Islamabad, Aug 8, 2025: Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency program is witnessing record interest, with more than 40,000 applications submitted between January 2024 and July 2025. The initiative, aimed at attracting top global talent, investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals, enables residents to live and work in the Kingdom without a local sponsor.
Data from the official Premium Residency platform shows that 40,163 applications were received from both Saudi and international candidates during this period. In 2024 alone, 8,074 Premium Residency permits were granted, with the “exceptional competence” category leading the approvals at 5,578 permits. Other permits were issued under talent, real estate ownership, entrepreneurship, and investment categories.
Earlier in 2024, the Kingdom expanded the scheme from two to seven categories, including exceptional competence, talent, investor, entrepreneur, real estate owner, and both limited and unlimited duration residency. This expansion aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to fostering innovation, attracting capital, and becoming a global hub for business and talent.
Holders of the Saudi Premium Residency visa enjoy a wide range of benefits, such as property ownership rights, visa-free travel, exemption from expat levies, and the ability to secure permanent or renewable residency for themselves and their families. They can also obtain usufruct rights to property in Mecca and Medina for up to 99 years and access citizen-only airport lanes.
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The sharp rise in applications highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing global appeal as an investment and lifestyle destination. By offering a stable and attractive environment for professionals and entrepreneurs, the Premium Residency program is emerging as a key driver in boosting the Kingdom’s competitiveness on the world stage.
