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How much is the investor visa in Saudi Arabia in 2026

How much is the investor visa in Saudi Arabia in 2026?

In 2026, many high-net-worth individuals, corporate investors, and established business owners exploring the Saudi market ask a direct question: How much is the investor visa in Saudi Arabia in 2026? From a legal perspective, the answer is not limited to a single “visa price,” as investor residency in Saudi Arabia is usually linked to investment-based residency routes, eligibility thresholds, and—where business operations are involved—licensing and regulatory compliance costs. Confusing a visa fee with an investment requirement often leads to inaccurate financial planning, selecting the wrong legal route, or avoidable delays.

In this 2026-focused article, we provide a practical legal breakdown based on more than fifteen years of advisory experience, explaining how investor residency costs are structured, which figures are commonly discussed, and what additional expenses corporate investors and business families should anticipate. This reflects the same advisory approach adopted by a law firm in Riyadh when guiding clients toward compliant and financially sound investment decisions.

You are welcome to contact or visit a law firm located on Anas Bin Malik Road in Riyadh, based in Al-Alam Al-Manzel Building, Second Floor, during business hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For appointments, please call 0590098800.

What you will learn in this article

  • Why “investor visa cost” in 2026 is not one fixed number
  • The most common investment-based residency routes and typical figures
  • Investor license costs for business operations in Saudi Arabia
  • Large-scale investment pathways and job-creation implications
  • Key legal considerations to avoid common compliance mistakes in 2026

About the Author

Mohammed Almuzayen is a lawyer and arbitrator with more than fifteen years of legal experience. He specializes in construction and infrastructure disputes, corporate and commercial disputes, government contracts, and franchise agreements. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from King Saud University in Riyadh (2009) and has extensive practical experience through advising major national companies, including Almajdouie Group, Binzagr Company, United Mining Investments Company, Al Mawarid (listed joint-stock company), and Golden Petroleum Investment. He provides legal support to investors and business owners through Mohammed Almuzayen Law Firm in Riyadh.

How much is the investor visa in Saudi Arabia in 2026?


In 2026, there is no single official “investor visa fee” that applies to every investor. What is commonly referred to as the “investor visa cost” in Saudi Arabia usually consists of several legally distinct components, depending on the residency or investment pathway selected.

These components typically include:

  • Investment-based residency payments, often associated with Premium Residency options

  • Investment thresholds, which are eligibility requirements rather than visa processing fees

  • Administrative or licensing fees, particularly where the investor intends to operate a business

  • Ongoing compliance and establishment costs, such as renewals, registrations, and sector-specific approvals

In practical advisory discussions handled by a law firm in Riyadh, the following figures are commonly referenced in 2026:

  • SAR 800,000 as a one-time payment associated with certain permanent Premium Residency options

  • SAR 100,000 as a minimum threshold linked to certain temporary or limited-duration categories

  • SAR 10,000 as a typical first-year investor license fee, with lower annual renewals in many cases

  • SAR 7,000,000 as a major investment level sometimes referenced in job-creation or large-scale investment contexts, with separate administrative visa-related fees depending on the pathway

The most important legal point in 2026 is that many of these amounts are investment thresholds or residency-linked payments, not visa issuance fees. Proper classification from the outset helps prevent miscalculations, regulatory delays, and structural mistakes.

We are close to you, which is why we chose to be a law firm in Riyadh—so you can access reliable legal support without hassle.

Investor residency pathways in Saudi Arabia 2026 explained by Mohammed Almuzayen Law Firm in Riyadh

Investor Residency Pathways in Saudi Arabia (2026) – Legal guidance by Mohammed Almuzayen Law Firm, Riyadh.

What are the main investor residency pathways in Saudi Arabia in 2026?

When assessing how much is the investor visa in Saudi Arabia in 2026, it is essential to understand that investor residency pathways are evaluated from a legal planning perspective under two main tracks, depending on the investor’s objectives and intended level of activity.

Track A: Residency-focused pathways
This track applies where the investor’s primary goal is long-term lawful residence in Saudi Arabia, without necessarily engaging in direct business operations.

Track B: Business-operations pathways
This track applies where the investor plans to establish, own, or operate a business locally, which typically involves additional licensing, regulatory approvals, and ongoing compliance requirements.

Ultimately, determining how much is the investor visa in Saudi Arabia in 2026 depends on whether the objective is residency only, active business operations, or establishing a larger economic footprint, as each pathway carries different legal and financial implications.

Residency by Investment (Premium Residency) in 2026

Permanent Premium Residency

When assessing how much is the investor visa in Saudi Arabia in 2026, Permanent Premium Residency is commonly described as a long-term option that allows residency without requiring a local sponsor.

  • Typical amount discussed: SAR 800,000 as a one-time payment

  • Legal characterization: a residency-linked payment, not a routine visa processing charge

  • Practical purpose: long-term stability for the investor and eligible family members, with reduced reliance on sponsorship structures

In advisory practice, Mohammed Almuzayen Law Firm in Riyadh on Anas Bin Malik Road often explains that when evaluating how much is the investor visa in Saudi Arabia in 2026, this pathway is typically suitable for investors who seek residency certainty first, while maintaining flexibility to invest without having their legal status tied to an employer.

Temporary Premium Residency

Temporary Premium Residency generally grants residency for a limited period and may be renewable depending on the chosen category.

  • Typical minimum threshold discussed: SAR 100,000
  • Legal characterization: commonly treated as a minimum qualifying requirement for a temporary category
  • Practical purpose: testing the market in 2026, assessing opportunities, or preparing for later permanent residency planning

The legal reminder for 2026: temporary categories may involve different renewal practices, eligibility conditions, or documentation expectations. Planning early reduces delays.

Investor License for Business Operations in 2026

If your plan in 2026 is not only to reside but also to operate a business, you may need an investor license and related registrations. This is where many investors misunderstand the cost structure: they budget for residency but overlook licensing and compliance expenses.

Commonly referenced licensing figures include:

  • Investor license fee (first year): around SAR 10,000
  • Annual renewal fee: around SAR 2,000
  • Legal purpose: authorization to establish/own/operate business activities under the permitted scope

This investor licensing track is separate from residency. In practice, the legal work often includes selecting a proper entity structure, aligning activities with permitted classifications, preparing compliant incorporation documentation, and ensuring post-registration compliance. These services are routinely handled through Mohammed Almuzayen Law Firm in Riyadh on Anas Bin Malik Road for investors seeking an operational presence.

Major Investment and Entrepreneur Pathway in 2026

For investors with a substantial economic footprint, some pathways are discussed in 2026 within the context of higher investment and job-creation objectives. These are not “simple visa fee” routes; they are typically structured evaluations linked to economic contribution.

Common figures often referenced in such contexts include:

  • Investment level: approximately SAR 7,000,000
  • Job creation level: approximately 10 local jobs
  • Administrative visa-related fee sometimes referenced: around SAR 4,000 (depending on the specific processing category)

Legally, this route requires careful preparation because it may involve evidence of investment, operational commitments, workforce planning, and continued compliance. It should be treated as a structured legal file, not a single-payment transaction.

Legal consultation

For specialized legal advice on investor residency, investment structuring, and business licensing in Saudi Arabia in 2026, you may contact Mohammed Almuzayen Law Firm in Riyadh on Anas Bin Malik Road. The office is located on Anas Bin Malik Road, Al-Alam Al-Manzel Building, Second Floor, and serves clients in northern Riyadh districts including Al Malqa, Al Yasmin, Al Narjis, Hittin, Al Sahafah, Al Aqiq, Al Ghadir, Al Nafel, Al Rabie, and Tilal Riyadh due to its strategic location. For appointments, please call 0590098800 during business hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

What additional costs should investors expect in 2026 beyond the “visa” amount?

Even if an investor qualifies for a residency route in 2026, additional costs may arise during establishment and compliance. These are not always labeled as “visa costs,” but they can affect budgeting, timelines, and legal risk.

1) Licensing and regulatory registrations

  • Investor license fees (first-year and renewals)
  • Business registrations where applicable (for operating entities)
  • Sector-specific approvals depending on the activity (commercial, professional, regulated activities)

2) Corporate compliance and operational readiness

  • Preparation and review of legal documentation to avoid invalid or risky structures
  • Internal compliance setup (governance, authority matrices, signatory controls)
  • Employment and HR registrations if hiring staff
  • Office or address requirements where relevant to the activity and registration route

3) Legal structuring and risk prevention

In 2026, many costs are triggered not by a single high fee, but by choosing the wrong structure at the start. Common errors include:

  • selecting a residency route that does not match the intended business activity
  • misunderstanding whether a license is required for the planned operations
  • treating a threshold as a “fee,” then discovering additional obligations later
  • failing to align business activity classification with licensing scope

This is why Mohammed Almuzayen Law Firm in Riyadh on Anas Bin Malik Road generally treats investor residency and licensing as a coordinated legal plan rather than a standalone application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) Is SAR 800,000 a visa fee in 2026?
It is generally treated as a residency-linked payment for certain permanent Premium Residency categories, not a standard visa issuance fee.

2) Can investors include family members in 2026?
In many investor residency categories, family inclusion is possible, subject to conditions and required documentation.

3) Do I need an investor license if I only want residency in 2026?
Not always. A license is typically required when you intend to operate a business, establish an entity, or engage in regulated activities.

4) Are the numbers fixed in 2026?
Costs and thresholds may change depending on category updates and regulatory requirements. A legal review helps confirm the applicable route and total expected cost.

5) What is the most common legal mistake in 2026?
Confusing investment thresholds or residency-linked payments with visa processing fees, then proceeding without planning for licensing and compliance requirements.

Conclusion

In 2026, the cost of an investor visa in Saudi Arabia is not a single number because investor residency is linked to different legal pathways. Commonly referenced figures include SAR 800,000 for certain permanent Premium Residency options and SAR 100,000 for certain temporary thresholds, while business operations may require separate investor licensing fees such as SAR 10,000 for the first year and lower annual renewals. The key legal issue is correctly distinguishing between visa/administrative fees, investment thresholds, and licensing/compliance costs, so the investor selects the correct pathway and avoids regulatory delays.

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Summary

In 2026, an investor visa in Saudi Arabia is linked to investment-based residency pathways rather than a single fixed fee. Permanent Premium Residency is commonly associated with SAR 800,000. Law Firm in Riyadh on Anas Bin Malik Road, located on Anas Bin Malik Road, provides structured legal guidance for companies and business owners in Al Malqa, Al Yasmin, Hittin, and Al Ghadir, ensuring compliant planning and informed residency decisions.