Although the paid housing program itself has been in place for several years, interest in the property-related approach is growing as non-Saudis will be able, for the first time, to purchase property in designated areas under a unified national framework from January 21 onwards. Together, these two policies reflect a shift in how Saudi Arabia positions itself as a place of investment and stability.
The Landlord Residency is administered by the Saudi Premium Residency Center and is intended for foreigners who own an eligible residence in the Kingdom, according to the official program conditions.
To be eligible, applicants must own or hold usufruct rights over a residential property in Saudi Arabia with a minimum value of SAR4 million (US$1.07 million). The property must be developed, used for residential purposes and free from any existing or future encumbrances. Undeveloped or empty land is not suitable.
The property must also be valued by an appraiser approved by the Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers, known as Taqeem, to ensure that it meets the minimum value requirement.
Occupancy under this line is directly linked to the ownership or use of the relevant property. Applicants are required to pay a one-time fee of SAR4,000 (US$1,067). A residence remains valid as long as the property continues to meet eligibility criteria.
What premium accommodation allows you
Premium residency offers a level of flexibility that goes beyond traditional residency programs in Saudi Arabia.
Owners may reside in the Kingdom with their family members, including parents, spouses and children under the age of 25. They can travel and re-enter Saudi Arabia freely without the need for additional visas and are exempt from the fees normally charged to expatriates and their dependents.
Premium residents are allowed to work in private companies and move between employers without needing a subsidy. The same applies to eligible family members. Owners are also allowed to carry out business activities in accordance with Saudi Arabia’s Investment Law and can apply for visas to visit relatives.
Other benefits include access to dedicated airport lanes usually reserved for Saudi citizens, reflecting the program’s focus on long-term residents rather than short-term stays.
The residence remains attached to the continued ownership of the relevant property. If the property is sold or no longer meets the program’s requirements, residency status may be affected.
The property-linked housing option is attracting renewed attention following the introduction of Saudi Arabia’s new foreign property ownership law, which came into force this month.
Under the law, non-Saudis can now purchase residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural property in designated areas around the world. Although the locations are yet to be fully defined, the transition marks a major change from the restrictive system that has been in place since 2000.
Applications are submitted through the official platform of the Saudi Premium Residency Center. Eligibility conditions are subject to change and applicants are advised to ensure that property ownership, valuation and documentation meet current requirements at the time of application.
