Saudi Arabia introduces online applications for Premium Residency

Foreign nationals can now apply for Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Visa using the new Unified National Platform for Visas.

On Tuesday 17 May, the Saudi Cabinet approved the organisation of a Premium Residency Centre and the Unified National Platform for Visas.
Premium Residency Visa holders are permitted to use airport lanes designated for Saudi nationals, to do businesses in Saudi Arabia, to sponsor visitor visas for relatives, to acquire and own real estate, to employ domestic workers, and more.
Applications can be made online using the official website of the Premium Residency Center. The available options include a limited Premium Residency Visa renewable on a yearly basis under the SP2 category and a permanent residency, which allows indefinite stay in the country under the SP1 category.
Documents required to apply for the Saudi Premium Residency Visa:

• A valid passport;
• A clear criminal record certificate;
• Proof of funds;
• A medical certificate, which provides evidence of freedom from communicable diseases; and
• Proof of legal current residency status, if applying from within the kingdom.

Note: To be eligible, applicants must be 21 years or older.
The Saudi Premium Residency Visa offers multiple benefits, enabling the holder:

•  To access airport lanes designated for Saudi nationals;
•  To start and grow a business under the foreign investment regulations;
•  To freely exit and return to the kingdom at any time, without an exit/re-entry permit required;
•  To sponsor visitor visas for relatives;
•  To hire domestic staff, including housemaids;
•  To purchase and own real estate in the kingdom;
•  To work and switch jobs in the private sector; and
•  To purchase and own a private vehicle.

 Source: arabianbusiness.com