Saudi Arabia's long-term residency programme is often called a "Golden Visa" by investors comparing it to schemes elsewhere in the Gulf. Here's what it actually grants, what it costs, and how it relates to — and differs from — buying property under the standard foreign ownership law.
Sourced from official Saudi government guidance · Cross-checked against SAKK.AI's tracked KB anchors, verified 20 June 2026
Premium Residency is a one-time SAR 800,000 fee for a long-term residency status — it is separate from, and not required for, buying property in a REGA-designated zone. The two are related but distinct: one is a residency route, the other is a property right.
Premium Residency is a long-term residency programme that gives qualifying non-Saudis rights typically reserved for citizens or employer-sponsored residents. This includes the ability to live and work in the Kingdom without a traditional sponsor, sponsor eligible family members, and in some cases own certain categories of property.
It is frequently compared to "Golden Visa" programmes in the UAE and elsewhere in the Gulf, though the specific rights, costs, and eligibility criteria are distinct to the Saudi framework and should be confirmed against current official guidance rather than assumed from comparable programmes in neighboring countries.
These are two separate routes, and conflating them is one of the most common mistakes foreign investors make when researching Saudi real estate:
| Premium Residency | Non-Saudi ownership (M/14) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A long-term residency status | A property ownership right |
| Cost | SAR 800,000 one-time fee | RETT (5%) + disposal fee (up to 5%) on the property itself |
| Required to buy property? | No — property can be bought without it | N/A — this is the ownership route itself |
| Where it applies | Kingdom-wide, subject to programme rules | REGA-designated zones only |
In practice, some investors pursue both: acquiring property within a designated zone under the standard ownership framework, while separately applying for Premium Residency if long-term residence in the Kingdom — rather than just property ownership — is part of their goal.
If your objective is purely investment return (rental yield, capital appreciation) without an intention to reside in Saudi Arabia, the Premium Residency fee is a cost you can likely avoid. If long-term residency is part of your goal, it should be budgeted for separately from your property acquisition costs.
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