To apply for the permanent residency or limited-term residency in Saudi Arabia, you need to:
- Present a valid passport
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a clean criminal record
- Have proof of financial solvency
- Have an updated health report of being free from contagious diseases
- Have proof of legal current residency status, if applying from within the kingdom
- For permanent residency, you must have resided in the KSA for a time before becoming a permanent resident
You can apply for your Saudi premium residency by following the steps below:
- Open the official website of the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency portal.
- Click on the “Register Now” button.
- Fill out the form with your personal information such as name, passport details, email account, etc.
- After the successful registration, you will need to verify your e-mail address and phone number.
- Log in to your account and click on “Request premium residency”
- Fill out important details, such as: Application Information, Applicant Information, Passport Information, Address and Contact, Parents Information, Spouse Information, Children Information, Education Information, Occupation Information, Financial Solvency, Travel and Visas, General Information, Additional Information.
The permanent residency costs SAR 800,000 (US$213,000 as of 2022) and is a one-off payment. The renewable temporary residency costs SAR 100,000 ($27,000) per year.
The benefits of having a Saudi premium residency include:
- Keeping your family in Saudi Arabia without paying the dependent fee
- Applying for a family visit visa for your family members
- Applying for a housemaid visa or a domestic worker visa
- Purchasing a property in Saudi Arabia for industrial, trading or residential purposes in every city of Saudi Arabia except Makkah and Madina
- Working in private sector companies and changing jobs without going through the transfer of sponsorship procedures
The processing time for a permanent residency in Saudi Arabia may vary depending on several factors, such as the completeness of your application, the availability of the Premium Residency Center, and the demand for the program. According to one source, the program was launched in June 2019 and received more than 14,000 applications in the first week. Therefore, it is possible that there is a backlog of applications that may delay the processing time.
However, based on the information available on the official website of the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency portal, the process of applying for a permanent residency consists of four steps:
- Registration and verification
- Requesting premium residency
- Reviewing and approving the request
- Issuing the premium residency card
Each step may take a different amount of time depending on your situation and the requirements of the program. For example, you may need to provide additional documents or information, undergo a medical examination, or pay a fee. Therefore, it is difficult to estimate an exact processing time for a permanent residency in Saudi Arabia.
However, as a comparison, you can look at the processing time for other types of visas in Saudi Arabia. For example, according to another source, the average processing time for a Saudi family residence visa is around 2-7 working days. According to yet another source, the standard processing time for a Saudi Arabia e-Visa is usually between 1-2 days, but it can vary depending on the embassy and other factors.
Therefore, based on these examples, you can expect that the processing time for a permanent residency in Saudi Arabia may range from a few days to a few weeks or even longer, depending on your case and the circumstances. However, this is only an approximation and not a guarantee. The best way to find out the exact processing time for your application is to contact the Premium Residency Center directly or check the status of your application online.
The difference between permanent residency and citizenship is that a permanent resident is a foreigner who is legally allowed to live and work in a country indefinitely, but does not have the same rights and benefits as a citizen. A citizen is a person who holds the nationality and passport of a country and has all the rights and obligations that the country can give.
Some of the main differences between permanent residency and citizenship are:
- Citizenship cannot be revoked, while permanent residency can be lost under certain conditions, such as committing a crime, staying outside the country for too long, or failing to renew the status.
- Only citizens can vote, run for office, and apply for a passport in the country of their citizenship. Permanent residents cannot participate in these political activities.
- Citizens can petition for more types of family members to immigrate to the country of their citizenship, such as parents, siblings, and married children. Permanent residents are limited to petitioning for spouses and unmarried children, and they may face longer waiting times due to visa quotas.
- Citizens can live outside the country of their citizenship for as long as they want without losing their status. Permanent residents must maintain their residence in the country of their permanent residency, or they may be considered to have abandoned their status.
There may be other differences depending on the specific country and its laws. For example, some countries may require permanent residents to pay taxes on their worldwide income, while citizens may only pay taxes on their income earned within the country. Some countries may also have different eligibility requirements for permanent residency and citizenship, such as language proficiency, cultural integration, or investment amount.
Citizenship is the legal status of being a member of a country and having the rights and duties that come with it. There are many benefits of citizenship, such as:
- Voting and participating in government. Only citizens can vote in federal elections and run for office. This gives them a voice in how the country is governed and who represents them.
- Traveling with a U.S. passport. Citizens can use a U.S. passport to travel abroad and receive assistance from the U.S. government in case of emergencies.
- Sponsoring family members to immigrate. Citizens can petition for more types of relatives to join them in the U.S., such as parents, siblings, and married children. They also have shorter waiting times and higher priority than permanent residents.
- Obtaining citizenship for children born abroad. In most cases, children born outside the U.S. to a U.S. citizen automatically become U.S. citizens as well.
- Becoming eligible for federal jobs and benefits. Citizens can apply for jobs with the federal government that require citizenship, such as those in national security or law enforcement. They can also access federal benefits programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
- Showing patriotism and commitment. Becoming a citizen is a way of expressing loyalty and gratitude to the country that welcomed you. It also shows respect for the Constitution and the laws of the U.S..
These are some of the main benefits of citizenship, but there are many more advantages that come with being a part of this nation. Citizenship also comes with responsibilities, such as obeying the laws, paying taxes, serving on juries, and defending the country when required. By fulfilling these duties, citizens contribute to the common good and uphold the values of democracy
How to Obtain Permanent Residency in Saudi Arabia
Are you considering becoming a permanent resident in Saudi Arabia? The Kingdom has recently launched a program to attract foreign investment, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs through the Green Card Residence Permit. This innovative initiative allows individuals to live and work in Saudi Arabia without a sponsor, providing a range of benefits and opportunities. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the eligibility requirements, application process, benefits, fees, and everything you need to know about obtaining permanent residency in Saudi Arabia.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Green Card Residence Permit program in Saudi Arabia, applicants must meet certain criteria. These requirements include:
- Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
- Passport: A valid passport is a mandatory document.
- Education and Professional Experience: Applicants must meet specific educational and professional experience criteria to demonstrate their skills and expertise.
- Clean Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is essential to qualify for permanent residency.
- Financial Stability: Applicants must provide evidence of financial means to support themselves and their families.
- Medical Reports: Medical reports proving good health are required as part of the application process.
It is important to note that the Saudi government may require additional documents or information during the application process. Therefore, it is advisable to stay updated with the official website and guidelines provided to ensure a smooth and successful application.
Application Process
The application process for the Green Card Residence Permit in Saudi Arabia involves several steps. Here is a detailed guide on how to apply:
- Visit the Official Website: Begin by visiting the official website of the Saudi Ministry of Interior responsible for the Green Card Residence Permit program.
- Create an Account: Register on the website by providing your personal information, including your full name, passport details, email account, and phone number. Verify your email address and phone number to complete the registration process.
- Log in to Your Account: Once you have verified your account, log in to your newly created account using your email and password.
- Access the Application: Locate the “Request Premium Residency” option on the dashboard of your account and click on it to access the application form.
- Fill out the Application: Fill out the application form, providing accurate and complete information in each section. The form will require details such as personal information, passport information, address and contact information, family information, education and occupation details, financial solvency, travel and visa history, and additional information as required.
- Upload Supporting Documents: As part of the application process, you will need to upload various supporting documents, including but not limited to your passport, ID, birth certificate, marriage certificate, bank statements, employment contract, personal pictures, and copies of all visas of Saudi Arabia stamped on your passport in the last 15 years.
- Pay the Application Fee: Once you have completed the application form and uploaded all the required documents, you will be prompted to pay the application fee. The fee varies depending on the type of residency you are applying for, with options for both permanent and temporary residencies.
- Review and Submit: Before submitting your application, carefully review all the information provided and ensure that all required documents are uploaded correctly. Once you are satisfied with the application, click on the “Submit” button to complete the process.
The application process may take several months, and it is crucial to be patient and regularly check for any updates or communication from the authorities. It is recommended to keep copies of all submitted documents for future reference.
Benefits of the Green Card Residence Permit
The Green Card Residence Permit offers a range of benefits and privileges to its holders. Here are some of the advantages of obtaining permanent residency in Saudi Arabia:
- Sponsorship of Family Members: Permanent residents can sponsor their family members for residence in Saudi Arabia, allowing them to live and work in the country as well.
- Access to Public Services: Green Card holders have access to public services and amenities available to Saudi citizens, including healthcare, education, and social welfare programs.
- Employment Opportunities: Permanent residents can work in private sector companies and change jobs without going through the transfer of sponsorship procedures, providing flexibility and career opportunities.
- Real Estate Ownership: Green Card holders can purchase real estate for industrial, trading, or residential purposes in most cities of Saudi Arabia. However, in Makkah and Madina, they can obtain property on a lease of 99 years.
- Travel and Visa Benefits: Permanent residents can travel in and out of Saudi Arabia without restrictions and separate visas. They can also use immigration counters reserved for Saudi citizens.
- Business Activities: Green Card holders can engage in business activities with a SAGIA license, promoting entrepreneurship and investment opportunities.
It is important to note that while the Green Card Residence Permit program offers a long-term and stable residence status, it does not grant Saudi citizenship to the holder. However, the program aims to attract skilled individuals, entrepreneurs, and investors who will contribute to the country’s economy and social fabric.
Fees Associated with the Green Card Residence Permit Application
To obtain a Green Card Residence Permit in Saudi Arabia, applicants need to pay certain fees depending on the type of residency they are seeking. Here are the fees associated with the program:
- Permanent Residence (Premium Residency – SP1): A one-time payment of 800,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately $213,000 USD) is required for permanent residency.
- Temporary Residence (Premium Residency – SP2): For temporary residency, applicants need to pay an annual fee of 100,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately $27,000 USD) for each year of residency.
It is crucial to note that these fees are subject to change, and applicants should confirm the current fees before applying to ensure accuracy.
Conclusion
Obtaining permanent residency in Saudi Arabia through the Green Card Residence Permit program offers a unique opportunity for skilled individuals, entrepreneurs, and investors to live and work in the country. With a straightforward application process, a range of benefits, and the potential for long-term economic and social stability, the program aims to attract foreign talent and stimulate economic growth. If you meet the eligibility requirements and are ready to embark on this journey, carefully follow the application process, provide accurate and complete information, and prepare the necessary documents. Good luck on your path to becoming a permanent resident in Saudi Arabia!
