Saudi Arabia Premium Residency (Special Residency) (2026)
Requirements, income thresholds, and step-by-step application guide
Visa Type
Premium Residency (Special Residency)
Min. Income (USD)
$2,225/mo
Tax Residency After
183 days
Entry for US Citizens
90-day tourist + visa
What is the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency (Special Residency)?
Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency program is the closest equivalent to a digital nomad visa and grants either a 1-year renewable permit or a lifetime permit depending on the tier purchased. Apply through the Premium Residency Center online portal. The temporary 1-year permit costs SAR 100,000 (~USD 26,700) and grants the right to live, work, and own real estate without a Saudi sponsor (kafala). The permanent permit costs SAR 800,000 (~USD 213,000) one-time. Both tiers require a clean criminal record, comprehensive health insurance, and proof of financial solvency. The standard 90-day tourist eVisa is the lower-friction alternative for shorter remote-work stays.
Important note: US citizens can apply for the 90-day tourist eVisa online (USD 100) for short-stay remote work — there's no specific prohibition on remote work for foreign employers during a tourist stay. The Premium Residency replaces this for long-term stays and grants real estate ownership and no-sponsor work rights — a meaningfully different legal status from any other Asian nomad visa.
What are the requirements for the Saudi Arabia digital nomad visa?
Most Saudi Arabia digital nomad visa applications require the following documents. Requirements can change — always verify with the official Saudi Arabia immigration authority or a licensed immigration attorney before applying.
Valid passport
Typically required to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
Proof of remote income
Bank statements or employment contracts showing at least $2,225/month in consistent remote income.
Health insurance
Valid international health insurance covering your stay in Saudi Arabia. SafetyWing and Cigna Global are common choices.
Proof of accommodation
Lease agreement, coliving contract, or hotel reservation for initial accommodation.
Clean criminal record
Background check from your home country, often requiring an apostille and certified translation.
Application fee
Consulate application fees vary by nationality and processing location.
Does the Saudi Arabia digital nomad visa trigger tax residency?
Tax residency in Saudi Arabia is typically triggered after spending 183 days in a calendar year. If you stay under this threshold, you may avoid Saudi Arabia tax residency — but you still have obligations in your home country.
Saudi Arabia has zero personal income tax. Triggering 183-day tax residency creates no local income-tax liability. There's a 15% VAT on most goods and services and a small Zakat (Islamic religious wealth tax) on net wealth for Muslim citizens — neither typically applies to foreign nomads. For US citizens, FEIE qualification still requires the standard tests on the US side. Capital gains are also generally untaxed for individuals.
Banking and money in Saudi Arabia
Al Rajhi Bank, NCB (SNB after the 2021 merger), Riyad Bank, and Saudi British Bank (SABB, an HSBC affiliate) are the major retail banks. SABB is the most foreigner-friendly for non-Arabic speakers. Opening a local account requires an Iqama (residence permit) — typically 2–3 weeks after Premium Residency issuance. Wise covers Saudi Arabia inbound; Revolut works for daily life. ATMs are widespread; cards are universally accepted in cities. STC Pay (the dominant local mobile-pay app) is increasingly required for small vendors and taxis.
Check your eligibility
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Need help with your application?
Visa requirements change fast and mistakes are costly. A qualified immigration attorney can review your application, flag issues before they become rejections, and handle filings on your behalf.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency (Special Residency)?
Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency program is the closest equivalent to a digital nomad visa and grants either a 1-year renewable permit or a lifetime permit depending on the tier purchased. Apply through the Premium Residency Center online portal. The temporary 1-year permit costs SAR 100,000 (~USD 2
How much income do I need for the Saudi Arabia digital nomad visa?
The Saudi Arabia Premium Residency (Special Residency) requires proof of at least $2,225 per month in remote income. Income proof typically includes bank statements, employment contracts, or client invoices.
Does the Saudi Arabia digital nomad visa lead to tax residency?
In Saudi Arabia, tax residency is typically triggered after 183 days in a calendar year. Saudi Arabia has zero personal income tax. Triggering 183-day tax residency creates no local income-tax liability. There's a 15% VAT on most goods and services and a small Zakat (Islamic religious wealth tax) on net wealth for Muslim citizens — neither typically applies to foreign nomads. For US citizens, FEIE qualification still requires the standard tests on the US side. Capital gains are also generally untaxed for individuals.
Can US citizens get the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency (Special Residency)?
Yes — US citizens can enter Saudi Arabia visa-free for up to 90 days as tourists, and can apply for the Premium Residency (Special Residency) to extend their stay legally for remote work.
Related
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa rules, income requirements, and processing times change frequently — always verify current requirements on the official Saudi Arabia government website or consulate before applying. Settled Nomad is not responsible for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.