Saudi Arabia announces permanent residency for pakistanis

In Saudi Arabia, you can get a residency card for 4,000 Riyals. Surprised? In today’s changing world, every country is trying to strengthen its economy and attract talented individuals to its soil. Saudi Arabia is also stepping into a new era. It is no longer a country limited to trade or business; it has become a golden opportunity for skilled individuals, investors, and forward-thinking entrepreneurs.


In this news, the idea of premium residency, or the “Iqama” visa, is back in the news. This time, with a new debate: what exactly is permanent Iqama for just 4,000 Riyals? But the issue is, is it truly true? The Saudi government has not yet made an official statement. It seems like this deal is only available to certain groups of people, based on information from a number of sources. This means that not everyone will be able to take advantage of it.

Saudi Arabia had introduced a premium residency program a few years ago, with fees of around 100,000 Riyals for a one-year Iqama and 800,000 Riyals for a lifetime residency. However, the new scheme reportedly provides premium residency on concessional terms for specific categories.


The first category is individuals with extraordinary skills in science, technology, or medical fields—those whose expertise can benefit Saudi Arabia’s development projects.
For them, the proposal is to provide Iqama for just 4,000 Riyals. The aim is not merely to give Iqama but to include the world’s best minds in Saudi Arabia’s progress.


The second category is investors.
These are individuals who can invest at least 7 million Riyals over two years in Saudi Arabia and create at least 10 job opportunities for local citizens. They can qualify for this premium residency. The purpose of this program is clear: investment and employment both strengthen Saudi Arabia’s economy.


The third category is entrepreneurs who want to start new businesses.
If someone launches a new business in Saudi Arabia with an investment of around 400,000 Riyals and contributes 20% of the capital themselves, they can also join this program. This initiative is intended to promote small and medium-sized businesses.


The fourth important category is real estate holders.
Individuals who own residential property in Saudi Arabia worth at least 4 million Riyals are also eligible for premium residency. This initiative will inject new life into the country’s property sector.


But one question arises: is there any opportunity in this program for ordinary workers or low-income individuals? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Premium residency is primarily for skilled investors or businesspeople, not the working class. The goal is to bring talent and capital to Saudi Arabia, not to make life easier for laborers.


Some people are also saying that 4,000 Riyals is just the processing fee, but the reality is much more complex. This fee likely applies only to those who have already demonstrated participation in Saudi Arabia’s economy through prior investment or professional expertise.