Saudi Arabia Announces New 35000 Riyal Salary Rule for Premium Residency
Riyadh, September 18, 2026, The Saudi Premium Residency Center has specified salary requirements for its Special Talent product track, aimed at expatriates seeking to live in the Kingdom independent of the Kafala system or traditional iqama sponsorship. For scientific and healthcare professionals, the mandatory monthly salary threshold is set at 35,000 Saudi Riyals, which is approximately 830,000 Indian Rupees or 9,330 US Dollars.
- Scientific and healthcare professionals must earn 35,000 Saudi Riyals per month.
- Researchers require a monthly salary of 14,000 Saudi Riyals and at least three authored research papers.
- Executives are required to earn 80,000 Saudi Riyals monthly, equivalent to an annual salary of 960,000 Saudi Riyals.
Special Talent Track Categories and Rules
The Special Talent track is categorized into three segments with specific criteria. Scientific and healthcare professionals must earn 35,000 Saudi Riyals per month. Researchers are required to have a monthly salary of 14,000 Saudi Riyals and must have authored at least three research papers in their respective fields. Executives are required to earn 80,000 Saudi Riyals monthly, equivalent to an annual salary of 960,000 Saudi Riyals. All applicants, regardless of the track, must meet general conditions including an approved employment contract with an authorized institution—of which there are currently 3,484 recognized private sector entities—a bachelor's degree or higher, at least three years of relevant experience, an employer recommendation letter, and a minimum score within the Center's points system.
Residency Fees and Benefits for Expats
The application fee for the Special Talent track is 4,000 Saudi Riyals, making it significantly more affordable than the permanent premium residency option priced at 800,000 Saudi Riyals or the 100,000 Riyal annual renewable track. The residency is granted for an initial five-year period, which can transition to permanent status if conditions are maintained. Benefits for expats under this program include the ability to change jobs without employer sponsorship, the right to house family members including parents, spouses, and children under大人 age of 25, and exemptions from expat levies, dependent fees, and Nitaqat Saudization hiring quotas. Furthermore, beneficiaries gain the right to purchase property, operate businesses, and travel without the need for exit-re-entry visas.
Application Process and Eligibility
Applications can be submitted via the official portal at pr.gov.sa by individuals currently inside or outside the country. The processing time for applications can take up to 90 working days. While this offers a pathway for doctors, engineers, nurses, and researchers, individuals earning less than 35,000 Riyals—or those failing to meet the specific research paper requirements for the 14,000 Riyal track—remain ineligible for these specific routes. Sources for this information include the Premium Residency Center, Saudi Gazette, ZAWYA, Okaz, and official government regulations.