In a strategic move to attract international professionals and artists, Saudi Arabia has rolled out two unique visa categories within its Premium Residency system. These categories, dubbed ‘Special Talent’ and ‘Gifted’, are designed to offer permanent residency to those who meet specific prerequisites.
Interested individuals can apply for the five-year visa with a fee of SAR4,000. Both visas provide a series of benefits aimed at integrating talents into the Saudi Arabian society and economy.
Special Talent Residency
This visa targets high-level professionals like executives, healthcare practitioners, researchers, and scientists. Eligibility is determined by two primary criteria:
- Medical and research professionals must secure a job in Saudi Arabia with a salary ranging from SAR14,000 to SAR35,000 per month, depending on the position. They must also hold an advanced degree, have relevant work experience, score adequately on an assessment, and receive an employer’s endorsement.
- For managerial roles, applicants must occupy first or second-tier positions with a minimum monthly income of SAR80,000, with the latter also requiring a recommendation letter.
The initiative’s goal is to attract leading minds globally to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s development and human capital investment, as mentioned on the Premium Residency website.
Gifted Residency
The ‘Gifted’ category is tailored for elite athletes, cultural icons, and artists. Candidates can qualify through two pathways:
- Receiving recognition or a nomination for a prestigious award in their respective field.
- Having sufficient financial means and obtaining endorsements from either the Saudi Ministry of Culture or the Ministry of Sports, depending on their area of expertise.
The Gifted Residency product is designed to harness talent in fostering creativity, innovation, and progress, as well as promoting cultural and professional integration within the Kingdom, according to the official website.
Programme Benefits
- Ability for immediate family members to reside in Saudi Arabia
- Freedom to switch employers without restriction
- Exemption from expatriate levies present in other visa categories
- Visa-free travel for the resident and their dependents
- Authorization to sponsor visit visas for extended family
- Access to expedited airport immigration lanes
- Employment rights for spouses and children in any sector
- Permission to establish commercial ventures as per the Investment Law
- Options to purchase and rent property for long-term use
- A potential route to permanent residency after fulfilling a 30-month stay over five years
- Immunity from labor policies like Nitaqat affecting other expatriates
- Entitlement to engage in long-term lease real estate agreements
Expansion of Visa Categories
Recently, the Saudi government announced the introduction of five new Premium Residency visa categories aimed at drawing in more investors and skilled professionals. These include the Special Talent, Gifted, Investor, Entrepreneur, and Real Estate Owner visas. For comprehensive details on these opportunities, individuals can visit the Premium Residency website.