Saudi Arabia Premium Residency (Skilled Professional) for Indians
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Overview
Saudi Arabia's sponsor-free long-term residency, often called the Saudi Green Card. The skilled-professional track requires a bachelor's degree or higher, three or more years of relevant experience, and a recommendation from an approved Saudi entity, targeting executive leadership, healthcare, science and research. Note the 2026 rule change: Premium Residency alone no longer authorises employment, so you must obtain a separate work permit before starting any job. Temporary permits start around SAR 100,000 and the permanent permit is SAR 800,000. It lets you sponsor your own family, run businesses, open bank accounts and buy property outside the restricted zones near the holy sites.
Requirements for Indians
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | $215,000 |
| Job offer required | No |
| Degree required | Yes |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 12–26 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $27,000. Difficulty: 5/5.
Documents you'll need
- Confirm you meet the skilled-professional criteria
- Obtain an employer recommendation from an approved Saudi entity
- Attest degree, professional licence and experience letters
- Assemble financial-standing evidence
- Submit the application on the Premium Residency Centre portal
- Pay the residency fee once approved
- Apply for a separate work permit before starting work
- Sponsor family and register with the Indian Embassy
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency (Skilled Professional) take for Indians?
- Typical processing time is 12–26 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Premium Residency (Skilled Professional) cost?
- The government fee is approximately $27,000. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Indians need a job offer for the Premium Residency (Skilled Professional)?
- No. The Premium Residency (Skilled Professional) does not require a job offer from a Saudi Arabia employer.
- Can I bring my family on the Premium Residency (Skilled Professional)?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
Other Saudi Arabia visas for Indians
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Saudi Arabia visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.