New Saudi Arabia law officially announced an ending the Kafeel (sponsor) requirement for its Premium Residency Program 2025, bringing a major shift in the country’s residency system. This new rule gives foreign residents full freedom to live, work, and do business in the Kingdom without depending on a Saudi sponsor. The change is part of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to attract skilled professionals, foreign investors, and global talent to boost the national economy.
This program offers residents independence, business opportunities, and property ownership rights that were once reserved only for Saudi citizens. Under the new Premium Residency system, foreigners can now enjoy long-term stability and unlimited access to essential services like healthcare, education, and banking.
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Types of Saudi Arabia Residency
The Saudi government has introduced two main types of Premium Residency for applicants based on their preferences and financial capacity.
| Residency Type | Fee & Duration | Key Detail |
| Permanent Residency | One-time fee: 800,000 SAR (≈ $213,000) | Lifetime residency without renewal |
| Renewable Residency | Annual fee: 100,000 SAR (≈ $26,700) | Must be renewed every year |
These options allow expatriates to choose between a permanent settlement or a flexible annual renewal depending on their career or business plans in the Kingdom.
Major Benefits Under the New Saudi Arabia Law
The Saudi Arabia Premium Residency Program 2025 brings numerous advantages that make living in the Kingdom more attractive and independent.
| Benefit | Description |
| No Kafeel (Sponsor) Needed | Live and work freely without a local sponsor |
| Own Property | Purchase property anywhere except Makkah, Madinah & border areas |
| Business & Employment Freedom | Start a company or work in any field |
| Family Sponsorship | Sponsor your spouse and children easily |
| Free Travel Within Saudi Arabia | Move freely across cities without internal visas |
| Access to Services | Get full healthcare, education, and banking facilities |
| Overseas Transfers Allowed | Transfer funds abroad without restrictions |
Eligibility Criteria for the Premium Residency Program
To qualify for Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Program 2025, applicants must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Hold a valid passport
- Have a clean criminal record
- Be medically fit
- Enter Saudi Arabia legally
- Provide proof of stable income or assets.
How to Apply for the Premium Residency Program
The registration process is simple and completely online:
- Visit the official website: pr.gov.sa
- Create an online account
- Fill in the application form
- Upload necessary documents (passport, medical report, bank statement, etc.)
- Pay the application fee and wait for approval
The processing time usually takes 1 to 3 months depending on verification and documentation.
Final Thoughts
The Saudi Arabia Premium Residency Program 2025 is a game-changer for expatriates, entrepreneurs, and investors looking to settle in the Kingdom with full independence. By ending the Kafeel system, Saudi Arabia has opened doors for global talent, business expansion, and long-term stability. For anyone dreaming of a secure and independent life in Saudi Arabia, this program represents a new era of opportunity where you can truly live, work, and thrive without any sponsor limitations.
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