Saudi Arabia Awards Premium Residency to Over 100 Global Entrepreneurs

In a significant move to strengthen its position as a global innovation hub, Saudi Arabia has granted Premium Residency to over 100 entrepreneurs from more than 20 different nationalities. This announcement was made during the Biban Forum 2025, held in Riyadh, highlighting the Kingdom's commitment to fostering talent and building a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Biban Forum 2025 – A Hub for Innovation

The Biban Forum 2025, organised by the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, known as Monsha’at, was held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre. Under the theme “A Global Destination for Opportunities,” the forum brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investment specialists. It serves as a central platform aimed at supporting start-ups, promoting knowledge exchange, and creating pathways for business development both within Saudi Arabia and internationally. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to position the Kingdom as a leading destination for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Details of the Entrepreneur Residency

The Premium Residency Centre has awarded the Entrepreneur Residency, one of its flagship programmes, to more than 100 founders of technology-driven and innovative start-ups. This residency programme is specifically designed for entrepreneurs who wish to develop and expand their ventures within Saudi Arabia. By attracting such talent, the initiative aims to bolster the national economy and create high-quality job opportunities, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The Centre indicated that granting Premium Residency to these entrepreneurs reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a thriving environment where creative individuals can grow their businesses competitively and sustainably.

Overview of Residency Options

The Premium Residency Centre offers seven distinct residency categories, each tailored to specific talents and investment profiles:

1. Special Talent Residency
2. Gifted Residency
3. Investor Residency
4. Entrepreneur Residency
5. Real Estate Owner Residency
6. Limited Duration Residency
7. Unlimited Duration Residency

These residency options provide holders with numerous benefits, including the ability to live in Saudi Arabia with family members, engage in business activities, own property, and invite relatives. Each residency product is designed to facilitate long-term settlement, professional growth, and economic contribution, thereby reinforcing the Kingdom’s image as a welcoming destination for global innovators and investors.

A Strategic Vision for Economic Growth

The Premium Residency initiative is more than a mere residency programme; it serves as a strategic tool to enhance Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial and investment sectors. By attracting international talent and enabling the growth of technology-driven enterprises, the Kingdom aims to achieve several interconnected goals:

• Increase competitiveness within the local economy
• Promote a sustainable, innovation-led growth model
• Generate high-quality employment opportunities
• Support the broader aims of Saudi Vision 2030

The Entrepreneur Residency, alongside the other six residency options, is a cornerstone of this strategy, illustrating a deliberate effort to merge talent attraction with economic development. The initiative reflects a comprehensive approach to nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial landscape, contributing to the Kingdom's long-term economic aspirations.