For international buyers looking to establish a long-term presence in Saudi Arabia, purchasing property can offer more than just an investment opportunity.

Eligible non-Saudi buyers who acquire qualifying residential property in Saudi Arabia with a value of at least SAR 4 million may qualify for the Real Estate Owner Premium Residency product, provided they meet the programme’s other requirements.

This gives qualifying investors the opportunity to combine property ownership with greater residency flexibility in the Kingdom.

How Does the SAR 4 Million Property Route Work?

The Saudi Premium Residency Centre offers a specific Real Estate Owner Residency product for eligible non-Saudi property owners.

To qualify, an applicant must own or have qualifying usufruct rights over residential real estate in Saudi Arabia with a value of at least SAR 4 million.

The property must meet the applicable requirements, including being residential and not being mortgaged. The applicant must also satisfy the general Premium Residency requirements and provide the required documentation and valuation.

There Is Also an Off-Plan Route

The current rules also allow an eligible applicant to qualify through the purchase of a residential unit off-plan.

For this route:

• The total value of the residential unit must be at least SAR 4 million.
• At least SAR 1 million or 10% of the property’s value, whichever is higher, must have been paid.
• The developer must be approved by the relevant Saudi real estate authority.
• The purchase cannot be financed through real estate financing.
• The property must satisfy the other applicable requirements.

This provides an alternative for investors who are purchasing a qualifying property that has not yet been completed.

What Does Premium Residency Offer?

Premium Residency provides eligible holders with greater flexibility compared with the standard residency system.

Greater Independence

Holders can work for private-sector establishments and move between them without the traditional sponsorship restrictions, subject to Saudi labour regulations and restrictions on professions reserved for Saudis.

Family Residency

The holder can reside in Saudi Arabia with eligible family members under the Premium Residency framework. The current regulations define eligible family members and provide them with specified residency and employment-related benefits.

Travel Convenience

Premium Residency holders and eligible family members can use designated lanes for citizens when entering and leaving Saudi Arabia.

Work and Business Flexibility

Premium Residency provides greater flexibility for employment and allows eligible holders to work in private-sector establishments and move between them, subject to applicable Saudi regulations.

Property Ownership

Premium Residency holders have broader rights to own residential, commercial, and industrial property, subject to Saudi regulations and restrictions. Special rules apply to Makkah and Madinah, as well as certain restricted and border areas.

Reduced Expatriate Fees

Premium Residency holders and their families are exempt from the financial levy charged for dependents accompanying private-sector expatriate workers. They are also exempt from certain fees applicable to non-Saudis when moving between private-sector establishments.

Access to Services

Premium Residency integrates the holder into various Saudi government and digital systems, making it easier to manage everyday matters such as banking and other services.

Premium Residency Application Process

Applications are submitted digitally through the Saudi Premium Residency Centre.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Register through the Premium Residency platform and select the Real Estate Owner product.

You will then provide the required personal information and supporting documentation. Applicants must have a passport valid for at least 180 days at the time of application.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Applicants should be prepared to provide the required personal and supporting documents, which can include:

• Valid passport
• Proof of financial solvency
• Criminal record documentation
• Recent medical report
• Health insurance
• Property ownership or qualifying purchase documentation
• Property valuation and other documents required for the Real Estate Owner product

The Premium Residency Centre may request additional information or documentation during its review.

Step 3: Complete the Property Requirements

For an existing residential property, the property must meet the qualifying value of at least SAR 4 million and satisfy the applicable ownership requirements.

For an off-plan property, the purchase must meet the specific requirements, including the minimum property value and required initial payment.

Before purchasing, it is therefore important to confirm that the specific property qualifies for the Premium Residency route.

Step 4: Submit the Application

The application is submitted electronically through the Premium Residency Centre.

The Centre reviews the application and verifies the information and documents provided. The applicant may be contacted if additional clarification or documentation is required.

Step 5: Pay the Applicable Fees

For the Real Estate Owner product:

• USD 170: application processing fee
• SAR 4,000: Premium Residency fee following approval

The applicant must also provide valid medical insurance for themselves and eligible family members as required.

How Long Does the Real Estate Owner Premium Residency Last?

The Real Estate Owner Premium Residency is linked to the applicant’s period of ownership or usufruct of the qualifying property.

If the qualifying property is sold, the holder has 90 days to replace it with another qualifying real estate asset meeting the applicable requirements.

Similarly, where the residency is based on usufruct, the holder has a specified period to renew or replace the qualifying usufruct arrangement if it expires.

This means the residency should not be described as automatically permanent simply because the property is worth SAR 4 million.

What Should You Check Before Buying?

A SAR 4 million property purchase is a significant financial commitment. The Premium Residency benefit should therefore be considered alongside the property’s actual investment and lifestyle value.

Before making a purchase:

• Confirm that you are eligible for the Real Estate Owner product.
• Verify that the property meets the qualifying criteria.
• Confirm the property’s official valuation.
• Check that the property is not subject to a mortgage or other restriction that would affect eligibility.
• For off-plan purchases, confirm that the developer is approved and that the project meets all applicable Premium Residency requirements.

Premium Residency requirements, fees, and procedures are set by the relevant Saudi authorities and may change. Always verify the latest requirements and figures with the Saudi Premium Residency Centre before making a purchase or submitting an application.