How To Apply For Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency Visa From The UAE
Planning to move to Saudi Arabia for good? We've got something that might interest you! Saudi Arabia has unveiled a significant update to its residency policies, introducing five new long-term residency options targeting skilled professionals and investors. This strategic move aims to bolster the nation's economy by attracting a diverse pool of talent and investment.
5 New Residency Categories Explained
The Saudi government has meticulously crafted five distinct categories under its revamped residency scheme to accommodate diverse professional and investor groups.
Real Estate Owner Residency: This visa is available to individuals owning residential properties in Saudi Arabia worth at least SAR 4,000,000 (Dh3.917 million), without any mortgages. This residency is directly linked to the ownership of a property.
Investor Residency: Applicants are required to have an investment license and to invest a minimum of SAR 7 million (Dh6.85 million) in economic activities within the country. Additionally, they must generate at least 10 jobs during the first two years. This residency is permanent and hinges on continuous investment and job creation.
Special Talents: Those with special talent in research, healthcare, science, or executive leadership can apply for residency by meeting criteria related to employment contracts, minimum wages, education, experience, and employer recommendations. The duration of residency in this category varies based on the talent. Researchers must earn a minimum salary of SAR14,000, healthcare professionals- SAR35,000 and executives must earn at least SAR80,000. A five-year fixed-term residency, renewable for one term will be granted, upon meeting eligibility criteria.
Entrepreneur Residency: This visa is split into two sub-categories: The first category requires an entrepreneur license, a minimum investment of SAR 400,000 (Dh391,746), and the creation of at least 10 jobs. This grants a fixed-term residency for five years, renewable for one term. The second category demands a minimum investment of SAR 15 million (Dh14,689), with at least 20 jobs created over two years. Permanent residency is granted directly, conditioned on creating at least 10 jobs in the first year and at least 10 jobs in the second year.
Gifted Residency: Tailored for individuals who have received notable awards or meet certain criteria set by the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Sports. This residency is of a fixed term but can be renewed.
All the visas will cost you a fixed one-time fee of SAR4,000 (Dh3,917).
Benefits And Application Process
The newly introduced residency options present numerous benefits, including the ability for residents to live in Saudi Arabia with their families, exemption from expat fees, visa-free travel, visitation rights for relatives, access to dedicated airport tracks, opportunities to work in the private sector, and property ownership within the kingdom.
Prospective applicants can explore these opportunities through the Premium Residency Centre's official website. The site offers detailed categories for application and, for certain categories, an eligibility tool to help applicants gauge their likelihood of securing residency.
With the rollout of these new residency categories, Saudi Arabia is poised to attract a wealth of skilled professionals and investors. This initiative is aligned with the kingdom's broader economic objectives and developmental plans, underlining its commitment to becoming a hub for global talent and investment.
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