Investor Visa in Saudi Arabia: Your Gateway to the KSA’s Growing Market

Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as one of the most attractive destinations for foreign investors and to make the KSA more welcoming for businesses, it has introduced various reforms including the investor visa, also known as the golden visa. 

The investor visa acts as a gateway for individuals seeking to invest in Saudi Arabia while enjoying long-term residency benefits. However, acquiring an investor visa is subjected to certain requirements. 

In this post, we offer a detailed overview of the investor visa, including its benefits, requirements, application process, and how you can leverage it to establish a thriving business in Saudi Arabia. 

What is an Investor Visa? 

The Investor Visa (Golden Visa) is a residency permit that was introduced in early 2023 to attract foreign investors. It permits individuals to live, work, and invest in Saudi Arabia legally. The visa has two different options, each catering to different levels of financial commitment: 

1. Temporary Residency 

This one is ideal for investors who want to have a better understanding of the market environment before making a long-term commitment. It requires a lower investment amount to qualify and offers legal entry and residency to explore opportunities in the Saudi market. 

2. Permanent Residency 

This one is meant for investors looking for long-term business and residency benefits. It requires a larger financial investment but offers more benefits, which including allowing investors to settle permanently, bringing their families with them. 

Key Benefits of the Saudi Investor Visa

Saudi Arabia’s Investor Visa can open the doors to investment and business opportunities. Below are some of the key benefits of having an investor visa in Saudi Arabia. 

1. Residency Privileges 

The residency privileges of having an investor visa include: 

• Legal right to live and work in Saudi Arabia. 

• Family sponsorship meaning investors can bring their family. 

• No income tax for residents. 

2. Full Business Ownership 

With the Investor Visa, foreign investors can have full ownership of a business within certain sectors, unlike other visa categories which may have restrictions on foreign ownership percentages. 

3. Real Estate Ownership 

Investors can own property in designated areas. The visa also provides an excellent opportunity for capital appreciation and rental income. 

4. Efficient Approval Process 

The Investor Visa application process takes around 30 days and is among the fastest investment-based immigration programs in the Middle East. 

5. No Sponsorship Required 

Unlike employment visas, investors do not need a local sponsor. They can operate independently while benefiting from business-friendly policies. 

Eligibility Criteria 

The financial threshold for an investor visa depends on the type of residency you apply for. Besides the cost, here are the key eligibility requirements for an investor visa in Saudi Arabia: 

• The applicant must be at least 21 years old. 

• A valid passport with a clean immigration record. 

• Proof of financial capacity. 

• Compliance with Saudi business regulations. 

Required Documents 

To ensure a smooth application process, investors must submit the following documents: 

• Saudi Iqama Number (if already a resident). 

• Recent Bank Statements (proof of financial capacity). 

• Proof of Current Address (utility bill or rental agreement). 

• Photographs (passport-size, recent). 

• Passport Copies (including those of family members). 

• Previous Saudi Visas (if applicable). 

• Medical Report (issued by an accredited healthcare provider). 

• Employment Verification (for those currently employed). 

• Business Documents (company registration, financial statements for the past two years). 

Investor Visa’s Application Process 

1. Prepare the Required Documents 

Ensure you have all necessary paperwork translated into Arabic (if required) and certified for legal processing. 

2. Submit Your Application 

• Applications are submitted through the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA). 

• Applicants must provide details of their investment plans and financial commitments. 

3. Verification & Approval 

• The authorities will review your business credentials and financial standing. 

• Once verified, an approval letter will be issued. 

4. Obtain Your Residency Permit 

• The visa will be stamped into your passport, granting you legal residency. 

5. Open a Corporate Bank Account 

• A physical Saudi address is mandatory to open a bank account. 

• Submit your Commercial Registration (CR) Certificate and other legal documents. 

6. Finalize Business Setup 

• Register with ZATCA (for tax purposes) and GOSI (social insurance). 

• Join the Chamber of Commerce and obtain necessary permits. 

How Nimbus Consultancy Can Help? 

It’s clear that the investor visa of Saudi Arabia comes with many benefits but getting one can be quite the task, especially with the thoroughness of document preparation. 

That’s where Nimbus Consultancy comes in. With our comprehensive services and support, we can make the process smooth and hassle-free. We can offer you: 

- Application & Document Assistance – Ensuring compliance with Saudi regulations. 

- Accounting & Tax Services – Managing tax compliance.  

- PRO Services – Handling government-related documentation and approvals. 

Get Your Investor Visa Now

Saudi Arabia's Investor Visa presents a golden opportunity for foreign investors looking to establish a business in the Kingdom. Whether you seek temporary residency to explore the market or permanent residency for long-term investment, this program provides exceptional benefits. 

With the right guidance, you can seamlessly navigate the process and take advantage of Saudi Arabia’s pro-business environment. If you're considering investing in the KSA, now is the time to act!