🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Premium Residency
Also known as: Saudi Green Card, Saudi Premium Residency
Last verified: September 2, 2026
What is the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency?
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.
This overview is written for Indians. Fees and paperwork differ by nationality; see the comparison below.
Saudi Arabia Premium Residency requirements, cost, and processing time
| Government fee | $27,000 |
| Processing time | 12–26 weeks |
| Minimum annual income | No fixed threshold on record |
| Minimum savings | $215,000 |
| Job offer | Not required |
| Degree | Required |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Indians and Pakistanis.
Saudi Arabia Premium Residency cost and processing time by nationality
| Applicants | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Min. savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 Indians | $27,000 | 12–26 weeks | — | $215,000 |
| 🇵🇰 Pakistanis | $27,000 | 12–26 weeks | — | $215,000 |
Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.
Documents needed for the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency
- 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
This list is the checklist for Indians. Other nationalities have their own steps, linked in the table above. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.
Is the Premium Residency right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- What are the requirements for the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency?
- The requirements we have on record are: a relevant degree; savings of about $215,000. No job offer is needed. Amounts are USD equivalents verified for Indians and Pakistanis; the official source lists the full document set.
- How much does the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency cost?
- The government fee is about $27,000 (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.
- What is the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency processing time?
- Typical processing takes 12–26 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- How much savings do I need for the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency?
- Plan for savings of about $215,000 (USD equivalent).
- Do I need a job offer for the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency?
- No. The Saudi Arabia Premium Residency does not require a job offer from an employer in Saudi Arabia.
- Can family members join on the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency?
- Yes. Accompanying family members are allowed, with additional documentation.
- Does the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency lead to permanent residency?
- Yes. It offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
- Is the Saudi Green Card the same as the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency?
- Yes. Saudi Green Card and Saudi Premium Residency are other names people use for the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency.
Saudi Arabia Premium Residency guides by nationality
Other Saudi Arabia visas
Always confirm requirements with the official government source: premiumresidency.sa. This guide is general information, not legal advice.