Updated May 2026 · Based on Premium Residency Center (PRC) official tariffs
🌟 The Saudi Premium Residency (PR) programme gives high-skilled expats and investors a path to residency without a Saudi sponsor. Compare all 2026 categories — Permanent vs Annual vs Special Talent — and find the cheapest option for your profile.
Find the Right Premium Residency Option
Parents can also be included under PR — count them here.
Total Premium Residency CostSAR 0
Sponsor / Primary fee—
Dependents—
Annual renewal—
Comparison vs regular Iqama—
All Premium Residency Categories Compared
Category
Fee Structure
Renewable?
Sponsor-Free?
Permanent PR
SAR 800,000 one-time
Lifetime
Yes
Annual PR
SAR 100,000/year
Yes
Yes
Special Talent
SAR 4,000/year
Yes
Yes
Investor PR
SAR 4,000/year
Yes
Yes
Entrepreneur PR
SAR 4,000/year
Yes
Yes
Real Estate Owner
SAR 4,000/year
Yes
Yes
Distinguished / Gifted
SAR 4,000/year
Yes
Yes
What's Included in Premium Residency?
No Saudi sponsor required — you operate as your own kafeel.
Freedom to work for any employer or run your own business.
No dependent levy on family members (saves SAR 400/month per dependent).
No work permit fee for your business (saves SAR 800/month).
Property ownership rights in designated areas.
Multi-entry travel without exit/re-entry visas.
Family inclusion — spouse, children under 25, and dependent parents all eligible.
Eligibility — Key Requirements by Category
Special Talent (SAR 4,000/year)
Recognised expertise in science, medicine, technology, culture, arts or sports.
Verifiable achievements (awards, publications, patents) at international level.
Investor PR (SAR 4,000/year)
Minimum SAR 7 million investment in Saudi commercial activity.
Active management of the investment for at least 2 years.
Real Estate Owner (SAR 4,000/year)
Property worth minimum SAR 4 million in a freehold zone.
Property must be owned for at least 2 years before applying.
How Premium Residency Compares to Regular Iqama
For a family of four with the Special Talent category at SAR 4,000/year:
PR annual cost: SAR 4,000
Equivalent regular Iqama for same family: SAR 650 (Iqama) + 4 × SAR 400 × 12 (dependent levy) = SAR 19,850/year
PR saves about SAR 15,800/year after the first year.
How much does Saudi Premium Residency cost in 2026?+
Premium Residency has multiple tiers in 2026: Permanent PR is SAR 800,000 one-time. Annual PR is SAR 100,000 per year. Category-based PRs (Special Talent, Investor, Entrepreneur, Real Estate, Gifted) are SAR 4,000 per year each.
Do I need a Saudi sponsor with Premium Residency?+
No. Premium Residency holders operate without a Saudi kafeel. You can work for any employer, own businesses, sponsor your own family, and travel freely without exit/re-entry visas.
Is the dependent levy waived under PR?+
Yes. Premium Residency holders are exempt from the SAR 400/month per dependent levy. For a family with 3 dependents, this alone saves SAR 14,400 per year.
Can I include my parents in Premium Residency?+
Yes. Spouse, children under 25, and dependent parents can be included. A small administrative fee per dependent applies but they are not subject to the regular monthly levy.
How long does the PR application take?+
Application review typically takes 30–60 days. You only pay the PR fee after approval. Decisions can take longer for complex cases (Investor, Real Estate verification).
Is Premium Residency the same as Saudi citizenship?+
No. PR is permanent or annual residency that gives you most rights of residence but does not grant citizenship. You cannot vote and you remain a citizen of your home country. Citizenship is a separate, much harder process.