Saudi Arabia Annouces Big News in Visa Policy: New Permanent Residency Law Is Now Active for all Expats in October 2025
New Permanent Residency Law has officially abolished the dependency on sponsors (Kafeel system) and introduced a brand-new Permanent Residency Law that came into effect in October 2025, marking a historic transformation in the Kingdom’s immigration system.
For the first time in history, millions of expatriates—workers, professionals, investors, and long-term residents—can now obtain residency without a sponsor, giving them freedom to live, work, invest, and bring their families without traditional restrictions.
This landmark decision aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to make the Kingdom a global economic powerhouse by attracting international talent, boosting foreign investments, and retaining skilled workers who have served the country for decades.
Why This Announcement Is Considered “Historic”?
For decades, expats in Saudi Arabia lived under the Kafeel (sponsor) system, which meant:
- They could not change jobs freely
- They could not start businesses without a Saudi partner
- They had limited travel rights
- Their residency depended entirely on employers
But under the October 2025 Permanent Residency Law, all that changes.
✅ No Sponsor / Kafeel Required
✅ Right to Own Property and Start Businesses
✅ Right to Bring Family Without Restrictions
✅ Five-Year & Lifetime Residency Cards Available
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Key Features of Saudi Arabia’s New Permanent Residency Law (October 2025):
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Requirement | No sponsor or employer required |
| Residency Type | 5-Year Renewable PR & Lifetime PR (Green Card) |
| Eligible Applicants | Skilled professionals, investors, high-income earners & long-term residents |
| Work & Business Rights | 100% ownership allowed |
| Family Sponsorship | Spouse, children & parents allowed |
| Travel Freedom | Exit/Entry without restrictions |
| Property Ownership | Allowed in designated zones |
| Tax Benefits | No income tax or property tax |
Eligibility Criteria for the New Saudi Permanent Residency 2025:
Any expat applying for Saudi Permanent Residency must meet basic requirements such as a valid passport, clean legal record, and medical fitness. Applicants should either be skilled professionals (like doctors, engineers, or IT experts), long-term residents with stable income, or investors willing to buy property or start a business in Saudi Arabia. Final income and investment thresholds will be officially announced soon, but the policy is designed to include both qualified workers and established professionals.
- ✅ Minimum annual income threshold (to be officially announced soon)
- ✅ Professional Qualification (Doctors, Engineers, IT Experts, Professors, Pilots, etc.)
- ✅ Investment in Saudi Business or Real Estate
- ✅ Long-Term Legal Stay of 10+ Years (Clean Record Required)
- ✅ Retired Workers with Specific Savings or Pensions
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Types of Residency Under the New Law 2025:
Saudi Arabia offers two major pathways:
1️⃣ Renewable 5-Year Permanent Residency
- Ideal for salaried professionals & mid-level investors
- Fees expected lower than previous PR system
- Renewable every 5 years
2️⃣ Lifetime (Green Card Style) Residency
- One-time payment and lifetime benefits
- Full freedom to live, invest, and travel within the Kingdom
Step-by-Step Application Process 2025:
Follow these simple steps to apply once the official portal opens:
- Visit the Official Residency Portal (to be launched soon)
- Create an Applicant Profile
- Submit Passport + Iqama + National ID Documents
- Upload Income Proof or Investment Documents
- Police Clearance & Medical Fitness Test
- Pay Residency Fees & Await Approval
Benefits of Permanent Residency in Saudi Arabia 2025:
Saudi Arabia’s new Permanent Residency Law offers expats true independence by ending the need for a sponsor or employer control. Residents can now work freely, switch jobs without permission, start their own businesses, and even buy property in approved areas. The biggest advantage is family stability, as expats can bring their spouse, children, and parents under one residency status. With no exit or re-entry visas required, PR holders enjoy full travel freedom while gaining access to healthcare, education, and long-term security similar to citizens. For many, Saudi Arabia is no longer just a workplace — it is now a place to settle, invest, and build a future.
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Comparison: Old Kafeel System vs New Residency Law:
| Category | Old System | New PR System |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor Required | Yes | No |
| Job Change | Restricted | Free |
| Family Sponsorship | Limited | Open |
| Business Ownership | Not Allowed | 100% Allowed |
| Travel Permit | Exit/Re-entry Visa Needed | No Visa Needed |
Impact on Expats Across Different Categories:
🧑🏭 For Workers & Technicians
- Greater job security
- Freedom to switch employers without fear
👔 For Professionals (Doctors, Engineers, IT Experts)
- More career growth
- Opportunity to start consulting firms
💰 For Investors & Business Owners
- Ability to own 100% businesses
- No Saudi partner required
👨👩👧 For Families
- Stable future for children
- No more fear of visa cancellation
Important FAQs New Permanent Residency Law 2025:
1. Is the new Saudi Permanent Residency Law officially active from October 2025?
Yes. Saudi authorities have confirmed that the new residency law, which removes the need for a sponsor (Kafeel), has been implemented starting October 2025.
2. Do I still need a sponsor or employer to stay in Saudi Arabia?
No. Under the new law, expats can live and work independently without any sponsor or employer-based iqama.
3. Can I bring my family under this residency system?
Yes. Permanent residency holders can sponsor their spouse, children, and even parents without restrictions.
4. Will I lose residency if I leave my job?
No. Unlike traditional work visas, your residency will not be linked to your employer, so losing a job does not cancel your status.
5. Can I open a business or buy property with this residency?
Yes. PR holders will have the right to own 100% businesses and purchase property in approved zones across Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion — A New Era for Expats in Saudi Arabia:
The New Permanent Residency Law marks a turning point for millions of expatriates who have spent years contributing to Saudi Arabia’s growth.
With freedom from sponsorship, full business ownership rights, family stability, and long-term security, this reform will transform Saudi Arabia from a temporary work destination into a long-term home for many.
Whether you are an engineer, doctor, IT expert, investor, or loyal worker, this new policy opens doors to independence, dignity, and true opportunity.
Saudi Arabia is no longer just a workplace — it is becoming a land of settlement.
