Exceptional Competence Residency in Saudi Arabia in 2026
The Exceptional Competence Residency product targets specified high-skill professional profiles. The current Premium Residency Center criteria are track-specific, so one salary figure should not be presented as a universal threshold.
Researchers
The Center currently publishes criteria including an employment contract in a designated priority field/entity, monthly total salary of at least SAR 14,000, a bachelor's degree or higher, more than three years of relevant experience, the applicable minimum points, an employer recommendation, and three relevant research papers.
Health and science professionals
For the published health/science professional track, the current salary threshold is SAR 35,000 per month, alongside degree, experience, points and recommendation requirements.
Executives
For qualifying executives in designated level-one or level-two leadership positions, the current published monthly total salary threshold is SAR 80,000, together with the specified recommendation/employment evidence.
Duration and progression
The product is described as a five-year limited Premium Residency, renewable once when continuing criteria are met. Current Center material also describes a path to permanent Premium Residency for qualifying holders who continue to meet the criteria and satisfy the 30-month residence condition within the five-year period.
The published product fee is SAR 4,000.
Professional licensing, employer eligibility, sector regulation and immigration approval remain separate. Applicants should verify the exact priority-field/entity lists and points criteria in force at the time of application.
See the Saudi Arabia immigration hub, methodology, and legal disclaimer.
Official and supporting sources
- Premium Residency Center — Exceptional Competencegovernment · accessed 2026-09-27
- National Platform — Request Premium Residencyofficial portal · accessed 2026-09-27