Saudi Green Card 2026: How to Get Saudi Premium Residency

Last updated: Apr 29, 2026

Table of Contents

What is Saudi premium residency?

Saudi premium residency, often called the Saudi green card is a long-term residence permit that lets expatriates live, work, own property, and run businesses in Saudi Arabia without needing a sponsor. Launched by the Saudi Premium Residency Center (SAPRC), the program has expanded significantly and now offers seven distinct residency products.

Unlike a standard Iqama, premium residency removes the employer-sponsorship requirement and gives holders freedom to switch jobs, travel without exit/re-entry visas, and sponsor family members.

It is important to note that premium residency is not citizenship. Holders do not receive a Saudi passport or voting rights.

Premium residency categories in 2026

Saudi Arabia introduced five category-based residency tracks alongside the original two products. The seven current options are:

Product	Duration	Fee	Who it’s for
Permanent (SP1)	Lifetime	SAR 800,000 (one-time)	Anyone meeting financial requirements
Annual (SP2)	1 year (renewable)	SAR 100,000/year	Anyone meeting financial requirements
Special Talent	Up to 5 years	SAR 4,000	Executives, healthcare and scientific professionals
Gifted	Up to 5 years	SAR 4,000	Professionals in culture, arts, and sports
Investor	Up to 5 years	SAR 4,000	Individuals meeting capital investment thresholds
Entrepreneur	Up to 5 years	SAR 4,000	Business founders and startup operators
Real Estate Owner	Renewable (tied to ownership)	SAR 4,000	Owners of property worth SAR 4 million+

The five category-based tracks (Special Talent through Real Estate Owner) each cost SAR 4,000 — a fraction of the SP1 and SP2 fees. An additional SAPRC processing fee of approximately USD 170 applies to all initial applications.

Category-based residencies are valid for up to 5 years and can be renewed once, with an option to upgrade to permanent status after 30 months of residence.

Real estate ownership route

Starting January 2026, foreigners can purchase residential property in most Saudi cities — including Riyadh and Jeddah — ending a decades-old ban. Property in Makkah and Madinah remains restricted, though 99-year leases are available in both holy cities.

To qualify for the Real Estate Owner residency track, the property must be:

Residential and fully developed (not undeveloped land)
Worth at least SAR 4,000,000 (approximately USD 1,070,000)
Mortgage-free
Appraised by a TAQEEM-accredited valuer

This residency stays valid as long as you hold the qualifying property.

Saudi green card benefits

Premium residency holders enjoy a wide range of privileges that go beyond what a standard Iqama offers:

Live and work in Saudi Arabia without a sponsor
Switch jobs freely in the private sector — no sponsorship transfer required
Exit and re-enter Saudi Arabia without an exit/re-entry visa (applies to the holder and family members)
Sponsor family members, including spouses, children under 25, and parents
Exemption from dependent and companion fees
Purchase residential, commercial, or industrial property in all cities except Makkah and Madinah (99-year leases available there)
Employ up to 4 domestic workers fee-free — the same entitlement as Saudi citizens. Each additional worker costs SR 9,600 per year
Use immigration counters reserved for Saudi nationals
Apply for family visit visas and domestic worker visas
Conduct business activities with a SAGIA license

Family members (spouse, children, and dependents) also gain the right to work in the private sector and move between employers.

How to apply for Saudi premium residency

All applications go through the SAPRC’s online portal. Here is the step-by-step process:

Visit the Saudi Premium Residency Center website.
Click “Register Now” and create an account with your personal details, passport information, and contact details. Verify your email and phone number.
Log in and select “Request Premium Residency.”
Choose your residency product (Permanent, Annual, or one of the five category-based tracks).
Complete the application, which covers:
- Personal, passport, and address information
- Spouse, children, and parents’ details
- Education and occupation history
- Financial solvency documentation
- Travel and visa history
Pay the application fee and submit.

Processing typically takes 60 to 90 business days. After approval, the premium residency card is issued within 2 to 4 weeks.

Required documents

Prepare these documents before starting your application:

Valid passport with at least 6 months’ remaining validity
Saudi Iqama number (if currently or previously residing in Saudi Arabia on an Iqama)
Bank statements for the past 2 years
Proof of current address (National Address Registration)
Recent salary slip stamped by the Chamber of Commerce
Passport copies for the applicant and all family members
Personal photographs of the applicant and family
Copies of all Saudi visas stamped in the applicant’s passport over the past 15 years

Category-specific tracks may require additional documentation, such as proof of investment, property valuation reports, or professional credentials. Check the SAPRC portal for the full list for your chosen category.

Frequently asked questions

Is Saudi premium residency the same as Saudi citizenship?

No. Premium residency grants long-term residency rights — including the ability to work, own property, and sponsor family — but it does not confer Saudi citizenship, a Saudi passport, or voting rights.

How much does Saudi premium residency cost?

As of 2026, permanent residency (SP1) costs SAR 800,000 as a one-time payment. Annual residency (SP2) costs SAR 100,000 per year. The five category-based tracks (Special Talent, Gifted, Investor, Entrepreneur, Real Estate Owner) each cost SAR 4,000 for up to 5 years.

Can I buy property in Saudi Arabia with premium residency?

Yes. Premium residency holders can purchase residential, commercial, and industrial property across Saudi Arabia. As of January 2026, foreigners can buy property in most cities including Riyadh and Jeddah. Property in Makkah and Madinah is restricted, but 99-year leases are available.

What is the difference between premium residency and an Iqama?

An Iqama ties your residency to an employer-sponsor. Premium residency is self-sponsored — you can switch jobs, start a business, and travel freely without depending on an employer. Premium residency holders are also exempt from dependent fees and can use Saudi-only immigration lanes.

Can I bring my family on a premium residency?

Yes. You can sponsor your spouse, children under 25, and parents. Family members can also work in the private sector and move between employers without a sponsorship transfer.

How long does the application take?

The review process typically takes 60 to 90 business days. After approval, the residency card is issued within 2 to 4 weeks.

Sources

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