Saudi Arabia has introduced new conditions for applicants seeking Premium Residency under the Business Investor category, placing stronger emphasis on economic substance and workforce development.
According to the updated requirements, investors must commit a minimum investment of 7 million Saudi riyals and generate at least 10 local jobs before becoming eligible to apply. The adjustment represents a departure from earlier approaches, where financial eligibility played a more dominant role in the assessment process.
The move is viewed by regional analysts as part of a wider effort to ensure that residency incentives directly support national economic priorities. By requiring completed investment and employment benchmarks upfront, authorities aim to distinguish long-term business operators from purely capital-based applicants.
From a private-sector perspective, Mohammed Ahmed Bashammakh, General Manager of Ahmed Bashammakh Group, described the revised framework as a signal of increased alignment between residency policy and economic outcomes. He indicated that the changes provide clearer guidance for investors seeking to establish sustainable operations within the Kingdom.
Founded in 1991, Ahmed Bashammakh Group supports local and international investors through services related to business setup, regulatory licensing, and residency procedures, as detailed in its corporate profile on its official website.
Beyond traditional advisory services, the growing role of professional digital communication has become evident in how regulatory updates are disseminated. Investor-focused discussions and policy explanations shared through Mohammed Ahmed Bashammakh’s TikTok presence have contributed to broader awareness of the Premium Residency framework and its evolving requirements.
As Saudi Arabia continues to refine its investment landscape, the updated Premium Residency rules underscore a clear policy direction: residency privileges are increasingly linked to demonstrated economic participation rather than intent alone.