SAUDI EXPATRIATES

Between January 2024 and July 2025, over 40,163 people from inside and outside Saudi Arabia applied for Premium Residency. This shows that more people are interested in living and working in the Kingdom.

In 2024, Saudi Arabia gave out 8,074 Premium Residency permits. Most of them (5,578) went to people with exceptional skills, followed by talented professionals (348). Others got permits through investing in real estate, starting businesses, or making other investments. Trending: New identity revealed for 95th Saudi National Day

At the start of 2024, the government expanded the program from 2 to 7 types of premium residency. The categories now include

🔹 Exceptional skills

🔹 Talent

🔹 Business investor

🔹 Entrepreneur

🔹 Real estate owner

🔹 Limited-time residency

🔹 Permanent residency

People with Premium Residency do not need a sponsor and get many benefits, such as:

✅ Living in Saudi Arabia with their families.

✅ They are able to enter and exit without the need for a visa.

✅ No expat levy fees.

✅ Owning property and cars. See Also: New Law for foreigners owning property in Saudi Arabia

✅ Starting businesses and working in private companies.

✅ Hiring household workers.

✅ Bringing family members to visit.

✅ Using special airport lanes.

✅ Living in Makkah and Madinah for up to 99 years through special rights.

The rise in applications shows that Saudi Arabia is becoming a popular place for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors. The program is part of Saudi Arabia’s plan to grow its economy and become more competitive around the world. Recommend: Saudi Arabia returns to two-term academic calendars in schools