Saudi Arabia offers Premium Residency, a status that lets foreign nationals live and work in the Kingdom without a local sponsor. Chinese nationals apply on the same terms as other foreign applicants. This page explains the categories and where to confirm the current figures.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
Premium Residency is open to foreign nationals generally and is not restricted by Chinese nationality. Applicants must pass background and financial checks, hold a valid passport and meet the standard for the category they choose. There is no separate exclusion that singles out China, but you should confirm the current position with the Premium Residency Center.
The status removes the need for a Saudi sponsor and can be extended to a spouse, dependent children up to a set age and parents. Confirm the current family rules with the official authority.
There are two fee based tiers that do not require a specific business investment. The Unlimited Duration option is a one time fee that grants permanent Premium Residency. The Limited Duration option is an annual fee renewed each year.
There are also category based residencies valid for up to five years for a lower fixed fee, covering investors, entrepreneurs, real estate owners, special talent and gifted applicants. These carry their own qualifying tests, such as a minimum capital investment with job creation for the investor category, or ownership of developed residential property above a set value for the real estate owner category. Confirm the current categories and thresholds with the official authority.
Applications are prepared and submitted through the official Premium Residency portal, with approval following document review and background checks. Processing time depends on the category and the completeness of the file.
The fee based tiers can be relatively quick once documents are in order, while category based routes that require licences or property valuations can take longer. Confirm current timelines with the official authority.
The headline cost depends on the tier. The Unlimited Duration tier is a large one time fee, while the Limited Duration tier is a smaller annual fee. Category based residencies carry a lower fixed fee plus the underlying qualifying investment, such as capital for investors or property for real estate owners. Use the table as a checklist and confirm each figure with the official authority.
| Item | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Duration residency | SAR 800,000 one time | Grants permanent Premium Residency |
| Limited Duration residency | SAR 100,000 per year | Renewed annually |
| Category based residency fee | SAR 4,000, valid up to five years | Plus the category qualifying test |
| Investor category investment | From SAR 7,000,000 of capital | With job creation requirements |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Premium Residency Center (Markaz), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
Yes. The programme is open to foreign nationals and is not restricted by Chinese nationality. Applicants meet the background and category tests on the same terms. Confirm with the Premium Residency Center.
The Unlimited Duration tier is a one time fee that grants permanent status, while the Limited Duration tier is an annual fee renewed each year. Confirm the current fees with the official authority.
No. A core benefit is that holders can live and work without a local sponsor. Confirm the current rights with the official authority.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
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