized legal advice to ensure all requirements are met and to maximize the benefits offered. You can contact Etqan Law Firm for expert legal support and assistance throughout the application process.
The Etqan Al Mutamayza Law Firm is ready to provide the essential support you need. You can reach their team at the following mobile numbers: +96656113776, +966541110440, +966504315333.
Additionally, feel free to visit our branches located at:
- Jeddah: Al-Aziziyah District, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street (Tahlia)
- Riyadh: King Abdulaziz Street, across from the Kingdom Tower
- Dammam: Al-Ashri’a Street, Al-Badeea, Dammam 32415.
FAQ
To qualify, you must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid passport, prove financial solvency, have a clean criminal record, provide a medical report free of contagious diseases, and hold a legal residency if applying from inside Saudi Arabia.
Permanent residency costs 800,000 SAR (one-time fee), while annual residency costs 100,000 SAR per year. There is a 2% discount for each additional year paid in advance.
It is an official card issued to premium residency holders, granting them rights such as residency with family, property ownership, work without a sponsor, hiring domestic workers, freedom to travel, and access to Saudi nationals’ lanes at borders.
