Saudi Arabia Launches Special Residency for Skilled Foreigners

Saudi Arabia has introduced a Special Talent Residency programme aimed at attracting skilled foreign nationals to live and work in the kingdom. The programme categorizes eligible applicants into three distinct groups: researchers, healthcare and scientific professionals, and executives.

Researchers must hold an employment contract with a whitelisted organization, possess at least a bachelor's degree, have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience, earn a monthly salary of at least SAR 14,000, and have published at least three research works. Healthcare and scientific professionals face stricter financial requirements, needing a minimum monthly salary of SAR 35,000.

Executives, who operate at the first or second leadership level, must earn a minimum monthly wage of SAR 80,000 but are not required to meet points system criteria or hold specific academic qualifications. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aiming to position the kingdom as a global hub for talent, innovation, and investment.