Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency Visa (commonly known as the Saudi Green Card) enables eligible foreign nationals to live, work, own property, establish businesses and sponsor family members without requiring a Saudi sponsor. Introduced as part of Saudi Vision 2030, the programme is designed to attract investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talent and high-net-worth individuals to the Kingdom.
Hudson McKenzie advises private individuals, entrepreneurs, investors, multinational companies and senior executives on obtaining Saudi Premium Residency through the most appropriate residency category — from eligibility assessment through to submission and post-approval compliance.
What is Saudi Premium Residency?
Saudi Premium Residency grants qualifying foreign nationals the right to reside in Saudi Arabia with enhanced immigration privileges compared to a standard Iqama. Depending on the residency category, applicants may obtain either:
- Permanent Premium Residency
- Renewable Premium Residency
- Category-specific Premium Residency linked to investment, talent or property ownership
Is there a Saudi Golden Visa?
Saudi Arabia does not operate a formally named "golden visa" programme. The closest equivalent is Premium Residency, which — unlike many golden visa schemes built around a single investment route — spans seven distinct products covering investment, entrepreneurship, exceptional talent and property ownership.
Types of Saudi Premium Residency
Saudi Arabia currently offers seven Premium Residency products.
1. Unlimited Duration Premium Residency
This is the permanent residency option for individuals wishing to make Saudi Arabia their long-term home.
Suitable for:
- High-net-worth individuals
- Frequent business travellers
- International families relocating to Saudi Arabia
Applicants must satisfy the financial and eligibility requirements and pay the applicable one-off government fee.
2. Limited Duration Premium Residency
This renewable residency is ideal for individuals wishing to live in Saudi Arabia without permanent commitment.
Suitable for:
- International professionals
- Business owners
- Investors
- Families relocating to Saudi Arabia
The residency is renewable provided eligibility requirements continue to be met.
3. Real Estate Owner Residency
Foreign nationals investing in qualifying Saudi residential property may become eligible for Premium Residency.
Typical eligibility includes:
- Ownership or qualifying usufruct rights over residential property
- Minimum qualifying property value (currently SAR 4 million under the published criteria)
- Property must satisfy the Premium Residency Centre's conditions.
4. Entrepreneur Residency
Designed for founders of innovative businesses and start-ups operating in Saudi Arabia.
Applicants generally require:
- Approved investment
- Minimum ownership thresholds
- Recommendation from recognised investment entities
- Valid business documentation
Two entrepreneur pathways are available depending upon investment level and business maturity.
5. Business Investor Residency
Suitable for investors making significant investments into the Saudi economy.
Applicants are generally expected to demonstrate:
- Investment licence
- Commercial registration
- Minimum investment thresholds
- Ongoing business activity within Saudi Arabia
This route supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 investment objectives.
6. Exceptional Competence (Special Talent) Residency
This residency category is aimed at highly qualified professionals.
Eligible sectors include:
- Healthcare
- Science
- Research
- Executive leadership
Eligibility is assessed against experience, qualifications, salary levels and other published criteria depending upon the applicant's profession.
7. Gifted Residency
The Gifted Residency recognises internationally distinguished individuals in culture and sport.
Applicants may qualify through:
- International awards
- Official nominations
- Exceptional achievements
- Ministry-approved eligibility criteria
This category supports Saudi Arabia's objective of attracting world-class creative and sporting talent.
Saudi Premium Residency (Saudi Green Card) – Key Benefits, Eligibility Requirements & Application Process
Government Fees
Government fees depend on the Premium Residency category selected:
Additional costs may apply for document legalisation, certified translations, medical reports and professional advisory services. Government fees are subject to change by the Saudi authorities.
Why Consider Saudi Premium Residency?
- Strategic access to Vision 2030 sectors
- Capital mobility
- Regional headquarters positioning
- Long-term Gulf presence
Strategic & Commercial Considerations
For entrepreneurs and investors, Saudi Premium Residency often forms part of a broader commercial strategy. Considerations may include:
- Company establishment in Saudi Arabia
- Ownership structuring and shareholding implications
- Regulatory licensing requirements
- Workforce and Saudization compliance
- Long-term expansion planning
Where required, our Saudi advisory team works alongside corporate and compliance specialists to ensure alignment between residency status and commercial objectives.
Why Hudson McKenzie
Hudson McKenzie provides end-to-end advisory support for individuals, families and businesses seeking long-term presence in Saudi Arabia. Our approach includes:
- Comprehensive eligibility assessment and Premium Residency strategy
- Application preparation, document review and submission management
- In-depth understanding of Saudi regulatory frameworks, licensing structures and compliance requirements
- Investment immigration advice and family residency applications
- Business relocation support and coordination with corporate expansion strategies
- Confidential handling of private client matters
- Ongoing advisory support post-approval
We work with entrepreneurs, family offices, multinational corporations, investors, senior executives and private clients relocating to Saudi Arabia, and focus on accuracy, compliance integrity and proactive liaison with relevant authorities — ensuring applications are presented with clarity and strategic foresight. For clients establishing or expanding a business in the Kingdom, we also advise on Saudi Arabia Company Formation, including branch, subsidiary and Regional Headquarters (RHQ) structures.
Speak to a Saudi Premium Residency Advisor
Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, executive or family looking to relocate to Saudi Arabia, Hudson McKenzie can advise on the most suitable Saudi Premium Residency route and guide you through the entire application process.
Saudi Premium Residency applications require careful structuring and compliance planning. Early strategic structuring significantly reduces regulatory risk and accelerates approval timelines. Book a Private Saudi Premium Residency Consultation or get in touch with us at info@hudsonmckenzie.com to know more about this programme.
