Gifted Premium Residency

The Gifted Premium Residency is a fixed-term residency product under Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency system, designed for individuals with outstanding achievements in sports, culture, and the arts. Introduced in January 2024 under Royal Decree No. M/84 as one of five new category-based Premium Residency products, it allows eligible foreign nationals to reside in Saudi Arabia without a local sponsor, based solely on merit and endorsement from the Ministry of Culture or Ministry of Sports. The program reflects Saudi Vision 2030's ambition to position the Kingdom as a global centre of cultural and sporting excellence.

Applicants must fall into one of two categories:

• Category 1: Recipients of or nominees for an exceptional award approved by the Ministry of Culture or Ministry of Sports
• Category 2: Individuals meeting ministry-defined eligibility criteria, which may include national or regional achievements and recognition within their professional community

All applicants must also demonstrate minimum financial capability to support themselves in Saudi Arabia (evidenced by 12 months of bank statements), hold a clean criminal record, and maintain valid cooperative health insurance.

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity) for applicant and all dependants
• Recent passport-sized colour photographs (within 6 months, white background)
• 12 months of bank statements demonstrating financial capability
• Criminal record certificate from home country
• Medical report (issued within 6 months) confirming absence of contagious diseases
• Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Culture or Ministry of Sports
• Evidence of exceptional awards, nominations, or professional achievements in sports, culture, or arts
• Documentation of media coverage or other evidence of recognised excellence

The residency is granted for 5 years and is renewable once for an additional 5-year term, provided the holder continues to meet all eligibility criteria and has resided in Saudi Arabia for at least 30 months during the initial period (consecutive or non-consecutive). After satisfying the 30-month physical presence requirement, holders may apply to convert to permanent Premium Residency with endorsement from the relevant ministry.

Spouse, unmarried children under 25, special-needs children of any age, unmarried daughters over 25, and parents of the main holder may all be included under the same application at no extra cost. Family members enjoy equivalent residency rights, including the right to work in the private sector, own property, and travel freely without exit-reentry visas. All are exempt from expatriate and dependent fees.

Saudi Arabia does not levy personal income tax on individuals' salaries or wages. Premium Residency holders and their family members are exempt from expatriate fees. Standard tax residency rules apply for other tax purposes. Holders remain subject to VAT (15%) and real estate transaction taxes where applicable.

1. Apply online at pr.gov.sa. Create an account on the Premium Residency Center portal, complete the application form with personal and background details, and upload all required documents.
2. Ministry coordination. The Premium Residency Center coordinates with the Ministry of Culture or Ministry of Sports to obtain the required recommendation letter on behalf of the applicant.
3. Pay fees. The government fee is SAR 4,000 (approximately USD 1,067), plus a non-refundable USD 170 processing fee. All family members are covered under the single fee.
4. Biometric appointment and approval. A biometric appointment may be required after submission. Upon approval, payment must be completed within 30 days. The holder then receives their Premium Residency permit and can reside in Saudi Arabia.

Processing typically takes 30–90 days for a complete application. Holders and family members may enter and exit Saudi Arabia freely without requiring exit-reentry visas and may use dedicated lanes for Saudi nationals at ports of entry.