More People Are Applying for Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia

Between January 2024 and July 2025, more than 40,163 applicants — both inside and outside the Kingdom — applied for Saudi Arabia’s expanded Premium Residency program. This surge reflects growing global interest from skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and investors who see new opportunities in the Kingdom as it pursues economic diversification under Vision 2030.

What changed in the program?

Originally launched in 2019 and commonly called the “Saudi Green Card,” Premium Residency offered only a couple of tracks. In January 2024 the government expanded the program from two tracks to seven, broadening eligibility and simplifying access for a wider range of expats and investors.

• Seven current categories: Exceptional Competence; Talent; Business Investor; Entrepreneur; Real Estate Owner; Limited-Time Residency; and Permanent Residency.
• Expansion means many applicants can now self-sponsor; a Saudi employer sponsor is no longer required for Premium Residency holders.

The change signals a deliberate effort to attract long-term human capital and direct investment to support the Kingdom’s economic and social transformation.

Approvals and category breakdown (2024)

In 2024 a total of 8,074 Premium Residency permits were granted. The two best-documented subcategories were:

• Exceptional Competence: 5,578 permits. This category targets highly skilled professionals and executives with proven achievements.
• Talent: 348 permits. This track supports individuals with standout abilities in science, the arts, sports or other fields.

Permits were also issued through business investment, entrepreneurship, real estate ownership and other investment routes, although public breakdowns for each subcategory beyond the two noted above are limited.

Why the spike matters to the expat community

For expatriates already living in Saudi Arabia — or planning to relocate — the expanded Premium Residency program offers a different pathway to stability and economic participation. Key practical impacts include:

• No sponsor required: Premium Residency frees holders from the traditional sponsor-based work and residency arrangements used by many expats.
• Family stability: Residency can cover family members, reducing the need for frequent visa renewals or employer-dependent permits.
• Business and property rights: Premium residents can own property and vehicles and start private businesses—critical benefits for long-term settlers and investors.

Overall, the program helps skilled foreign workers and investors plan longer-term careers and lives in the Kingdom without tying their status to a single employer.

Core benefits for Premium Residency holders

Approved residents receive a range of privileges that make Saudi residency more flexible and business-friendly:

• Live and work in Saudi Arabia without a local sponsor for themselves and their families.
• Enter and exit the Kingdom without the need for additional visas.
• Exemption from the standard expat levy fees charged to many foreign workers and dependents.
• Right to own property and vehicles, and the ability to establish and operate private businesses.
• Permission to hire household workers and to bring family members for visits.
• Access to expedited lanes and special services at airports in some cases.
• Special long-term residency rights in Makkah and Madinah for eligible holders—some provisions reference residence terms of up to 99 years, although these rights are subject to evolving regulations and legal details should be confirmed with authorities prior to relying on them.

Numbers, events and momentum

The uptick in applications is not just a number — it reflects ongoing policy and outreach efforts by Saudi authorities to attract targeted talent. The program expansion, outreach to global professionals, and sector-focused recruitment events have all helped drive demand. For example, recent talent acquisition pushes in the healthcare and technology sectors have been highlighted by official and sector press as contributors to rising approvals.

These measures align with the Kingdom’s broader economic strategy under Vision 2030, which prioritizes foreign investment, knowledge transfer and the creation of new industries beyond oil. Official announcements and updates on residency rules and approvals are regularly published through Saudi government channels such as the Ministry of Interior and national press services like the Saudi Press Agency.

What expats should know before applying

If you are part of the Saudi expat community or considering a move, here are practical points to consider:

• Check category fit: Carefully review the seven residency categories to identify the best match for your profile — exceptional skills, talent, investor or entrepreneur. Documentation requirements differ by track.
• Use official portals: Apply and verify your status through official government channels. For residency and immigration procedures, consult the Ministry of Interior portal and official announcements.
• Prepare supporting documents: Evidence of qualifications, work history, investment capital, business plans or property ownership may be required depending on the chosen track.
• Understand costs and timelines: Premium Residency involves application processes and fees; exact costs and processing times can change and should be confirmed on official sites before applying.
• Get professional advice: Immigration lawyers, licensed consultancies and relocation specialists familiar with Saudi law can help assemble applications and explain rights and obligations under Saudi regulations.
• Plan for family needs: If bringing dependents, review residency coverage for spouses and children, schooling options and healthcare arrangements in your chosen city.

How this fits into Saudi Arabia’s long-term goals

Premium Residency is one of several policy tools the Kingdom is using to accelerate economic transformation. By attracting high-skilled talent and investment, Saudi Arabia aims to foster new industries, enhance the private sector and increase knowledge exchange — all core objectives of Vision 2030.

For the expatriate community, the expanded program offers more clarity and opportunity to build long-term lives in the Kingdom while contributing to its future economy.

Where to get official information

Always use official sources when preparing applications or making decisions based on residency rules. Recommended starting points:

• Ministry of Interior (MOI) — official portal for residency and immigration services.
• Vision 2030 — context on national strategy and the economic goals behind residency reforms.
• Saudi Press Agency (SPA) — for official announcements and press releases related to policy changes and government statistics.

Bottom line for expats

The rise to more than 40,000 applicants in the 18-month period to July 2025 and the 8,074 permits granted in 2024 show that Premium Residency is gaining traction among the global talent pool. For many in the expat community, the program represents a practical route to more secure, sponsor-independent living and a stronger role in Saudi Arabia’s long-term economy. If you’re considering applying, research the categories, verify details with official sources, and consider professional guidance to maximize your chances of a successful application.

For updates and official procedures, start with the Ministry of Interior and Vision 2030 pages linked above.