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Saudi Arabia Residency for Property Buyers

Get the right visa and residency so you and your family can visit the Haram whenever you want, for Umrah, Ramadan, Hajj, or simply to be near.

OVERVIEW

Why Residency Matters

Owning property near the Haram is only half the story. To visit freely, stay as long as you need, and bring your family, you need the right residency status. Saudi Arabia has opened multiple residency pathways for international buyers, investors, and professionals through its Premium Residency program. We guide you through the right option for your situation.

PROGRAMSaudi Premium Residency
MANAGED BYPremium Residency Center
PROCESSING TIME~30 days from complete application
FAMILY INCLUSIONSpouse, children under 25, parents
SPONSOR REQUIREDNo, self-sponsored
BENEFITS

What Saudi Residency Gives You

The Premium Residency program removes the traditional sponsor (Kafala) requirement. You and your family can live, work, and invest in Saudi Arabia on your own terms.

  • –Live in Saudi Arabia with your spouse, children, and parents, no separate visa needed for family
  • –Enter and exit the Kingdom freely without applying for a visa each time
  • –Use fast-track airport lanes reserved for Saudi citizens and GCC nationals
  • –Own residential, commercial, and industrial property across the Kingdom
  • –Work in the private sector and change employers without restrictions
  • –Open local bank accounts and invest in the Saudi capital market
  • –Employ domestic workers and arrange their residency
  • –If the primary holder passes away, family members keep their residency rights

Premium Residency does not grant Saudi citizenship. It is a long-term residency permit with rights similar to permanent residency in other countries.

YOUR OPTIONS

Residency Pathways for Property Buyers

Saudi Arabia offers multiple Premium Residency products. For Haram Homes buyers, three routes are most relevant, depending on your budget, property value, and long-term plans.

Most relevant for Haram Homes buyers
Real Estate Residency
Get residency by owning residential property in Saudi Arabia valued at SAR 4 million or above. Your residency lasts as long as you own the property.
Minimum property valueSAR 4,000,000 (~$1.07M USD)
Property typeResidential, developed, mortgage-free
ValuationMust be appraised by TAQEEM-accredited valuers
DurationTied to property ownership
Family includedSpouse, children under 25, parents

Note: If you sell the property, you must purchase another qualifying property or switch to a different residency route to maintain your status.

Best value for long-term access
Unlimited Duration Residency
Pay a one-time fee of SAR 800,000 and receive permanent residency in Saudi Arabia. No property value requirement. No renewal needed.
CostSAR 800,000 (~$213K USD), one-time
DurationPermanent / unlimited
RenewalNot required
Family includedSpouse, children under 25, parents
Property ownershipCan own property but not required

Note: This is the most straightforward route. One payment, permanent access. Can be combined with a property purchase of any value.

Lowest entry point
Limited Duration Residency
Pay SAR 100,000 per year for renewable residency. Good for those who want to start with a smaller commitment before going permanent.
CostSAR 100,000/year (~$26.7K USD)
Duration1 year, renewable up to 5 years
RenewalUnlimited renewals if conditions are met
Family includedSpouse, children under 25, parents
Upgrade pathCan upgrade to permanent (SAR 800K) anytime

Note: After holding annual residency, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

REGULATORY NOTE

What You Need to Know About Makkah and Madinah

The rules for property ownership in the holy cities are different from the rest of Saudi Arabia.

  • –Direct freehold ownership in Makkah and Madinah is currently restricted to Saudi nationals and limited exceptions
  • –Premium Residency holders can obtain usufruct rights (long-term usage rights up to 99 years) for property in Makkah and Madinah
  • –A landmark 2025 law (effective January 2026) has expanded foreign ownership rights across Saudi Arabia, with specific designated zones to be announced
  • –Foreign investors can invest indirectly in Makkah and Madinah real estate through shares in Saudi-listed companies (up to 49% foreign ownership)
  • –Haram Homes works within approved legal structures to give international buyers access to properties near the Haram

Saudi Arabia's property laws are evolving rapidly under Vision 2030. The regulatory landscape is changing in favour of international buyers. Haram Homes stays on top of every development so you don't have to.

, and we'll explain the exact ownership structure available for your situation.
ELIGIBILITY

Who Can Apply

All Premium Residency routes share the same general requirements:

Minimum age21 years old
Criminal recordClean record from home country
Financial proofBank statements or evidence of assets
Medical reportIssued within the last 6 months
Health insuranceComprehensive coverage in Saudi Arabia
PassportValid passport with sufficient remaining validity
COSTS

What It Costs

RouteGov FeeAdvisoryTotal
Property-Based (SAR 4M+ property)Included in property purchaseContact usVaries by property
Permanent ResidencySAR 800,000 (~$213K)Contact usFrom ~SAR 825,000
Annual ResidencySAR 100,000/year (~$26.7K)Contact usFrom ~SAR 110,000/year

Note: Government fees are paid directly to the Premium Residency Center. Haram Homes advisory fees cover consultation, document preparation, application management, and ongoing support.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common Questions

Do I need to live in Saudi Arabia full-time?
No. Premium Residency allows you to enter and exit freely. There is no minimum stay requirement. You can live wherever you want and visit Saudi Arabia whenever you choose.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Your spouse, children under 25, and parents can all be included under your Premium Residency. They receive the same rights, including the ability to work, study, and travel freely.
Does Premium Residency lead to Saudi citizenship?
No. Premium Residency is a long-term residency permit. Saudi citizenship has a separate process and is not guaranteed through residency.
Can I own property in Makkah or Madinah with Premium Residency?
Premium Residency holders can obtain usufruct rights (long-term usage, up to 99 years) in Makkah and Madinah. Direct freehold ownership in the holy cities remains restricted to Saudi nationals, with evolving regulations under the 2025 real estate law.
What if I sell my property?
If you hold Property-Based Residency, your status is tied to ownership. If you sell, you must purchase another qualifying property or switch to Permanent Residency (SAR 800K) or Annual Residency (SAR 100K) to maintain your status.
Is there a tax on property purchases?
Saudi Arabia charges a 5% Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) on property transfers. There is no annual property tax and no personal income tax in Saudi Arabia.
Can I open a bank account?
Yes. Premium Residency holders can open local bank accounts, access financing, and invest in the Saudi capital market.
What happens to my family's residency if something happens to me?
If the primary holder passes away, family members who hold Premium Residency retain their status and all associated rights.
Can I work in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Premium Residency holders can work in the private sector and change employers without restrictions. This applies to the holder and their dependents.
How does Haram Homes help with residency?
We assess your situation, recommend the right route, prepare your documents, submit your application, and provide ongoing support. You focus on choosing your property, we handle the paperwork.
TIMELINE

From Application to Residency

1
Week 1

Consultation

We assess your situation, recommend the right residency route, and prepare a document checklist.

2
Weeks 2–3

Document Preparation

Gather required documents: passport, financial proof, medical report, criminal record, health insurance. We guide you through each one.

3
Week 3–4

Application Submission

Application submitted online through the official Premium Residency portal (pr.gov.sa). We handle the process.

4
Weeks 4–7

Processing & Verification

Government review, background checks, and document verification. Average processing time is approximately 30 days.

5
Week 7–8

Approval & Issuance

Residency permit issued. You and your included family members receive your Premium Residency cards.

Total estimated timeline: 6–8 weeks from complete application

Your residency. Sorted.

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