Premium Residency (Exceptional Talent Residency)

Service Overview

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers the Exceptional Talent Residency (for Researchers) under the Premium Residency system, aiming to attract outstanding scientific and research talents in advanced research and scientific fields, thereby contributing to innovation and supporting sustainable development.

This service enables distinguished professionals to reside and work in the Kingdom under specific standards, supporting innovation, knowledge transfer, and sustainable development. It targets experts with exceptional skills in areas such as technology, medicine, science, and research and development.

We provide comprehensive guidance for residency applications, including documenting achievements and expertise, preparing files according to the requirements of the Residency Regulation Authority and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and following up until the residency is issued.

Our service aims to facilitate the relocation of global talents to contribute to building Saudi Arabia’s knowledge-based economy and to strengthen an environment of innovation and knowledge leadership.

Pre-Application Guidelines

Applications are subject to review according to the approved criteria, and submitting an application does not guarantee final approval.

Required Documents

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a university accredited by the Ministry of Education. If the university is not listed on the Safeer platform, the degree must be attested by a Saudi Cultural Mission

A valid employment contract with an entity approved by the Center

The employment must be in a priority specialization requiring high-level skills

Completion of any required probationary period with the employer, if applicable

Minimum monthly salary

SAR 35,000 for healthcare and scientific professionals
SAR 14,000 for researchers

Submission of a recommendation letter from the employer, with the possibility of requesting an additional letter from a regulatory or specialized authority if needed

Proof of at least three years of professional experience in a priority field

Meeting the minimum score under the approved points system

Application processing time is approximately 3 months and may vary by case

A valid residency and passport for at least 6 months at the time of application

Submission of three scientific research papers related to the specialization

Recommendation letter from the employer

Proof of relevant work experience

Copy of residency permit

(Absher format, yellow version with expiry date). • Valid passport copy

Valid passport copy

Recent personal photos

Copies of visit visas (if applicable).

Applicant’s national address

What's Included

Granting Premium Residency to qualified researchers and scientific talents, based on specific criteria that include academic qualifications, professional experience, and a valid employment contract within the Kingdom

Service Execution Steps

1

Application Submission

Completing the Exceptional Talent Residency application form and submitting the required documents.

2

Document Review

Verifying academic qualifications, professional experience, and a valid employment contract within the Kingdom.

3

Eligibility Assessment

Evaluating the application based on Premium Residency criteria for research and scientific talents.

4

Application Tracking and Residency Approval

Notifying the applicant of the application status and the final approval for issuing the Premium Residency.

Premium Residency (Exceptional Talent Residency)

Service Overview

Pre-Application Guidelines

Required Documents

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a university accredited by the Ministry of Education. If the university is not listed on the Safeer platform, the degree must be attested by a Saudi Cultural Mission

A valid employment contract with an entity approved by the Center

The employment must be in a priority specialization requiring high-level skills

Completion of any required probationary period with the employer, if applicable

Minimum monthly salary

Submission of a recommendation letter from the employer, with the possibility of requesting an additional letter from a regulatory or specialized authority if needed

Proof of at least three years of professional experience in a priority field

Meeting the minimum score under the approved points system

Application processing time is approximately 3 months and may vary by case

A valid residency and passport for at least 6 months at the time of application

Submission of three scientific research papers related to the specialization

Recommendation letter from the employer

Proof of relevant work experience

Copy of residency permit

Valid passport copy

Recent personal photos

Copies of visit visas (if applicable).

Applicant’s national address

What's Included

Granting Premium Residency to qualified researchers and scientific talents, based on specific criteria that include academic qualifications, professional experience, and a valid employment contract within the Kingdom

Service Execution Steps

Application Submission

Document Review

Eligibility Assessment

Application Tracking and Residency Approval

Service Benefits

Family Residency: Includes parents, spouse, and children under the age of 25.

Freedom of Mobility: The ability to move between different establishments with ease and flexibility.

Financial Exemption: No additional fees for expatriates or their dependents.

Ease of Travel: Departure from and return to the Kingdom without the need for a visa for the residency holder and their family.

Stronger Family Ties: Issuance of visit visas for relatives with ease.

Seamless Transit Experience: Access to dedicated lanes for citizens and GCC nationals at entry and exit points.

Employment Opportunities: The spouse and children can work in private sector establishments and move between them freely.

Commercial Investment: Conducting business in accordance with approved investment regulations.

Service Information: