Saudi Arabia Abolishes ‘Kafeel’ System, Introduces New Premium Residency Law

Riyadh,Saudi Arabia has announced the implementation of a new version of its Premium Residency Program, effectively ending the long-standing Kafeel (sponsorship) requirement for foreign residents.

Under the updated scheme, expatriates can now live, work, and invest in the Kingdom without the need for a Saudi sponsor — a landmark reform aligned with the country’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plan.

The Saudi government has introduced two types of residency under the new system:

Permanent Residency: A one-time fee of SAR 800,000 (approximately USD 213,000) for lifetime residence.

Renewable Residency: An annual fee of SAR 100,000 (approximately USD 26,700).

Privileges granted to premium residents include:

The right to live and work without a sponsor.

Property ownership (excluding Makkah, Madinah, and border regions).

Business ownership and employment rights.

Residency for spouses and children.

Unrestricted entry and exit from the Kingdom.

Access to healthcare, education, and banking services.

Permission to transfer funds abroad.

However, recipients of premium residency will not be granted Saudi citizenship or voting rights.

Applicants must be over 21 years old, hold a valid passport, possess a clean criminal record, be medically fit, and legally reside in the Kingdom. Proof of stable income or financial resources is also required.

Applications can be submitted through the official portal pr.gov.sa, with processing times ranging between one and three months.

Officials say the reform is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to attract foreign investment, retain skilled professionals, and enhance the Kingdom’s competitiveness on the global stage.