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Exceptional Competence Premium Residency

Saudi ArabiaTalent and merit

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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Which exceptional-talent, academic, scientific, artistic, technological, cultural or other profiles does the pathway target?

The Exceptional Competence Premium Residency targets scientific, administrative and research competencies with distinguished abilities and experience, through tracks for researchers, health and scientific competencies, and executives.

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What achievements, recognition, awards, publications, reputation or other evidence establishes the required level?

Researchers: bachelor's degree or higher, more than 3 years' relevant work experience, passing the points-system minimum, 3 research papers in a relevant field, and total monthly wage of at least SAR 14 thousand. Health and scientific competencies: bachelor's or higher, more than 3 years' relevant experience, points-system minimum, total monthly wage of at least SAR 35 thousand. Executives: employment contract in a leadership position (first or second level) at a specified entity with total monthly wage of at least SAR 80 thousand.

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Is an employer, nominator, recognised body, peer group or government endorsement required?

Yes, employer involvement: researchers and health/scientific competencies need an employment contract with specified entities in a priority specialisation, and every track requires a recommendation letter from the employer.

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Can the holder change employer, work independently, establish a business or conduct other professional activity? What is the family position?

Holder may move freely between establishments, conduct commercial business under the Investment Law, and is exempt from the Nitaqat programme. Family members who may reside with the holder: parents, spouses and children under 25. The spouse and children may work in private-sector establishments and move between them.

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What duration, renewal and accelerated or normal longer-term residence pathway is officially stated?

Limited residence is granted for five years, renewable once when the product eligibility criteria are met; permanent Premium Residency follows when the criteria continue to be met and the holder has resided 30 months within 5 years (consecutive or not).

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These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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