Investor Residency

Saudi Arabia's Investor Residency is a permanent residency product under the country's Premium Residency system, enabling foreign nationals who invest a minimum of SAR 7,000,000 in the Kingdom to live, work, and conduct business without a local sponsor. Introduced in January 2024 under Royal Decree No. M/84, the program is administered by the Premium Residency Center (PRC) and forms part of Saudi Vision 2030's strategy to attract foreign investment and diversify the economy. Unlike the traditional kafala (sponsorship) system, the Investor Residency gives holders full freedom to manage their business affairs, change employment, and travel without restriction.

• Hold a valid investment license issued by the Ministry of Investment (MISA)
• Inject a minimum of SAR 7,000,000 in actual capital within the first two years
• Create a minimum of 10 jobs within the first two years
• Valid passport, clean criminal record, and medical clearance
• Valid health insurance covering Saudi Arabia
• 12 months of bank statements as proof of financial stability

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Valid MISA investment license
• Commercial registration showing applicant ownership
• Memorandum of association demonstrating minimum SAR 7,000,000 in applicant capital
• Audited financial statements confirming investment value
• Shareholder register
• Proof of source of funds
• Criminal record certificate
• Medical report (issued within 6 months) confirming absence of communicable diseases
• 12-month bank statements
• Passport-sized photographs

All non-Arabic documents require certified translation and attestation.

The Investor Residency grants permanent residency with no renewal requirement, provided the holder maintains compliance with investment conditions. Residency may be cancelled upon criminal conviction (imprisonment of 60+ days or a fine of SAR 100,000+), submission of false application information, a court deportation order, or voluntary relinquishment. The 2024 amendments removed an earlier provision that explicitly barred Premium Residency holders from pursuing Saudi citizenship.

Holders may work freely in the private sector and change employers without requiring sponsor consent. They may establish and manage multiple businesses under the Foreign Investment Law. There is no restriction by sector or employer. Holders may own real estate throughout Saudi Arabia except in Makkah and Madinah, where 99-year usufruct rights are available instead.

Spouse(s), children under 25, parents, children with special needs (regardless of age), and unmarried daughters over 25 may be included as dependants at no additional cost. Family members enjoy the same benefits as the primary holder, including visa-free entry and exit, exemption from expatriate levies, and the right to work in the private sector.

Saudi Arabia does not levy personal income tax on individuals. Holders who have a permanent place of residence in Saudi Arabia and reside for at least 30 days in a taxable year, or who reside for 183+ days, are considered tax residents for zakat and tax purposes. Corporate income tax of 20% applies to non-GCC-owned businesses; Zakat of 2.5% applies to GCC-owned businesses. VAT is charged at 15%.

1. Obtain a MISA investment license. The license must reflect the required minimum capital investment.
2. Apply via the PRC portal. Create an account at pr.gov.sa, complete the application form, upload all required documents, and pay the applicable fees. An eligibility checker is available before full submission.
3. Review and approval. The Premium Residency Center reviews the application. Processing typically takes 30–90 days. Upon approval, biometric registration and identity documentation follow.

Holders receive a Premium Residency permit granting entry to Saudi Arabia. They must then complete biometric registration and may proceed to manage their investment under the Foreign Investment Law.