Saudi Arabia is on a transformative journey to become a global hub for innovation, trade, culture, and investment. As part of this ambitious vision, the Kingdom has launched a powerful gateway for global entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals — the Golden Residency Program. Whether you’re a business owner, real estate investor, high-net-worth individual, or corporate decision-maker, this program offers you long-term residency, unmatched access, and the ability to operate in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
At The Saudi Gate, we specialize in guiding foreign investors, real estate buyers, and entrepreneurs through the complexities of residency applications, business setup, and regulatory compliance in Saudi Arabia. This page provides a high-level overview of the Golden Residency Program, its benefits, investment opportunities, and how we can help you take full advantage of this unprecedented gateway to the Saudi market.
What is the Golden Residency Program in Saudi Arabia?
The Golden Residency Program, often referred to as the Premium Residency, is a long-term residence initiative introduced by the Saudi Premium Residency Center (SPRC) under the supervision of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs. The program aligns with Vision 2030 and is designed to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors by offering a secure and flexible residency option without the need for a local sponsor or employer.
It serves as a strategic tool to promote foreign direct investment, encourage knowledge transfer, support real estate development, and diversify the Kingdom’s economy.
Key Features of the Golden Residency
- Permanent or Renewable Residency: Choose between a lifetime (one-time fee) or renewable 5- or 10-year residency (annual fee or investment-linked).
- Freedom to Work and Reside: Live, work, or own businesses in Saudi Arabia without a Saudi sponsor (Kafeel).
- Own Real Estate: Purchase residential, commercial, or industrial real estate anywhere (except Mecca, Madinah, and border zones).
- Family Residency: Residency extends to spouse, children, and dependents.
- Ease of Travel: Enter and exit the country without restrictions or additional visas.
- Employment Privileges: Ability to hire foreign employees, obtain work permits, and sponsor dependents.
Categories of Golden Residency Tailored for Investors
The Saudi Golden Residency Program now offers multiple tiers and entry points, especially attractive to business owners and real estate investors. The main categories include:
1. Real Estate Investor Residency
For individuals investing in approved real estate developments in Saudi Arabia.
- Minimum Investment Threshold: Starting from 4 million SAR (~USD 1 million) in developed real estate projects.
- Must retain ownership for a specified period (5+ years).
- Full rights to use and lease the property.
- Eligible for renewable 5-year residency or permanent status upon long-term investment.
2. Business Investor Residency
For global investors establishing or expanding a company, branch, or commercial entity in Saudi Arabia.
- Minimum Investment Threshold: Variable, typically above SAR 7 million (~USD 1.87 million).
- Must contribute to local job creation, sectoral growth, or innovation.
- Ideal for foreign companies seeking 100% ownership through MISA (Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia).
- Can be tied to strategic sectors such as technology, manufacturing, logistics, tourism, healthcare, or renewables.
3. Entrepreneur & Startup Residency
- Offered to founders of approved startups or tech companies aligned with national development priorities.
- Includes a startup incubation track and collaboration with VCs or government accelerators.
- Lower capital thresholds with a requirement to maintain operations and achieve growth KPIs.
Real Estate Market: A Gateway to Golden Residency
Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector is undergoing a historical transformation. Mega-projects such as NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Diriyah Gate, and Roshn Communities are redefining the urban, tourism, and residential landscape.
Golden Residency is increasingly linked to foreign direct investment in:
- Luxury and residential real estate
- Commercial and mixed-use developments
- Tourism and hospitality infrastructure
- Off-plan developments backed by government or PIF
Investors with property ownership exceeding specific value thresholds and registered with the relevant authorities are eligible to apply. The Saudi Gate assists you with:
- Identifying eligible real estate opportunities
- Legal due diligence and title verification
- Residency application coordination and tracking
- Linking property acquisition to regulatory compliance
Why Foreign Business Owners are Opting for Golden Residency
Unlike standard work or investor visas tied to sponsorships or employment contracts, the Golden Residency offers greater freedom, longevity, and control. Business investors particularly value:
- Direct ownership without a Saudi partner
- Streamlined entry for subsidiaries or branches
- Access to government incentives and tenders
- Visa-free movement across GCC (in progress under unified residency frameworks)
- Brand prestige and trust when operating in KSA
This makes the Golden Residency program especially attractive for foreign entrepreneurs, multinational CEOs, family offices, real estate funds, and regional holding companies.
Industries Benefiting from Residency-Linked Investment
Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to foreign capital across all major sectors. Golden Residency holders can invest or operate in:
- Technology & Artificial Intelligence
- Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
- Education & Vocational Training
- Green Energy & Sustainability
- Tourism & Culture
- Construction & Real Estate
- Logistics & Transportation
- Food Security & Agri-tech
- E-commerce & Retail
The Saudi Gate supports investors in identifying high-potential sectors and navigating regulatory approvals to start their operations or joint ventures.
Residency Requirements: High-Level Overview
While the criteria may vary by program track, general requirements include:
- Valid Passport and Clean Criminal Record
- Proof of investment in real estate or commercial ventures
- Health insurance coverage
- Business incorporation documents (for investors)
- Proof of source of funds and financial solvency
- Payment of applicable residency issuance fees
The Saudi Gate handles all residency submissions, liaison with SPRC, and investment linkage validation on behalf of our clients.
How The Saudi Gate Helps You Leverage the Golden Residency Program
As your trusted partner in Saudi Arabia, The Saudi Gate provides end-to-end services to maximize your success under the Golden Residency framework.
Our Services Include:
- Residency Application Management
- Document preparation, application filing, and follow-up
- Legal advisory on program eligibility and structuring
- Real Estate Investment Advisory
- Project evaluation, acquisition support, and title registration
- Coordination with local developers and investment zones
- Business Setup & Licensing
- MISA licensing for commercial or industrial activities
- CR registration, ZATCA compliance, municipal licensing
- Visa & Family Sponsorship Support
- Residency for dependents and family members
- Renewal and upgrade support
- Tax & Legal Advisory
- Aligning residency status with business structure
- Tax planning and compliance consulting
- Banking & Financial Services
- Local bank account setup
- Capital transfer support and fund verification
Attracting Global Entrepreneurs and Investment Funds
The Golden Residency initiative has seen growing interest from:
- Family businesses looking to relocate operations
- Regional headquarters of multinational corporations
- Private equity and real estate funds
- High-net-worth individuals seeking tax-friendly jurisdictions
- Tech founders seeking regional expansion
Saudi Arabia is offering unparalleled access, and now is the right time to evaluate your entry and investment strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a difference between Golden Residency and Premium Residency?
Yes. “Golden Residency” is an evolution of the Premium Residency program with tailored tracks for investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals.
Q: Can Golden Residency lead to Saudi citizenship?
Currently, it offers long-term residency and operational rights. Citizenship remains separate, subject to royal discretion and additional criteria.
Q: Is Saudi Arabia safe for foreign investors?
Yes. The Kingdom ranks highly for security and is continuously improving its regulatory transparency and investor protections.
Q: Can I open a 100% foreign-owned business with Golden Residency?
Yes. Through MISA, you can register a company without a local partner and operate in most sectors with full ownership.
Why Choose The Saudi Gate?
We are more than a consulting firm — we are your strategic gateway to doing business in Saudi Arabia. Our clients choose us for:
- Deep understanding of residency-linked investment frameworks
- Track record in real estate and business licensing
- Access to government channels and regulators
- Confidential, professional, and multilingual service
- Customized solutions for high-net-worth individuals and enterprises
Whether you’re entering the Kingdom through property, entrepreneurship, or strategic investment, The Saudi Gate ensures your entry is seamless, compliant, and future-ready.
Ready to Secure Your Golden Residency in Saudi Arabia?
Whether you’re investing in real estate, launching a company, or exploring market opportunities, the Golden Residency Program offers you a new level of access, flexibility, and long-term presence in Saudi Arabia.