Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Program Captures 40,000+ Applicants in Just 18 Months

Permanent Residency
Published Date: 02.09.2025

Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Program—sometimes known as the “Green Card”—is gaining major traction. Between January 2024 and July 2025, more than 40,000 applications flooded in, showcasing the program’s growing appeal. This surge comes after a significant 2024 expansion that broadened the residency pathways available—making it a key part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy.

Program Expansion & Structure

In early 2024, Saudi Arabia expanded its Premium Residency program from just two to seven distinct categories:

  • Exceptional Competence
  • Talent
  • Business Investor
  • Entrepreneur
  • Real Estate Owner
  • Limited Duration Residency
  • Unlimited Duration Residency

This expansion aimed to attract a wider range of global talent and investors to support the Kingdom’s economic transformation.

2024 Outcomes: Permit Issuance

In that year alone, the Ministry issued 8,074 Premium Residency permits. The leading category was Exceptional Competence, which accounted for 5,578 permits. This tier targets high-level professionals, with salary requirements ranging from US$4,000 for researchers to US$21,000 for senior executives.

Additionally, the Talent track issued 685 permits in 2024—highlighting its role in cultivating exceptional individuals.

These changes aim to attract investors who can help grow Jordan’s economy directly through jobs and long-term business projects.

Why the Surge?

Several compelling benefits explain the program’s popularity:

  • No local sponsorship required—granting headline-worthy independence for expats who previously relied on Saudi sponsors.
  • Property ownership rights—only available to Saudi citizens and Premium Residency holders.
  • Freedom to enter and exit, invest, work, and live long-term in the Kingdom.
  • Stable residency for families, appealing to the large foreign resident community seeking permanence and comfort.

A Market of Potential

Foreign residents now make up over 40% of Saudi Arabia’s population and account for more than 75% of its workforce. This sizable demographic represents a vast opportunity for attracting long-term, high-value contributors to Saudi society.

What Makes This Program So Attractive?

The Premium Residency Program offers a compelling mix of benefits:

  1. Sponsor-Free Residency
    No need for a local sponsor (kafeel). Applicants gain full autonomy and can change jobs freely
  2. Residency for Family Members
    Spouses, children, and even parents can receive the same residency rights
  3. Property Rights
    Holders can own residential, commercial, and industrial real estate (exemptions apply in Mecca and Medina, though long-term usufruct rights of up to 99 years are available)
  4. Freedom of Movement
    Visa-free entry and exit is allowed, and holders can use citizen-designated lanes at airports
  5. Tax and Fee Relief
    Premium Residency holders are exempt from expat levies and certain localization (Nitaqat) system fees
  6. Business and Market Access
    They can work in the private sector, invest in capital markets, recruit domestic workers, and in some cases set up 100% foreign-owned businesses
  7. Long-Term Property Opportunities
    Rights to hold property in Mecca and Medina for up to 99 years through usufruct agreements
  8. Continuity for Family
    If the primary holder passes away, spouses and children under 21 maintain their residency rights

Detailed Overview of Residency Tracks

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Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Program is reshaping the narrative for expatriates in the Middle East. Since expanding in early 2024, the surge to 40,163 applications between January 2024 and July 2025 tells a powerful story of ambition, stability, and opportunity

With a range of residency pathways, clear benefits for families, and a welcoming stance toward global investors and talent, the program is fast becoming a cornerstone of Vision 2030’s success.

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