As Saudi Arabia positions itself as a global business hub, foreign investors and entrepreneurs have access to a growing array of visa and residency options tailored to support their commercial and personal aspirations. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the key residency pathways available in the Kingdom, including the Investor Iqama, Premium Residency (Saudi Green Card), standard work visas, business visit visas, and emerging free zone residency models such as those in NEOM and KAEC. It explains eligibility criteria, application processes, benefits, and limitations associated with each visa type. The article also highlights the requirements for sponsoring dependents, maintaining compliance, and strategically aligning residency choices with business goals. Whether seeking long-term independence or operational integration, understanding these options is essential for building a stable and compliant presence in Saudi Arabia. ATB Corporate supports clients through every stage, ensuring seamless alignment between business establishment and residency solutions.
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Introduction
As Saudi Arabia transforms into a global hub for business and innovation, residency and visa options for foreign investors and business owners have also evolved. Whether you’re setting up a 100% foreign owned company, managing a branch, or entering through a joint venture, selecting the right residency path is essential for ensuring operational continuity, family stability, and business growth.
In this article, we explore the main visa and residency options available to investors, including the Investor Iqama, Premium Residency (Saudi Green Card), work and business visit visas, and the emerging NEOM residency tracks.
This blog is a part of our Setting Up a Business in Saudi Arabia blogpost.
Investor Iqama (Business Owner Residency)
The Investor Iqama is a residence permit issued to foreign nationals who hold a stake in a Saudi company and are actively managing or representing it. It is one of the most common residency options for foreign entrepreneurs and shareholders.
Who qualifies?
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- Founders or shareholders of a Saudi-registered business.
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- Individuals with a valid MISA license and Commercial Registration (CR).
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- Must hold a position such as General Manager, CEO, or Board Director listed on the AoA or MoC registry.
Key benefits
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- Renewable one-year or two-year Iqama.
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- Ability to sponsor family members (spouse, children).
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- Eligible for driving license, bank accounts, and other services.
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- Access to local and international schools, hospitals, etc.
Application process:
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- Finalize company formation and obtain CR.
- Appoint yourself as a manager/shareholder in the MoC system.
- Register with Qiwa and Muqeem.
- Apply for work visa authorization.
- Complete medical checks, insurance, and biometrics.
- Iqama issued by Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports).
Note: This visa is tied to your business. Cancelling the business or CR may result in cancellation of your residency.
Premium Residency (Special Privilege Iqama / Saudi Green Card)
The Premium Residency Program, launched in 2019, allows high-net-worth individuals to live and work in Saudi Arabia without a sponsor. It is the closest equivalent to a Saudi Green Card.
Types of Premium Residency
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- Unlimited Duration: One-time fee of SAR 800,000 (approx. USD 213,000).
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- One-Year Renewable: Annual fee of SAR 100,000 (approx. USD 26,700).
Key benefits
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- No need for a Saudi sponsor or employer.
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- Ability to own property, vehicles, and establish businesses.
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- Access to all commercial sectors (except those restricted by the Negative List).
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- Can sponsor family members and domestic workers.
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- Travel in and out of the country without exit/re-entry permit requirements.
Eligibility
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- Proof of legal income and financial solvency.
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- Clean criminal and health records.
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- Valid passport.
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- Investment, employment, or real estate in Saudi Arabia (depending on category).
Application
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- Online via https://saprc.gov.sa.
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- Supported by documentation and official approvals.
The Premium Residency is ideal for long-term residents, serial entrepreneurs, and senior executives who want full mobility and independence in Saudi Arabia.
Work Visa (General Manager / Technical Expert)
Foreign professionals appointed as general managers, consultants, or technical advisors in a Saudi company may enter the country on a standard work visa tied to their employer.
Requirements
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- Valid job offer from a Saudi company.
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- Position registered with Qiwa and GOSI.
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- Sponsorship under a Saudi commercial entity.
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- Work permit issuance and Iqama processing.
These visas are widely used for secondments, management roles in joint ventures, and technical staffing in industrial or IT sectors. Work visas are renewable and valid for family sponsorship subject to salary thresholds.
Business Visit Visa
For short-term, non-resident business engagements (e.g., feasibility study, meeting clients, attending trade events), the business visit visa is a practical option.
Key features
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- Valid for 30 to 90 days (single or multiple entry).
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- Sponsored by a Saudi entity or through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
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- No right to employment or receiving income in Saudi Arabia.
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- Ideal for foreign consultants, investors exploring the market, or board members.
Some zones, like NEOM or KAEC, may offer expedited business visa processing for strategic partners and early-stage investors.
Residency in Free Zones (e.g., NEOM, KAEC, SPARK)
As part of Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects and new urban ecosystems, free zones are beginning to offer custom residency options.
NEOM Residency (in development)
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- Long-term permits for investors, entrepreneurs, and talent.
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- Zone-specific rules are distinct from Saudi labor or immigration law.
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- Expected to offer visa-free entry for residents, digital identity, and tech-enabled governance.
KAEC
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- Offers residential permits linked to business activities or property ownership in the city.
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- Direct access to commercial and residential infrastructure.
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- May facilitate smoother visa processing and work permit approvals.
Residency in these zones may not be valid outside the zone unless a mainland permit or Iqama is obtained. However, these new models are expected to be more flexible than national frameworks.
Sponsoring Dependents and Staff
Most investor and premium residency holders can:
- Sponsor spouse and children under their file.
- Apply for family visit or residency visas (renewable).
- Hire and sponsor domestic workers or drivers based on income and family size.
Minimum salary thresholds, accommodation proof, and private health insurance are typically required. Processing is done via the Absher and Jawazat portals.
Compliance and Renewal
All residency types require:
- Health insurance coverage (mandatory).
- Iqama renewal before expiration (usually annually).
- GOSI and ZATCA compliance (for investor-managed businesses).
- Updated residence address and passport validity.
Premium Residency holders must also renew permits (if on an annual track) and maintain financial eligibility.
Strategic Considerations
| Visa Type | Sponsor Needed | Family Sponsorship | Property Ownership | Tied to Business? |
| Investor Iqama | Yes (own company) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Premium Residency | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Work Visa | Yes (employer) | Conditional | No | Yes |
| Business Visit Visa | Yes | No | No | No |
| NEOM / KAEC Residency | Depends on zone | Yes (future-ready) | Yes (zone-based) | Sometimes |
Final Thoughts
Saudi Arabia now offers a range of flexible residency options to support entrepreneurs, investors, and their families. Whether you prefer the full autonomy of Premium Residency or the operational integration of an Investor Iqama, each option has unique benefits tied to your business strategy, financial profile, and future plans.
At ATB Corporate, we assist clients in selecting the right visa, navigating complex immigration procedures, and ensuring seamless coordination between business licensing and residency, so you can focus on growth.
Amy is a legal consultant at ATB Corporate, with a unique blend of skills for corporate, commercial and litigation matters. She is a law graduate and certified in Intellectual Property from the World Intellectual Property Organization.