Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency platform received 40,163 applications between January 2024 and July 2025, reflecting a strong surge in interest driven by expanded categories and generous benefits for investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals.
Sharp Uptick in Applications Amid Residency Reforms
Official data reveals that 8,074 Premium Residency permits were granted in 2024 alone. The majority of permits—5,578—were issued under the “Exceptional Competence” category, followed by 348 under “Talent.” Other categories such as Real Estate Ownership, Entrepreneurship, and Business Investment also saw significant uptake.
Seven Residency Categories Now Available
In early 2024, Saudi Arabia expanded the Premium Residency scheme from just two to seven comprehensive categories:
- Exceptional Competence
- Talent
- Business Investor
- Entrepreneur
- Real Estate Owner
- Limited Duration Premium Residency
- Unlimited Duration Premium Residency
This expansion is part of larger economic and social reforms that aim to attract high-value residents to live, work, and invest in Saudi Arabia without the need for a local sponsor (kafeel).
Exclusive Benefits for Premium Residency Holders
Holders of Saudi Premium Residency enjoy numerous advantages including:
- Permanent or renewable residency for themselves and their families
- Freedom of entry and exit without a visa
- Exemption from expatriate levies
- Full ownership of real estate and vehicles
- Ability to invest and establish businesses
- Employment in the private sector without sponsorship
- Right to recruit domestic workers
- Issuance of visit visas for relatives
- Use of citizens-only airport lanes
- Usufruct rights in Makkah and Madinah for up to 99 years
Driving Global Competitiveness and Innovation
The strong application numbers demonstrate the Kingdom’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation, business, and opportunity. By offering global investors and skilled professionals a unique residency model, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a world-class destination aligned with Vision 2030.
Part of the Broader Vision 2030 Strategy
The Premium Residency system is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s strategic plan to create an attractive and competitive economy. It enables individuals who can contribute to the Kingdom’s development to establish long-term roots without bureaucratic obstacles.
With rising global attention and investor confidence, the Premium Residency initiative is set to become a vital channel for long-term economic growth and diversification.
