Archive · 28 Jan 2026
Saudi Arabia Expands Premium Residency Program
Saudi Arabia is thinking about making it easier for rich people and talented students to live in the country.
They want to attract more foreign visitors and investors.
Right now, people who earn a lot of money or have special skills can get special residency.
The country is also making it easier for people to buy property and even allowing some people to buy alcohol.
This is all part of a big plan called Vision 2030 to make Saudi Arabia a more attractive place to live and visit.
Saudi Arabia is considering expanding its premium residency program to include superyacht owners, luxury development residents, and top students.
Current eligibility includes executives earning over 80,000 SAR/month and specialized professionals earning over 35,000 SAR/month.
Benefits of the program include visa-free entry, work rights, and the ability to extend residency to family members.
The kingdom has already implemented rules for premium residency for property purchases over $1 million and has loosened alcohol restrictions for non-Muslim premium residents.
Non-Saudis have been allowed to own residential and commercial property in certain parts of the kingdom since January 22.
- Who
- Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, potential superyacht owners, luxury development residents, top students
- What
- Expansion of premium residency program to attract foreign capital and visitors
- When
- Deliberations ongoing, not yet finalized
- Where
- Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh and Red Sea resorts
- Why
- To diversify economy away from oil and transform society under Vision 2030
- Program Targets
- Superyacht owners, luxury development residents, top students
- Current Eligibility
- Executives earning >80,000 SAR/month, specialized professionals earning >35,000 SAR/month
- Benefits
- Visa-free entry, work rights, family inclusion
- Property Requirement
- Residency for property purchases over $1 million
- Alcohol Policy
- Non-Muslim premium residents can buy alcohol
- Property Ownership
- Non-Saudis can own property in certain areas since January 22
- Currency Conversion
- $1 = 3.75 Saudi Riyals