Premium Residency for Talented Individuals: List of 1028 Approved Government Entities

In a strategic move reflecting the accelerating pace of economic and social transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Premium Residency Center announced the expansion of the list of entities approved to grant Premium Residency, now including 1,028 governmental and semi-governmental bodies. This decision complements previous steps that included approving thousands of private sector establishments, as part of the Kingdom's efforts to attract bright minds and global talent to contribute to achieving the goals of Vision 2030.

Context of the decision and its strategic objectives

This expansion comes at a time when the Kingdom is witnessing a comprehensive development renaissance, as the government seeks to enhance the work environment and make it more attractive to global talent. The goal is not limited to filling job vacancies, but extends to transferring knowledge and localizing advanced expertise in vital sectors such as health, education, technology, and industry. This decision is part of an integrated legislative framework aimed at diversifying the national economy away from total dependence on oil, by empowering the human capital that drives innovation.

Details of the “Exceptional Competence” track

This track targets two main categories of non-Saudi employees working in accredited entities, and the center has set precise criteria to ensure attracting the elite:

• The track for researchers and health and scientific competencies: This track requires an employment contract in priority specializations, with a monthly salary of no less than 14,000 riyals for researchers and 35,000 riyals for health and scientific competencies, with experience of no less than 3 years and the submission of specialized research.
• Executives (Leaders) Track: Targets those holding leadership positions (Level 1 and Level 2) with a monthly salary of no less than 80,000 riyals, with the requirement of an official letter of recommendation.

Exclusive benefits for residents and their families

The “Exceptional Efficiency” product offers a range of benefits that ensure the psychological and professional stability of beneficiaries, most notably:

• Full exemption from the financial fee for expatriates and their companions.
• Freedom of movement, exit and return without the need for a visa, and use of lanes designated for citizens at ports of entry.
• The right to own real estate and conduct business in accordance with investment regulations.
• Possibility of bringing the family (parents and children up to the age of 25).
• The opportunity to obtain permanent residency after fulfilling the conditions related to the duration (30 months within 5 years).

Prominent accredited governmental and semi-governmental entities

The approved list encompassed a wide range of vital sectors, opening the door to a large pool of experts. Among the most prominent of these entities are:

• The academic and research sector: King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and universities in various regions (Umm Al-Qura, Taibah, Qassim, and others).
• The health sector: Ministry of Health, Saudi Health Council, King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Medical Cities, and the Red Crescent Authority.
• The economic and industrial sector: Saudi Aramco, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, the Public Investment Fund and its subsidiaries.
• Ministries and sovereign bodies: Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Human Resources, and the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.
• Municipalities and Secretariats: Secretariats of the main regions (Riyadh, Jeddah, Eastern Province) and sub-municipalities in various governorates.

This decision is expected to contribute to enhancing job stability for resident talent, which will positively impact their productivity and contribution to the local economy, and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a leading global destination for work and life.