Entrepreneur Residency

Saudi Arabia's Entrepreneur Residency is a specialised product under the country's Premium Residency system, targeting foreign startup founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who want to establish and develop ventures in the Kingdom. Introduced by Royal Decree No. M/84 in January 2024 as part of a broader overhaul of the Premium Residency framework, it operates under two tracks: an early-stage track for startups with at least SAR 400,000 in investment (Category 1, granting 5-year residency) and a high-impact track for ventures with SAR 15,000,000 or more in investment (Category 2, granting permanent residency). The program is administered by the Premium Residency Center (PRC) and requires no local sponsor — holders are self-sponsored. It is part of Saudi Vision 2030's push to position the Kingdom as a global hub for innovation.

• Hold an entrepreneur licence from the Ministry of Investment (MISA)
• Have secured investment from a venture capital fund, incubator, accelerator, or other entity accredited by the Premium Residency Center
• Category 1: minimum SAR 400,000 in investment; minimum 20% ownership stake in the startup
• Category 2: minimum SAR 15,000,000 in investment; minimum 10% ownership stake; must create at least 10 direct permanent jobs in year one and 10 more in year two
• Recommendation letter from the investing entity
• Valid passport, clean criminal record, and financial solvency
• Comprehensive health insurance covering Saudi Arabia

• Valid passport (minimum 180 days remaining validity)
• Recent passport-sized photographs (white background)
• MISA entrepreneur licence
• Recommendation letter from accredited investment entity
• Proof of investment amount and company ownership stake
• Certified proof of financial solvency (bank statements, company financial records)
• Criminal clearance certificate
• Medical report confirming absence of contagious diseases (issued within 6 months)

Category 1 provides 5-year residency, renewable once for an additional 5 years, provided the holder maintains the minimum 20% ownership stake, meets investment conditions, and has resided in Saudi Arabia for at least 30 months during the initial period. Category 2 grants permanent residency, conditional on meeting the job creation targets within the first two years.

Startup companies under Category 1 are exempt from the Nitaqat (Saudisation) labour quota system for their first three years of operation, after which standard localisation requirements apply. Category 2 companies must create at least 10 direct permanent jobs in year one and 10 additional jobs in year two. Entrepreneur Residency holders may nominate two of their staff members for Special Talent Residency, exempt from the standard eligibility criteria.

Spouse, children under 25, and parents may be included under the same Premium Residency at no additional cost. Family members enjoy equivalent residency rights, including freedom to work in the private sector, own property, and enter and exit Saudi Arabia without exit-reentry visas. All family members are exempt from the expatriate dependent levy.

Saudi Arabia does not impose personal income tax on individuals. Business income from a registered entity may be subject to corporate income tax (20% for non-GCC-owned businesses) or Zakat (2.5% for GCC-owned businesses). VAT applies at 15%. Standard tax residency rules apply: an individual is considered a tax resident if they have a permanent place of residence in Saudi Arabia and reside for at least 30 days in a taxable year, or reside for at least 183 days in a taxable year.

1. Obtain an entrepreneur licence from MISA. This requires a support letter from a recognised incubator, accelerator, venture capital fund, or university partner accredited by MISA.
2. Apply via the PRC portal. Create an account at pr.gov.sa, select the Entrepreneur Residency product, complete the application form, upload required documents, and pay the SAR 4,000 government fee plus a non-refundable USD 170 processing fee.
3. Review and approval. An account manager reviews the application. Upon approval, the holder must present proof of comprehensive health insurance and complete medical screening before the residency card is issued.

Processing typically takes 1–3 months for well-prepared applications. Holders may enter Saudi Arabia without a separate entry visa upon approval.