Written By: Diego Castillo
Published: January 13, 2026

Saudi Arabia has reduced the cost of its Premium Residency (Saudi Green Card) to SAR 4,000 in 2026, making sponsor-free, long-term residency more accessible for skilled professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and property owners. Introduced under Vision 2030, this update has significantly increased global interest in living and working in the Kingdom.

The Saudi Premium Residency allows holders to work freely in the private sector, own property, sponsor family members, and travel in and out of Saudi Arabia without a visa, offering stability and flexibility for long-term residents.

This article explains who can apply for the SAR 4,000 Saudi Green Card, the benefits of each residency track, the latest eligibility requirements, and a step-by-step application process under the updated rules.

Saudi Premium Residency At A Glance

  • Saudi Green Card Slashed To SAR 4,000 makes sponsor-free residency affordable for global talent, investors, entrepreneurs, and property owners.
  • Five specialized tracks, Special Talent, Gifted, Investor, Entrepreneur, and Real Estate Owner, provide learning pathways to secure long-term residency.
  • The SAR Premium Residency program aligns with Vision 2030, supporting Saudi Arabia’s plan to attract global talent and diversify the economy beyond oil.

Who Can Apply For The Saudi Premium Residency Visa? 

The Saudi Premium Residency visa is available for those who meet a few key requirements. 

Apply For The Saudi Premium Residency Visa
Source: Saudi Premium Residency Website 

To apply for the Saudi Premium Residency Visa, you need to be at least 21 years old and in good health. You should also have a clean criminal record and be able to support yourself and your family while living in Saudi Arabia.

Make sure your passport is valid before applying. If you’re already in Saudi Arabia, your iqama should have at least 90 days of validity left to meet the requirements.

You’ll also need a recent medical report showing you’re free from contagious diseases. This ensures you and your family can settle in smoothly and enjoy your residency without any issues.

Eligible Dependents For Saudi Premium Residency

  • Legally married spouse
  • Unmarried children under 25
  • Dependent parents with proof of financial support

Eligibility rules for sponsoring family members may vary by residency track.

Specialized Residency Tracks For The Saudi Premium Residency

The Saudi Premium Residency offers five specialized tracks designed for professionals, creatives, investors, entrepreneurs, and property owners seeking long-term residency.

Residency TrackTarget GroupKey EligibilityResidency DurationOne-time Fee
Special TalentExecutives, healthcare, science, researchJob in approved entity; SAR 14,000–80,000; bachelor’s; 3+ yrs; recommendation; 3 research papers (for researchers)5 years, renewable; permanent after 30 monthsSAR 4,000
GiftedCultural, arts, and sports talentsAward or ministry recommendation; financial capability5 years, renewable; permanent after 30 monthsSAR 4,000
InvestorForeign investorsSAR 7M investment; create 10 jobs; valid license/registrationPermanent after conditions are metSAR 4,000
EntrepreneurStartup founders1st: SAR 400K + accelerator; 2nd: SAR 15M + 20 jobs5 years / permanentSAR 4,000
Real Estate OwnerProperty ownersOwn/usufruct ≥ SAR 4M; mortgage-free; developed; appraisedLinked to property ownershipSAR 4,000

There is also one more Premium Residency track called Limited Duration and Unlimited Duration Residency, designed for those seeking annual or permanent residency in Saudi Arabia. 

Specialized Residency Tracks For The Saudi Premium Residency
Source: The Economic Times 

These tracks suit individuals planning either short-term or long-term stays while experiencing the country’s cultural, social, and economic opportunities.

Applicants need to prove financial capability to support themselves and their dependents. 

Both tracks allow family inclusion, private sector employment, property ownership, visa-free travel, and conducting business under the Investment Law.

The Limited Duration Residency lasts 1 to 5 years and has an annual fee of SAR 100,000. Unlimited Duration Residency grants permanent residency for a one-time fee of SAR 800,000.

Benefits Of Saudi Premium Residency

Saudi Premium Residency offers freedom, family inclusion, property ownership, job flexibility, and visa-free travel, enhancing long-term stability and opportunities.

Benefits Of Saudi Premium Residency
Source: Arab News 
  • Special Talent Residency

Reside in Saudi, work flexibly, own property, access private sector jobs, and qualify for permanent residency upon eligibility.

  • Gifted Residency

Supports cultural, sports, and arts talents with residency, work rights, property ownership, family inclusion, and path to permanent residency.

  • Investor Residency

Enables business investment, residency with family, job creation, property ownership, and direct pathway to permanent residency.

  • Entrepreneur Residency

Encourages startups, provides residency, business rights, work flexibility, family inclusion, and permanent residency upon meeting investment criteria.

  • Real Estate Owner Residency

Residency linked to property ownership, with work rights, family inclusion, business activities, and property usage under Saudi laws.

  • Limited Duration Residency

Fixed-term residency for 1–5 years, renewable annually, with family inclusion, work rights, property ownership, and investment opportunities.

  • Unlimited Duration Residency

Permanent residency with full family, work, and property privileges, offering long-term stability and integration into Saudi society.

Step-by-Step Application Process For The Saudi Green Card

Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to apply for the SAR 4,000 Saudi Green Card and secure your Premium Residency.

Step 1: Choose Your Track

Pick the category that fits your profile, Special Talent, Gifted, Investor, Entrepreneur, or Real Estate Owner. Check requirements carefully.

Step 2: Gather Documents

Collect passports, photos, medical reports, financial proofs, business licenses, property valuations (if needed), and family documents. Ensure all are up to date.

Step 3: Register & Apply Online

Create an account on pr.gov.sa and fill out the application with your details, track selection, employment, and education info.

Step 4: Document Verification

Your documents are reviewed. Provide any additional information or reference letters within 60 days to avoid rejection.

Step 5: Approval & Fee Payment

After approval, pay the SAR 4,000 issuance fee and submit proof of medical insurance for you and your dependents.

Step 6: Receive Residency Permit

Once payment is confirmed, you and your family receive residency cards and can enjoy full Saudi Premium Residency privileges.

Saudi Green Card – Cancellation, Obligations & Family Rights

The Saudi Green Card can be cancelled if the holder is convicted of a crime with imprisonment of over 60 days, fined more than SAR 100,000, deported, provides false documents, or does not follow residency rules.

The Board can also cancel permits for public interest, death, or loss of legal competence.

Do keep in mind some of these rules too: 

Grace Period:

  • You and your family get up to 60 days, extendable to 180 days, to settle matters or leave Saudi Arabia.

Family Rights:

  • Some residency rights can transfer to family members if the holder dies or loses legal competence.
  • You cannot hold more than one permit at a time and must cancel the current one before applying for another track.

Saudi Premium Residency Application Trends & Growth in 2026

Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency (Saudi Green Card) programme has seen a sharp rise in global interest following major rule changes and the reduction of fees. Between January 2024 and mid-2025, over 40,000 applications were submitted, highlighting strong demand from professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Data from recent approvals shows growing traction in categories such as Exceptional Talent, Investors, and Skilled Professionals, particularly from the technology, healthcare, and business sectors.

As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 goals, application volumes are expected to remain strong in 2026, driven by sponsor-free residency benefits, long-term stability, and expanded eligibility for global talent and high-net-worth individuals.

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Conclusion: Get Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency (Saudi Green Card) for SAR 4,000

The SAR 4,000 Saudi Green Card offers a genuine opportunity to live and work in Saudi Arabia with sponsor-free Premium Residency. Designed for global professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs, this long-term residency removes the need for a local sponsor while providing security and flexibility.

With five dedicated tracks, Special Talent, Gifted, Investor, Entrepreneur, and Real Estate Owner, applicants can bring family members, own property, and pursue business or career goals freely in the Kingdom. As part of Saudi Vision 2030, the Premium Residency programme aims to attract global talent and investment. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for the Saudi Premium Residency online today and consider expert guidance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free application process.

FAQs

Are there restrictions on the number of family members included under the Saudi Green Card?

You can include your legally married spouse, unmarried children under 25, and dependent parents, all meeting health and documentation requirements.

Can SAR Green Card holders work in government or public sector jobs in Saudi Arabia?

Premium Residency holders can work only in private sector roles. Government jobs reserved for Saudi nationals remain unavailable.

Are taxes or financial obligations applicable to income earned while holding the Saudi Green Card?

No personal income tax applies, but you must maintain financial solvency and comply with business-related tax requirements if applicable.

Can dependents of the Saudi Green Card holders study in Saudi universities?

Dependents included in your residency can study at Saudi universities, following admission criteria and standard enrollment procedures.

Can I upgrade or switch from the Saudi Green Card to another Premium Residency track?

You can apply for a different residency track only after canceling your current permit; holding multiple permits is not allowed.

Are there limitations on business activities for SAR 4,000 Green Card holders in Saudi Arabia?

You can conduct business under the Investment Law. Restrictions apply only to sectors reserved for Saudi nationals or needing approvals.

What happens if a SAR 4,000 Green Card holder leaves Saudi Arabia for an extended period?

The permit stays valid if residency conditions are maintained, but authorities may review prolonged absences to ensure compliance.

About the Author

Diego is a curious traveler and culture lover who writes guides to help others explore the world more confidently. With a focus on practical advice and thoughtful planning, she shares tips for travel bookings, discovering new destinations, and all the details that make travel meaningful.

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