Saudi Arabia is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and forward-thinking development. These are all powered by one of the strongest economies in the Middle East region. With initiatives like Vision 2030, the country is opening its doors to more internationals, young and old. This is especially attractive to prospective immigrants wanting Permanent Residency in Saudi Arabia and other visa options.
Suppose you’ve already entered the Kingdom of Saudi on a work visa, student visa, or other residency pathways. In that case, you may want to take the next step to get permanent residency in Saudi Arabia. In recent years, the Saudi government has introduced several immigrant-friendly permanent residency and visa options. These options, such as the Green Card and the Highly skilled workers, have opened doors for investors, professionals, and retirees eager to settle in the country long-term. These programs are designed to help foreigners integrate seamlessly while enjoying residency benefits.
What's Permanent Residency in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia's permanent residency permit is a legal document that grants foreign nationals the right to live and work in the country indefinitely. It eliminates the hassle of visa renewals and ensures stability for foreign workers and their families. The permit is typically granted after years of continuous legal residence in the kingdom.
Applicants must demonstrate compliance with residency rules even if they have a slender hope of qualifying. With the number of foreigners vying for residency, the document and its process have become competitive.
What's Permanent Resident Status in Saudi Arabia?
Permanent resident status in Saudi Arabia allows foreign nationals to live, work, and enjoy the various benefits of residency without needing a local sponsor. It was introduced under the Premium Residency Program (Saudi Green Card) as part of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to modernize the economy and attract global talent. This status provides expatriates with an opportunity for greater independence and integration into Saudi society.
The permanent residency status eliminates the constraints of the Kafala system, providing expatriates with greater independence in the Kingdom. Its introduction was perhaps the most significant leap forward in Saudi immigration policy.
How to get Permanent Residency in Saudi Arabia
Acquiring a Permanent Residency in Saudi Arabia is related to the different pathways and options available to immigrants. That is to say, how you get the permanent residency depends on the pathway/option you choose. Let's begin by looking at some of the types of permanent residency in Saudi Arabia:
1. Premium Residency (Saudi Green Card)
Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency visa program provides a unique pathway to permanent residency without requiring a local sponsor. It offers two options: a renewable annual residency or a lifetime permit for a one-time fee. This residency allows expatriates to enjoy benefits such as property ownership, starting businesses, and sponsoring family members. It is also unlike traditional Saudi Arabian residency, which is tied to specific employment.
How To Get Saudi Arabia Premium Residency
- Applicants must demonstrate financial solvency. The one-time payment is SAR 800,000 for lifetime residency or SAR 100,000 annually for renewable residency.
- A valid passport, a clean criminal record, and proof of lawful residency in Saudi Arabia are required.
- Submission of a recent medical report confirming good health is mandatory.
- Applicants must provide evidence of compliance with Saudi laws and regulations.
- Supporting documentation, including proof of income and assets, must be submitted.
2. Investor Residency
The Investor/Entrepreneur Residency program is tailored to attract foreign entrepreneurs and business owners looking for significant investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia. Applicants must meet specific capital requirements set by the Ministry of Investment and focus on key private sectors such as renewable energy, technology, healthcare, or tourism. These areas align with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of diversifying Saudi's economic activities. The residency permits real estate ownership and establishing businesses in the Kingdom, bypassing the need for a local sponsor. The program also allows investors to sponsor their families, giving them access to Saudi healthcare, education, and other social benefits.
How to Get Saudi Arabia Investor Residency
- It requires a minimum investment in approved sectors, such as technology, healthcare, or tourism, aligned with Vision 2030.
- Submission of a detailed business plan outlining the investment's viability and economic impact.
- Provide proof of funds and financial stability to sustain foreign investment over time.
- Registration of the business with the Saudi Ministry of Investment.
- Compliance with tax regulations and annual reporting of business performance.
3. Highly Skilled Professionals Residency
Saudi Arabia actively encourages highly skilled professionals in critical fields such as technology, healthcare, engineering, and education to apply for residency. Residency permits under this program are renewable. And any extensions are contingent on continued employment and legal compliance. Skilled professionals can bring their families to Saudi Arabia, ensuring access to healthcare, education, and social benefits. Over time, professionals who demonstrate consistent contributions may qualify for permanent residency. This program offers career growth opportunities, financial stability, and the chance to integrate into a rapidly developing society.
How to Get Saudi Arabia Highly Skilled Professional Residency
- Applicants must possess advanced qualifications, such as master’s degrees or professional certifications.
- Substantial experience in high-demand fields, such as engineering, healthcare, or information technology, is required.
- A confirmed job offer from a Saudi employer, with a valid employment contract, is necessary.
- Registration with Saudi tax authorities and the social security system is mandatory.
- Proof of meeting job-specific requirements set by Saudi labor regulations must be submitted.
4. Retiree Residency
Retirees can apply for this Saudi residency option if they meet financial and health criteria. This option attracts older immigrants seeking a peaceful and culturally rich environment. The retiree residency permits holders to live in the Kingdom without needing employment or investment. Initial permits are renewable, allowing retirees to transition to permanent residency after several years of compliance with local laws. This pathway is ideal for retirees who value Saudi Arabia’s warm climate, vibrant culture, and modern amenities. Retirees can explore the Kingdom’s diverse heritage, from historical landmarks to luxury leisure facilities. Additionally, residency provides access to high-quality healthcare and a stable living environment.
How to Get Saudi Arabia Retiree Residency
- To cover living expenses, applicants must provide proof of stable income, such as pensions or investment returns.
- Submission of recent bank statements and income verification is required.
- Private health insurance covering Saudi Arabia is mandatory.
- Applicants must prove financial independence without relying on local employment.
- Documentation verifying lawful entry and residence in Saudi Arabia is necessary.
5. Residency for Dependents
Dependents of Saudi citizens or legal residents can apply for residency under the family reunification program, ensuring they can live together in the Kingdom. Eligible dependents include spouses, children, and, in some cases, elderly parents. Dependents are gifted residency permits, renewable based on the sponsor’s status and compliance with Saudi laws. While dependents are not required to work, they may pursue educational or professional opportunities if eligible. Family reunification is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s residency policies, offering security and continuity for expatriate families.
How to Get Saudi Arabia Residency for Dependents
- Requires proof of relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates, to the primary resident or citizen.
- The sponsor must provide evidence of financial capacity to support dependents.
- Submission of valid passports and health certificates for dependents is mandatory.
- Dependents must comply with Saudi health and legal requirements.
- All applications must be submitted through the sponsor's residency or citizenship documentation.
6. Long-Term Residency Through Employment
Long-term residency in Saudi Arabia is achievable for expatriates who maintain consistent legal employment and contribute to the Kingdom’s economy. This pathway is typically tied to the Kafala system, where a Saudi employer sponsors the worker’s fixed-term residency permit. Over time, expatriates who demonstrate a stable work history, compliance with local laws, and positive contributions to their industry may become eligible for permanent residency. This pathway particularly appeals to professionals in sectors aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, such as technology, construction, and education. Long-term employment-based residency is viable for those seeking career growth and security.
How to Get Saudi Arabia Long-Term Residency through Employment
- Applicants must secure a job offer with a Saudi employer acting as their sponsor.
- A valid work contract and employer-issued residency sponsorship documents are required.
- Compliance with Saudi labor laws and regulations is mandatory.
- Regular renewal of residency permits, contingent on continued employment, is necessary.
- Proof of lawful entry and adherence to local tax and social security requirements is also required.
How to Apply for Saudi Arabia Permanent Residency
Applying for permanent residency in Saudi Arabia involves several steps and careful preparation. Here's how to navigate the process:
Confirm Your Eligibility
Determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for any of the Residency programs. Every type of residency, like the Saudi Green Card, requires financial solvency, a clean criminal record, and good health. Lifetime residency involves a fee of SAR 800,000, while renewable residency is SAR 100,000 annually. Also, ensure lawful entry into Saudi Arabia and comply with all regulatory requirements.
Gather Required Documents
Collect essential documents, including a valid passport, proof of financial resources, a recent medical report confirming good health, and a clean criminal record. Additional documents, such as proof of lawful residency or income statements, may be required, depending on your circumstances.
Submit Your Application
Submit your application online via the Saudi Premium Residency portal. Carefully complete the forms, ensuring all information is accurate and up to date. Upload all necessary documents and pay the relevant application fees for your selected residency type.
Attend Verification Procedures
After submitting your application, attend a verification process if requested. This may involve presenting original documents or undergoing further health and security checks to confirm compliance with the program's requirements.
Await Review and Approval
The Saudi authorities will review your application and verify your compliance with the program's eligibility criteria. This process may take several weeks to months. You may be contacted to provide additional documentation or clarifications during this time.
Receive Your Residency Permit
Once approved, you will be issued your Residency Permit. Lifetime residents receive a permanent card, while renewable residents must renew annually. This permit grants rights to live, work, and own property in Saudi Arabia without a sponsor.
What happens if your Saudi Permanent Residency Permit Expires?
Should your Saudi permanent resident permit expire, you would lose your legal residency status, making your stay in the country unlawful. This can result in fines, which increase based on the length of your overstay, as there is no unlimited duration. Expiration also restricts access to essential healthcare, banking, and employment services. This is because a wide range of Saudi employers are prohibited from hiring individuals without valid permits.
Moreover, staying without legal documentation could result in detention or permanent bans on re-entering Saudi Arabia. Authorities closely monitor residency compliance, and consequences escalate with repeated offenses. Tracking the permit’s expiration date and initiating renewal well in advance is essential to avoid these challenges.
If it expires, you must contact Saudi immigration authorities quickly to resolve the issue. Failure to do so could result in permanent consequences, including deportation or legal penalties, that could affect your ability to live, work, or return to Saudi Arabia.
How To Renew Your Permanent Residency Permit in Saudi Arabia
Renewing your Saudi permanent residency permit requires careful attention to detail and compliance with the regulations. Timely renewal ensures uninterrupted legal residency and avoids fines or penalties. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
Check Permit Expiry Date
Log in to your Absher account (the official government portal) to confirm the expiration date of your residency permit. Then, ensure you initiate the renewal process well before the expiry date.
Pay Renewal Fees
Determine the renewal fees applicable to your residency type. You can pay through online banking platforms linked to the Ministry of Interior system. Keep the payment receipt as proof.
Gather Required Documents
Prepare the necessary documents, including a valid passport, proof of payment, a recent photograph, and updated Saudi Arabia health insurance.
Update Information
Ensure your personal and residency details on the Absher portal are accurate. Any discrepancies may delay the process.
Medical Check (if required)
If a medical test is needed (for retirees), visit an authorized clinic for a health screening. Submit the results online via the approved system.
Submit Renewal Application
Log in to your Absher account, select the residency renewal option, and complete the online application form. Upload the required documents and ensure all information is accurate.
Receive Confirmation
After submitting and paying the application fee, monitor the Absher portal or email for approval confirmation. This may take a few days.
Collect Updated Permit
Once approved, your updated residency permit will be issued. You may collect it from the relevant office or receive it via the mail service specified during the application process.
