Saudi Arabia launched its Premium Residency (the ‘Iqama’ replacement for HNW expats) in 2019 and significantly expanded it under Vision 2030. The country is now actively recruiting talent for NEOM, Riyadh’s downtown rebuild, and the Red Sea tourism corridor. Premium Residency gives non-Saudis the rights typically reserved for Saudi citizens — own businesses, real estate, sponsor family — without needing a Saudi employer sponsor.
Last verified: May 26, 2026.
Premium Residency overview
- Permanent option: SAR 800,000 one-time (~$213,000) — lifetime residency
- Annual option: SAR 100,000/year (~$26,600) — renewable
- Tax: 0% personal income tax
- Rights: own businesses 100% (no Saudi sponsor needed), own real estate, sponsor family
- Doesn’t include: citizenship path (Saudi citizenship is extremely restrictive)
- Application: via Saudi Premium Residency Centre (online portal)
Why Saudi Arabia matters now
Vision 2030 is funding $1+ trillion in projects — NEOM, The Line, Red Sea tourism, Riyadh’s downtown rebuild, Diriyah Gate. The country is hiring foreign talent across construction, hospitality, tech, healthcare, finance. Premium Residency lets you base in Riyadh, Jeddah, or smaller cities while accessing this opportunity. Caveat: Saudi is more conservative than UAE/Bahrain — alcohol is illegal, public dress codes apply, gender mixing in some venues is limited. Recent reforms (women driving, entertainment opening, religious tourism) signal liberalization but the baseline is more restricted.
Cost of living — Riyadh + Jeddah 2026
- 1-bed Riyadh DQ/Al Olaya: SAR 3,500-5,500/month (~$930-1,465)
- 1-bed Jeddah corniche: SAR 2,800-4,500/month (~$745-1,200)
- Groceries: SAR 1,500-2,500/month
- Petrol: SAR 2.18/litre (~$0.58)
- Restaurant mid-range: SAR 50-120 per person
- International school (1 child): SAR 40,000-100,000/year
- Couple comfortable monthly: SAR 14,000-22,000 (~$3,700-5,850)
FAQ
Can I drink alcohol in Saudi?
Not legally. Alcohol remains prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Expat compounds historically had informal access, but enforcement varies. Don’t plan a Saudi residency expecting alcohol legality — that fundamental rule hasn’t changed in 2026.
How does Premium Residency compare to UAE Golden Visa?
UAE Golden Visa: $545K property + 10-year visa. Saudi Permanent: $213K cash + lifetime visa. Saudi is HALF the cost for PERMANENT vs UAE’s 10-year. But UAE has more amenities + alcohol legality + larger expat scene.
Path to citizenship?
Effectively none for non-Arabs. Saudi citizenship is granted by Royal Decree, extremely rare. Premium Residency is for indefinite stay, not naturalization.
Related: UAE Virtual Working Programme · Bahrain Golden Visa · visa comparison.
✓ Last verified: May 26, 2026.