Home GCC Saudi Arabia Saudi officially launches ‘green card’ residency scheme for expats The Saudi cabinet approved the scheme last month, but the online portal to apply was only opened to the public on Sunday by Reuters June 23, 2019 Saudi Arabia launched on Sunday their new special residency scheme similar to green card systems applicable in other countries, aimed at attracting wealthy and high-skilled expats. The residency scheme offers two types of residencies, a permanent one for SAR800,000 ($213,321.96) and a one year but renewable residency for SAR100,000 ($26,665.24). Read: Saudi’s new permanent residency permit fee to exceed $200,000 The scheme was approved by the Saudi cabinet last month, but on Sunday the online portal to apply was opened to the public. Read: Saudi cabinet approves ‘green-card’-style residency scheme for foreign expats The residencies would allow foreign expats free movement, ability to own properties and to do business in the kingdom. Currently over 10 million expats work and live in Saudi Arabia under a system that requires them to be sponsored by a Saudi employer and be issued an exit and re-entry visa whenever they want to leave the country. Tags expatriates expats Expats Saudi Arabia green cards iqama Lifestyle permanent residency permit Saudi Saudi sponsor Shoura Council 0 Comments You might also like Aldar launches Nikki Beach Residences in Al Marjan, sales to open on Dec 5 Abu Dhabi: Yas Waterworld expansion to add thrilling new experiences Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour to come to Dubai, Bahrain in Jan 2024 S.T. Dupont, 24 Hours of Le Mans unveil historic collaboration