Anchoring Global Intellectual Capital in the Kingdom
The Special Talent track is the Kingdom's dedicated invitation to its most coveted asset: human intellect. Designed for C-suite executives, world-class healthcare professionals, and pioneering scientific researchers, this residency pathway formally recognizes that certain individuals don't just fill roles — they reshape industries. Saudi Arabia is building the infrastructure to retain them permanently.
General Privileges & Benefits
Holders enjoy the full suite of Premium Residency advantages:
- Family Security: Reside with family members, including parents, spouses, and children under 25.
- Professional Mobility: Flexibility to move between establishments without sponsorship restrictions.
- Financial Benefits: Complete exemption from the fees traditionally imposed on expats and their dependents.
- Travel Autonomy: Exit and return to the Kingdom without a visa; use dedicated citizen tracks at airports.
- Business & Property: Entitlement to own real estate and conduct business under the Investment Law.
Special Benefits
- Nitaqat Exemption: The primary holder is exempted from the (Nitaqat) Program.
- Path to Permanent Residency: Direct eligibility for permanent status upon meeting residency duration standards.
Professional Benchmarks
1. Researchers & Healthcare Professionals
- Employment: Valid contract in whitelisted entities with priority specializations.
- Researchers: Minimum monthly wage of SAR 14,000, Bachelor’s degree, 3+ years experience, and a minimum of 3 published researches.
- Healthcare/Scientific: Minimum monthly wage of SAR 35,000, Bachelor’s degree, and 3+ years experience.
- System: Must meet the minimum score in the official points system and provide an employer recommendation letter.
2. Executives
- Level: Employment contract for 1st or 2nd level executive roles.
- Compensation: Total minimum monthly wage of SAR 80,000.
- Endorsement: Formal recommendation letter from the employer.
Residency Duration
- Fixed-Term: 5-year residency, renewable for one term.
- Permanent: Granted upon residing in the Kingdom for 30 months within 5 years (consecutive or non-consecutive) while maintaining eligibility standards.