How to Get a Residency in Saudi Arabia as an Investor

Interested in relocating to Saudi Arabia? The country has captured investor attention after benefiting from a whirlwind of PR, tourism, and economic growth. In 2023, Saudi Arabia finalized a major decision — the choice to launch a Visiting Investor Visa. It had been in development for a while (Saudi Arabia Premium Residency program launched in 2019) but is now operational at full capacity. As of 2025, more than 570 foreign companies have relocated their headquarters to Saudi Arabia. So, how do you join them as an investor?

This guide will reveal the simple process of obtaining residency in Saudi Arabia as an investor. Here’s what you should know.

What Types of Investor Visas Are There?

There are multiple routes to take when navigating residency in Saudi Arabia as an investor. It ultimately falls down to what experience you want. Do you need the green light to attend investment negotiations? Are you planning on spending a year or two in the Kingdom? Or is this a long-term move, with family in tow?

Here are the types of visas available to investors interested in relocating to Saudi Arabia.

Visiting Visas

The Visiting Visa is a prime option; conveniently available as an E-Visa, it lasts one year and enables foreign investors to make multiple visits to Saudi Arabia. While it does not allow the holder to undertake paid (or unpaid) work, it is a valuable stepping stone for those wishing to explore investment opportunities and negotiations.

Investor Residency

An Investor Residency Visa allows the holder to visit and reside in Saudi Arabia. This option relies on the sponsorship of the investment establishment, and ‘investor’ will be the occupation on your residency card. However, the holder does have the right to move between establishments as they see fit.

This visa is available for a one-time fee of 4,000 SAR (£800 or $1,000). It is subject to two conditions: holders must inject 7 million SAR within their first two years and also create 10 new jobs. Successful applicants must also present a valid investment license and commercial registration.

Limited Duration Residency

Do you not want to invest a huge sum upfront? Or only wish to remain in the country for a fixed term? Temporary residency is an achievable option that allows holders to stay in Saudi Arabia for a limited time.

Simply purchase up to 5 years of residency for 100,000 SAR a year (approximately £20,000 or $26,000).

Unlimited Duration Premium Residency

For a larger fee, obtaining unlimited duration premium residency is possible. This allows the holder to live in Saudi Arabia without restrictions and enjoy life as a full resident.

For a total sum of 800,000 SAR (£165,000 or $213,000), applicants are immediately granted full residence in Saudi Arabia.

How To Apply For a Saudi Arabian Visa

The exact process will vary depending on the visa you choose, and all require applicants to collect and assemble supporting evidence. Overall, though, it’s an easy experience. The application processes are straightforward online, and average processing times are under 30 days.

Before beginning an application, ensure you have the following handy:

• Recent bank statements
• Passport copies
• Certified registration documents and financial audits of the company
• Medical report

You might also need to provide documents, like investment licenses, which indicate shares and figures meeting the criteria of your specific visa.

Who Is Eligible?

The eligibility requirements aren’t too demanding when applying for a Saudi Arabia residency visa. Aside from the licensing and registration requirements, the character criteria are minimal. Applicants must be able to meet the financial expectations of their chosen pathway, but otherwise, the following criteria apply:

• The applicant must be over 21 years old
• Must hold a clean criminal record

It is important to note the stipulations of certain visas — residency might also be revoked should you break Saudi Arabian laws.

Benefits of Relocating to Saudi Arabia

Jumping through these hoops is worthwhile for foreign investors who are financially savvy. There are some clear benefits to the program, for instance:

• Saudi Arabia operates on a zero personal tax basis
• Saudi Arabia has little to no capital gains tax
• Saudi Arabia’s corporation tax is low

The minimal tax burden provides the perfect environment for investors interested in scaling their capital and ventures. There are also lifestyle benefits, including:

• Automatic visit visas for family
• Automatic permanent residency for parents, spouses, and children under 25
• Own real estate (with the select residency visas)
• Move between establishments
• Multiple entries as necessary

FAQ  

1.  How to Get an Investor Visa in Saudi Arabia?

It is easy to apply for an Investor Visa online; simply enter your details and await the decision. To be eligible, you need to hold an investment license, commercial registration, and a minimum share of 7 million SAR.

2.  How to Become an Investor in Saudi Arabia?

Obtaining a Visitor Visa is a great first step to becoming an investor in Saudi Arabia. This visa allows you to attend negotiations and explore your investment options. After you secure an investment prospect, it’s then possible to arrange relocation — through the Investor Visa, Limited Duration, or Unlimited Duration Premium Residency.

3.  How Long is the Processing Time?

Applicants typically receive a decision within 30 days; Saudi Arabian investor visas are impressively quick to process. However, the total application time will depend on how efficiently you can collect evidence like financial audits, statements, and medical reports.

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