Obtain a Residence Permit in Saudi Arabia (Iqama)

Interested in obtaining a residence permit in Saudi Arabia? Find out your options below and rely on our local specialists for pre and post-relocation support.

Quick Facts
Temporary residence permit types	– temporary (iqama) and permanent residence permits, – residence permits for dependents, – work visas
Time needed to obtain the temporary residence permit (approx.)	It takes around 1 to 3 weeks to obtain a temporary residence permit in Saudi Arabia.
Temporary residence permit validity	Saudi iqamas are valid for up to one year.
Documents for obtaining temporary residence	– application form, – valid passport, – documents proving the reason of relocation, – health certificate, – proof of sufficient funds to sustain oneself during the stay
Special temporary residency program availability	The premium residency scheme
Dependents can join the temporary permit holder (Yes/No)	Yes, it is possible to move with close family members (spouse and children).
Temporary or permanent residency for investment purposes	The investor visa
Type of investments available for residency purposes	Business investment and lump sum payment.
Minimum investment amount	Premium Residency is fee-based: SAR 100,000 per year (renewable) or SAR 800,000 one-off (unlimited); the Real Estate Owner category requires property worth at least SAR 4 million
Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence	None – the unlimited-duration Premium Residency can be applied for directly.
Residency for individuals married to a citizen of the country	5 years
Documents for obtaining permanent residence	– valid passport, – valid Saudi iqama, – clean criminal record, – health certificate, – proof of solvency
Naturalization requirements	At least 10 years of legal residence plus a points-based assessment.
Citizenship after permanent residence	No fixed period; naturalisation requires at least 10 years of residence
Dual citizenship permitted (Yes/No)	No, dual citizenship is not permitted in Saudi Arabia.

What are the main ways through which I can relocate and obtain a Saudi residence permit?

You can obtain a Saudi Iqama, meaning a residence permit, in the following ways:

if you relocate based on employment;
if you move here as a dependent family member;
if you immigrate as an investor, by opening a company in Saudi Arabia, for example.

Note: For employment and investment-based residency, there are several means of relocation.

What are the types of residence permits I can obtain in Saudi Arabia?

Foreign citizens interested in applying for the Saudi Arabia iqama must know that there are two types of residence permits:

temporary;
permanent.

What are the steps to obtain a residence permit in Saudi Arabia?

Research the requirements for the chosen type of permit (our local specialists can offer updated information);
Prepare the immigration papers in accordance with the type of residence permit sought;
Apply for an entry visa, if required;
Seek accommodation;
Make sure you have sufficient money to sustain your stay in Saudi Arabia until you start earning here;
Once arrived in the country, register with the local authorities and take the medical fitness exam.

NOTE: The medical examination must be completed within maximum 3 months from entering the country.

Here is also an infographic on how to obtain Saudi residency:

What are the documents to file when applying for a Saudi Iqama?

Here is a list of the paperwork required to obtain a residence permit in Saudi Arabia:

the passport in original;
the application form which can be provided by our lawyers in Saudi Arabia who specialize in immigration matters;
the visa referral note, released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (you can rely on this for obtaining this referral);
the certificate attesting to the applicant’s good state of health which cannot be older than 3 months and must have been issued by a licensed physician;
3 recent passport-sized photographs.

IMPORTANT: Please note that the passport must have a minimum validity of 6 months and at least 2 blank pages for the stamp to be placed. In the case of American citizens, their green cards must also be filed alongside their passports.

How long does it take for a temporary residence permit to be issued in Saudi Arabia?

It can take between 1 and 3 weeks, depending on the reason for the application.

What is the validity of a Saudi temporary residence permit?

Saudi temporary residence permits are usually issued for a one-year period. They are also renewable (pay attention to the required conditions).

How long do I need to live in Saudi Arabia to become eligible for permanent residency?

Through the Premium Residence Scheme, you do not need to meet specific living requirements, as you can be granted an unlimited residence permit. Outside the program, there is no general permanent residence route; standard iqamas are temporary and renewable.

What is the Saudi premium residency program, and how can I apply for it?

The program, which is run by the Premium Residency Center, was created to attract investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled migrants; therefore, it is not meant for wealthy individuals. There are two options for those interested in the Saudi iqama under the premium residence visa scheme:

the renewable temporary residency;
the permanent residency.

In order to apply for any of them, a foreign person must meet the following eligibility criteria:

the applicant must be at least 21 years old at the time he/she files for the visa;
the person must have a valid passport, as well as a clean criminal record;
he/ she should be financially stable;
proof of being healthy and fit is mandatory in order to be allowed into the program.

Here is also a video on this subject:

What are the advantages of becoming a permanent resident in Saudi Arabia?

Here are the main advantages you will have after obtaining a Saudi residence permit:

you will be able to operate a company in accordance with foreign investment regulations;
you will benefit from the freedom to exit and enter Saudi Arabia without a visa;
you will be allowed to apply for visitor visas for family members.

If you are interested in applying for a residence permit in Saudi Arabia in 2026 and need guidance, do not hesitate to contact our immigration lawyers in Saudi Arabia.