Saudi Green Card: Advantages, Qualification, And How To Apply

Major Advantages of the Saudi Green Card

The Saudi Premium Residency offers many benefits that improve life and work for foreign residents. It gives long-term security, more independence, and greater chances for individuals and their families to grow and succeed.

Long-Term Residency with Stability

The Premium Residency offers two options: permanent or yearly renewable residency. This setup lets foreigners build a stable life in Saudi Arabia without worrying about renewals based on jobs or sponsors. Permanent holders get long-term legal status, while those with renewable residency enjoy a steady stay with the option to renew each year.

Independence from Sponsorship

A main benefit of the Saudi Green Card is that you don’t need a sponsor. In the old system, foreigners had to be connected to a Saudi employer or citizen. With the Premium Residency, you are free to choose your job and handle your own life without anyone controlling it.

Ownership of Real Estate and Businesses

Premium Residency holders are allowed to own homes, shops, and factories in approved areas. They can also start and run their businesses in many industries without a Saudi partner. These rights help them grow their wealth, build assets, and support Saudi Arabia’s economy.

Family Sponsorship and Domestic Employment

Premium Residency holders can bring their close family, like their spouse and children, to live with them. They can also hire helpers, such as drivers or housekeepers, under their own name. This helps them keep their family together and makes daily life easier and more comfortable.

Access to Public Services

Residents can use public hospitals and government schools, following the rules in place. These services help improve their quality of life and save money, making the program a good choice for families who want to live in Saudi Arabia for a long time.

Simplified Travel and Financial Flexibility

The Saudi Green Card lets residents travel in and out of the country without needing extra permits. It also allows them to send money abroad freely, with few limits. This travel and money freedom helps with both personal and business needs.

Types of Saudi Green Card

The Saudi Premium Residency comes in two main types, made for different needs and budgets. Both offer the same main benefits but differ in how long they last, how you pay, and how flexible they are.

Unlimited Period Residency

This option gives lifelong residency to those who qualify. It’s best for people who want long-term stability and plan to fully settle into life and work in Saudi Arabia.

Validity: Permanent (no expiration)
Payment Structure: One-time, non-refundable fee
Cost: SAR 800,000 (approximately USD 213,285)

The unlimited residency option removes the need for yearly renewals or extra paperwork, offering peace of mind. It’s a great choice for investors, retirees, and wealthy individuals who want to build strong, long-term connections in Saudi Arabia.

12-Month Renewable Residency

The renewable residency lasts for one year and can be renewed each year if the person still qualifies. It costs less at the start and gives more flexibility.

Validity: 12 months (renewable each year)
Payment Structure: Annual fee
Cost: SAR 100,000 per year (approximately USD 26,660.65)

This option is great for professionals, business owners, and others who want a short- or medium-term stay. It also suits those who want to try living and working in Saudi Arabia before choosing permanent residency.

Qualification Criteria

To make sure applicants can truly add value to Saudi Arabia’s economy and society, the Saudi Premium Residency program has clear and strict rules. Everyone must meet these requirements before their application is reviewed:

Minimum Age Requirement

Applicants must be at least 21 years old when they apply. This rule makes sure they are legal adults who can handle their residency and responsibilities on their own.

Valid Passport

Applicants must have a valid passport that won’t expire for at least six months. This helps confirm their identity and allows smooth travel while their application is being reviewed.

Clean Criminal Record

Applicants must show they have no criminal record in their home country or where they last lived. They usually need to provide a police clearance certificate. This helps make sure only trustworthy and law-abiding people get residency.

Medical Fitness

Applicants must take a full medical check-up and prove they are in good health. This helps protect public health and shows they are fit to live and work in Saudi Arabia.

Proof of Financial Stability

Applicants must show proof that they have enough money to support themselves and their family. This can include income statements, bank records, or details of their assets. Being financially independent is important to show that they won’t rely on public support and can help the economy.

How to Apply for the Saudi Green Card

Applying for the Saudi Premium Residency (Saudi Green Card) is simple and done online. The Premium Residency Center handles the review and approval of all applications. Here are the steps to apply:

Step 1: Register on the Official Portal

First, go to the official Premium Residency website. Create your account with a valid email and a secure password. You’ll use this online portal to manage your whole application.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

After creating your account, fill out the online application form. Enter your personal, job, and financial details correctly. Make sure everything is complete and honest to avoid delays or rejection.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

You will be prompted to upload scanned copies of essential documents. These include:

Valid Passport (with at least six months of validity)
Proof of Financial Resources (bank statements, income reports, asset declarations)
Medical Certificate (issued after a recent medical examination)
Police Clearance (showing no criminal record)
Valid Health Insurance (applicable in Saudi Arabia)

All documents must be legible and up to date. Official translations may be required if documents are not in Arabic or English.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

Submit the non-refundable application fee according to your chosen residency type:

Permanent Residency: SAR 800,000 (USD 213,285 approx.)
Renewable Residency: SAR 100,000 per year (USD 26,660.65 approx.)

Secure online payment options are available through the portal.

Step 5: Wait for Application Review and Decision

After you submit your application and documents, the Premium Residency Center will carefully review them. They will check your background and make sure all the information is correct.

Processing Time: 1 to 3 months

You will receive a notification via email once a final decision is made. If approved, you will gain immediate access to all Premium Residency privileges.

Who Should Apply?

The Saudi Premium Residency Program is made for people who can bring skills, knowledge, or investment to the country. It focuses on professionals and others who help Saudi Arabia reach its Vision 2030 goals of growing and changing its economy. Here are the main groups this program is meant for:

International Investors and Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs who want to start, run, or grow a business in Saudi Arabia can benefit from the Premium Residency. They don’t need a local sponsor and can fully own their business. This gives them more control and protects their investment.

Skilled Professionals

The program welcomes qualified professionals in high-demand sectors such as:

Healthcare (e.g., doctors, surgeons, specialists)
Engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical, etc.)
Information Technology (developers, analysts, cybersecurity experts)

These individuals can live and work in Saudi Arabia without being tied to a single employer, enhancing mobility and opportunity.

Retired Expats with Stable Income

Foreign retirees with a reliable source of income and a desire to reside in Saudi Arabia long-term are also eligible. The program offers them stability, access to healthcare, and a comfortable lifestyle without the complexities of traditional sponsorship.

High-Achieving Individuals

Those who have demonstrated excellence in fields such as:

Academia
Arts and Culture
Sports and Athletics

…are encouraged to apply. These individuals help enrich the social and cultural fabric of the country and align with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to attract global talent.

Property Owners

Foreigners who own property in Saudi Arabia or want to invest in real estate are a good fit for the program. The Premium Residency lets them fully own their property, live there long-term, and use it as they wish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a local sponsor required?

No. Unlike standard residency in Saudi Arabia, Premium Residency does not require a local sponsor or employer (no Kafala system).

Can I include my family in the application?

Yes. Premium Residency holders can sponsor their spouse, children, and domestic workers. Additional fees may apply for dependents.

Can I renew my Premium Residency?

Only the 12-month residency option is renewable. The Unlimited Period Residency does not require renewal after the one-time payment.

Is Premium Residency a path to Saudi citizenship?

No. The Premium Residency does not automatically lead to Saudi citizenship. It grants long-term residence and rights but does not alter nationality status.

Conclusion

The Saudi Premium Residency, also known as the Saudi Green Card, gives foreign nationals a strong chance to settle long-term in the Kingdom. It offers freedom to live and work without a sponsor, own property and businesses, use public services, and bring family members. This program gives people a flexible and modern way to be part of Saudi Arabia’s growing economy.