Saudi Premium Residency: Investor & Entrepreneur Routes

Oct 24, 2026•2 min read

Investors and entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in Saudi Arabia can now apply for the Kingdom's Premium Residency through dedicated Investor and Entrepreneur products. Applications are submitted electronically via the Premium Residency Center portal at pr.gov.sa, where applicants create an account and upload their information and supporting documents in Arabic or English.

To begin, a passport must be valid for at least 180 days. A processing fee of US$170 applies during review. Once an application is approved, the applicant has 30 days to pay the product fee and provide qualifying medical insurance.

Who qualifies

The Investor Residency carries a fee of SAR 4,000 and requires an investment of at least SAR 7,000,000 in qualifying activities in the Kingdom. Those investing at least SAR 15,000,000 through qualifying investments or funding rounds may qualify for permanent Premium Residency, subject to the applicable controls.

The Entrepreneur Residency, also SAR 4,000, offers two categories. Category 1 requires an approved investment or funding round of at least SAR 400,000, a recommendation from the relevant approved investment entity, and at least 20% ownership in the startup; it grants a fixed-term residency of five years. Category 2 requires an approved investment or funding round of at least SAR 15,000,000, a recommendation from the relevant entity, at least 10% ownership, and the creation of 10 jobs in the first year plus 10 more in the second year, offering a direct pathway to permanent Premium Residency that is conditional for two years.

Premium Residency does not require a Saudi local sponsor. Holders can include eligible family members, and entrepreneurs may nominate two staff members for Special Talent Residency. These products sit within an expanded Premium Residency framework that also includes Special Talent, Gifted, Real Estate Owner, Limited Duration, and Unlimited Duration options — reflecting the Kingdom's drive to attract capital and talent.

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