Saudi Arabia Premium Residency Work Permit: SR100 Fee Guide

Name: TerraTern
Brand: TerraTern
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Written by

Mynaz Altaf

Fact check by

Shreya Pandey

Updated on

Jun 18,2026

Saudi Arabia Premium Residency Work Permit: SR100 Fee Guide - TerraTern

Key Highlights

What Changed: The New Work Permit Requirement
How to Apply Through Qiwa Platform?
Business Subscription Fees: What Companies Need to Know
Other Labour Market Updates from Qiwa
Premium Residency Types and Eligibility Criteria
Timeline and Compliance Deadlines
Conclusion

Saudi Arabia has announced a significant update to its Premium Residency program. Holders of Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency are now required to obtain a dedicated work permit through the Kingdom's Qiwa digital labour platform, according to new guidance issued by the platform and cited by Gulf News.

This change affects thousands of expatriate workers, including many Indian professionals, who previously enjoyed streamlined work authorization under their Premium Residency status.

What Changed: The New Work Permit Requirement

The Qiwa platform, operated by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, confirmed that Premium Residency holders must now secure a separate work permit. The permit costs SR100 and represents part of broader labour market procedures.

Aspect	Previous System	New System (June 2026)
Work Authorization	Included in Premium Residency	Separate work permit required
Cost	No additional fee	SR100 per permit
Application Platform	Premium Residency portal	Qiwa digital labour platform
Processing Time	Automatic	Digital application through Qiwa
Validity	Linked to residency	Standalone work permit

Also Read: Saudi Visa Check: Track Your Visa Easily Online Now

How to Apply Through Qiwa Platform?

Qiwa operates as Saudi Arabia's official digital government services platform for business owners, employees, and service providers. Here's how Premium Residency holders can obtain their work permit:

Create or access your Qiwa account at qiwa.sa
Navigate to work permit services under the labour menu
Upload required documents: Valid Premium Residency permit, Valid passport, Employment contract (if employed)
Pay the SR100 fee using available payment methods
Receive digital work permit within 1-3 business days

Business Subscription Fees: What Companies Need to Know

The Qiwa platform clarified that subscription fees for businesses vary by company size. These fees are calculated based on the total number of employees registered under the entity's unified number.

Total Employee Count: Fees are calculated based on the unified number registration, which now includes Premium Residency holders
Company Classification: Different business types face varying fee structures based on industry and operational scope
Saudisation Compliance: Companies that fail to meet Saudisation targets face higher fees, creating additional financial pressure for non-compliant entities

Also Read: Saudi Arabia Work Visa Check by Passport Number

Other Labour Market Updates from Qiwa

Beyond the work permit requirement, Qiwa released multiple important updates that affect how businesses and employees interact with Saudi labour regulations. These changes streamline digital processes while adding new compliance requirements. Understanding these updates helps employers and workers avoid penalties and maintain proper documentation across all employment-related activities.

Training contracts for Tamheer programme beneficiaries can now be documented electronically through Qiwa
These contracts will not count toward Saudisation calculations or current compliance requirements
The Tamheer programme supports job nationalisation in accounting, legal audit, and beauty services for Saudi nationals

Premium Residency Types and Eligibility Criteria

Understanding your specific Premium Residency type is crucial because different categories have varying durations, fees, and eligibility requirements. Whether you're a health professional, artist, investor, entrepreneur, or property owner, knowing your residency category helps you determine exact compliance requirements and avoid application mistakes. Each type serves different purposes and targets different professional profiles.

Special Talent: 5 years duration, SAR 4,000 fee ideal for health/science professionals and researchers requiring a Bachelor's degree, 3+ years experience, and SAR 14,000+ monthly salary
Gifted: 5 years duration, SAR 4,000 fee designed for arts and creative fields professionals who hold an award from the Ministry of Culture or Sports
Investor: Permanent residency, SAR 4,000 fee for investors making SAR 7 million minimum investment and creating 10 jobs
Entrepreneur Category 1: 5 years duration, SAR 4,000 fee for startup founders with SAR 400,000 investment and 20% startup stake
Entrepreneur Category 2: Permanent residency, SAR 15 million fee for established entrepreneurs investing SAR 15 million and creating 10 jobs
Real Estate Owner: Tied to property ownership duration, SAR 4,000 fee for property investors owning SAR 4 million+ mortgage-free residential property
Limited Duration: 1 year (renewable), SAR 100,000/year fee for temporary residents who can prove financial solvency

Also Read: How to Check Saudi Visa Status by Passport Number: Complete Guide

Timeline and Compliance Deadlines

The new work permit requirement has moved quickly from announcement to enforcement, with Premium Residency holders needing to act immediately. The timeline shows how rapidly Saudi authorities implemented this change Qiwa issued guidance on June 11, 2026, major news outlets reported it by June 13, and the Economic Times provided official coverage on June 14. The requirement is effective immediately, meaning there's no grace period for compliance.

June 11, 2026: Qiwa issues new guidance on work permit requirement
June 13, 2026: Gulf News and Okaz newspaper report the change publicly
June 14, 2026: Economic Times publishes official coverage confirming the rule
Effective Immediately: All Premium Residency holders must obtain work permit starting this date

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia Premium Residency work permit requirements have fundamentally changed as of June 2026. All holders must now obtain a dedicated work permit through Qiwa for SR100, marking a significant shift from the previous system where work authorization was automatic. While this adds a new compliance step, Premium Residency holders retain most core benefits including property ownership, family visa issuance, and travel flexibility. The digital application process through Qiwa should make obtaining the permit straightforward for most residents. For official details and to apply for your work permit, visit the Qiwa platform, the official Saudi Ministry of Human Resources digital labour services portal. To know more about Saudi Arabia residency work permits, visit TerraTern now!

Mynaz Altaf

Sr. Content Writer

I am Mynaz Altaf, an accomplished Senior Content Manager with extensive experience in the immigration industry. At TerraTern, I craft transformative content strategies, leading a dynamic team of creatives. By blending analytical precision with creative flair, I create engaging narratives that captivate and convert. Join me in exploring the art of impactful storytelling, where precision meets passion in the realm of content innovation.

At TerraTern, we adhere to a stringent editorial policy emphasizing factual accuracy, impartiality, and relevance. Our content is curated by experienced industry professionals, and reviewed by editors to ensure high standards.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of the new Premium Residency work permit, and how do I pay?

The work permit costs SR100 (approximately $27 USD), which is a one-time fee per permit issuance. You can pay through multiple methods including bank cards (credit and debit), SADAD payment numbers, or the Qiwa digital wallet. The payment process is integrated directly into the Qiwa application platform, so you complete the fee payment during the digital application process. After payment confirmation, your work permit is typically processed within 1-3 business days.

Does this new work permit requirement apply to all Premium Residency types?

Yes, the requirement applies to all Premium Residency categories, including Special Talent, Gifted, Investor, Entrepreneur Category 1 and 2, Real Estate Owner, and Limited Duration residencies. Regardless of which residency type you hold, if you work in Saudi Arabia's private sector, you must obtain a separate work permit through Qiwa. The SR100 fee is the same for all categories, though your eligibility requirements for the original Premium Residency vary by type. This uniform rule ensures all working Premium Residency holders follow the same compliance process.

What happens if I don't get the work permit before starting work?

Failing to obtain the work permit may result in serious compliance issues with Saudi labour authorities, including potential penalties, work restrictions, and possible impacts on your Premium Residency status. Employers may also face fines for employing workers without proper documentation, so they will likely require you to have the permit before allowing you to start work. The requirement is effective immediately with no grace period, so applying through Qiwa as soon as possible is essential to avoid legal complications or interruption of your employment.

Do I still retain my Premium Residency benefits after getting the work permit?

Yes, you retain all core Premium Residency benefits including residential freedom, property ownership (except in Mecca and Medina), vehicle ownership, family visit visa issuance, Saudi Capital Market investment rights, travel flexibility without additional visas, and access to specialist airport lanes. The work permit only adds a compliance requirement for working but doesn't remove any residency privileges. The only benefit that is partially affected is the exemption from expatriate fees, since you now pay the SR100 work permit fee. Your "Green Card" status remains intact with long-term residency stability.

Can I change my visa information after it's issued if there's an error?

No, visa information cannot be changed after issuance under any circumstances, according to Qiwa's clarified rules. If incorrect details are entered on your visa, you must cancel the existing visa entirely and issue a new visa with the correct information. This strict rule applies to all visa types, including work visas, and means you must verify all details carefully before submitting your application. For foreign employees, remember that Saudi work visa costs range from SAR 8,500 to 9,700 and are paid through online banking via SADAD, so consider the additional cost of cancellation and reissuance.