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Employer-sponsored residency card required for all foreign workers; employer applies on behalf of employee. Tied to employer under the kafala system, though reforms allow job changes with proper notice.
One-time fee of SAR 800,000 (~$213,000 USD). Grants unrestricted right to live, work, and own property without employer sponsorship.
Annual fee of SAR 100,000 (~$26,700 USD) per year. Same rights as permanent version — live and work without employer sponsorship — but requires yearly renewal.
Covers spouse and children of Iqama or Premium Residency holders. Dependents require a separate work authorization to be employed.
Saudi Arabia has expanded expat pathways significantly since 2019, including the Premium Residency Card (Saudi Green Card), which grants indefinite or 1-year renewable residency to investors and high-income expats. The standard route remains the employer-sponsored Iqama (residency permit). The kingdom is actively recruiting foreign professionals under its Vision 2030 reforms.
All foreign workers require an Iqama (residency and work permit) sponsored by their Saudi employer under the kafala system. Job changes previously required employer permission, but 2021 reforms allow workers to change jobs more freely after 12 months. Saudization (Nitaqat) quotas require companies to hire minimum percentages of Saudi nationals by sector.
Iqama holders can sponsor spouses and children under 18 as dependents. The sponsor must earn above a salary threshold and provide proof of accommodation. Dependent family members are typically not permitted to work without their own visa and employer.
Saudi Arabia levies no personal income tax on salaries -- a major draw for expat workers. However, a 2.5% annual zakat applies to Saudi and GCC nationals on wealth. VAT was raised to 15% in 2020. Corporate tax is 20% for non-Saudi/GCC entities. There is no capital gains tax on real estate for individuals.
Employers are legally required to provide health insurance for their foreign workers. The quality of both public and private healthcare is high in major cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar). Most expats use employer-provided insurance supplemented by international coverage for outside-Kingdom care.
Banks such as Al Rajhi, Saudi National Bank (SNB), HSBC Saudi Arabia, and Citibank serve expats. Opening an account requires an Iqama or valid residency documentation, passport, and employer letter. Banking apps are advanced; most transactions are contactless via mada and STC Pay.
The Premium Residency Card (PRC) offers either a one-time permanent residency for SAR 800,000 (approx USD 213,000) or annual renewable residency for SAR 100,000/year (approx USD 27,000). PRC holders can own property, sponsor family, and work without an employer sponsor. It is a significant shift from the traditional kafala system.
| Program | Min. Investment | Residency | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Residency Card (Permanent) | $213k+ | ✓ Yes | No |