RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan 22: Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency Centre has disclosed the eligible specializations for its Special Talent Residency program, as outlined on the center's e-portal. The initiative aims to attract top professionals across various domains to contribute to the kingdom's development and innovation objectives.

The specializations eligible for this residency program encompass healthcare and life sciences, digital technologies, financial services, advanced manufacturing, space and defense, energy, metals and mining, logistics and transport, tourism infrastructure, and food and agriculture technologies. It also extends to research areas in space and aviation, environment, energy, health, urban transformation, and digital technologies.

On January 10, Saudi Arabia introduced five new categories, allowing qualified applicants to apply for the premium residency permit, simplifying the process for residents interested in the scheme. The categories include skilled and talented individuals (specialists, executives), talents (cultural, sports), investors, entrepreneurs, and property owners.

Eligible applicants can enroll for the permit, granting them the ability to live and work in the Kingdom while enjoying benefits such as exemption from expat and dependents fees. The residency permit, obtainable for a one-off fee of SR4,000 ($1,066), provides foreign nationals with the right to own businesses and property in the country without the need for a sponsor.

Residency permit holders are authorized to own residential, commercial, and industrial property throughout Saudi Arabia, excluding Mecca, Medina, and the border regions. Alongside hosting relatives, making fee-free money transfers, and running businesses, permit holders can acquire premium residency status for family members and choose between a renewable one-year or an unlimited-duration plan based on their selected application.