Category 1 (early-stage): minimum SAR 400,000 (~USD 107,000) investment from an accredited entity. Category 2 (high-impact): minimum SAR 15,000,000 (~USD 4,000,000) from an accredited entity, granting permanent residency.
⏱️ Duration
Category 1: 5 years, renewable once for another 5 years (requires 30 months of Saudi residence during the initial period). Category 2: permanent residency, conditional on creating at least 10 jobs in year one and 10 more in year two.
👪 Dependants
Yes
Spouse, children under 25, and parents may be included under the same Premium Residency. Family members enjoy equivalent benefits including the right to work in the private sector, own property, and travel freely. All are exempt from the annual expatriate dependent levy.
🛂 Citizenship Path
No direct pathway
Category 1 provides fixed-term (5-year) residency, renewable once. Category 2 provides direct permanent residency. The 2024 amendments deleted the previous provision stating that Premium Residency does not confer eligibility for Saudi citizenship.
Saudi Arabia's Entrepreneur Residency is a specialised product under the country's Premium Residency system, targeting foreign startup founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who want to establish and develop ventures in the Kingdom. Introduced by Royal Decree No. M/84 in January 2024 as one of five specialised products added to the Premium Residency framework — which now comprises seven products in total — it operates under two tracks: an early-stage track for startups with at least SAR 400,000 in investment (Category 1, granting 5-year residency) and a high-impact track for ventures with SAR 15,000,000 or more in investment (Category 2, granting permanent residency). The program is administered by the Premium Residency Center (PRC) and requires no local sponsor — holders are self-sponsored. It is part of Saudi Vision 2030's push to position the Kingdom as a global hub for innovation.
Requirements
Hold an entrepreneur licence from the Ministry of Investment (MISA)
Have secured investment from a venture capital fund, incubator, accelerator, or other entity accredited by the Premium Residency Center
Category 1: minimum SAR 400,000 in investment; minimum 20% ownership stake in the startup
Category 2: minimum SAR 15,000,000 in investment; minimum 10% ownership stake; must create at least 10 direct permanent jobs in year one and 10 more in year two
Recommendation letter from the investing entity
Valid passport, clean criminal record, and financial solvency
Comprehensive health insurance covering Saudi Arabia
Required Documents
Valid passport (minimum 180 days remaining validity)
Recommendation letter from accredited investment entity
Proof of investment amount and company ownership stake
Certified proof of financial solvency (bank statements, company financial records)
Criminal clearance certificate
Medical report confirming absence of contagious diseases (issued within 6 months)
Duration & Renewal
Category 1 provides 5-year residency, renewable once for an additional 5 years, provided the holder maintains the minimum 20% ownership stake, meets investment conditions, and has resided in Saudi Arabia for at least 30 months during the initial period. Category 2 grants permanent residency, conditional on meeting the job creation targets within the first two years.
Business Requirements
Startup companies under Category 1 are exempt from the Nitaqat (Saudisation) labour quota system for their first three years of operation, after which standard localisation requirements apply. Category 2 companies must create at least 10 direct permanent jobs in year one and 10 additional jobs in year two. Entrepreneur Residency holders may nominate two of their staff members for Special Talent Residency, exempt from the standard eligibility criteria.
Family Members
Spouse, children under 25, and parents may be included under the same Premium Residency at no additional cost. Family members enjoy equivalent residency rights, including freedom to work in the private sector, own property, and enter and exit Saudi Arabia without exit-reentry visas. All family members are exempt from the expatriate dependent levy.
Tax Implications
Saudi Arabia does not impose personal income tax on individuals. Business income from a registered entity may be subject to corporate income tax (20% for non-GCC-owned businesses) or Zakat (2.5% for GCC-owned businesses). VAT applies at 15%. Standard tax residency rules apply: an individual is considered a tax resident if they have a permanent place of residence in Saudi Arabia and reside for at least 30 days in a taxable year, or reside for at least 183 days in a taxable year.
Application Process
Obtain an entrepreneur licence from MISA. This requires a support letter from a recognised incubator, accelerator, venture capital fund, or university partner accredited by MISA.
Apply via the PRC portal. Create an account at pr.gov.sa, select the Entrepreneur Residency product, complete the application form, upload required documents, and pay the SAR 4,000 government fee plus a non-refundable USD 170 processing fee.
Review and approval. An account manager reviews the application. Upon approval, the holder must present proof of comprehensive health insurance and complete medical screening before the residency card is issued.
Processing typically takes 1–3 months for well-prepared applications. Holders may enter Saudi Arabia without a separate entry visa upon approval.