In a bid to enhance innovation and development, Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency Centre has revealed the proficiencies eligible for its Special Talent Residency program. This initiative, detailed on the centre's e-portal, aims to attract top professionals across various fields to contribute to the kingdom's growth.

Eligible Specializations for Special Talent Residency:

1. Healthcare and life sciences
2. Digital technologies
3. Financial services
4. Advanced manufacturing
5. Space and defense
6. Energy
7. Metals and mining
8. Logistics and transport
9. Tourism infrastructure
10. Food and agriculture technologies

In addition to specific industries, the program covers research areas in space and aviation, environment, energy, health, urban transformation, and digital technologies.

New Categories for Premium Residency Permit (Added on January 10):

1. Skilled and talented individuals (specialists, executives)
2. Talents (cultural, sports)
3. Investors
4. Entrepreneurs
5. Property owners

Applicants eligible for the permit gain the right to live and work in the Kingdom, along with benefits such as exemption from expat and dependents fees. The one-time fee for the residency permit is SR4,000 ($1,066), allowing foreign nationals to own businesses and property without requiring a sponsor.

Residency permit holders can own property, including residential, commercial, and industrial areas throughout Saudi Arabia, excluding Mecca, Medina, and border regions.

Additional privileges for permit holders include obtaining premium residency status for family members, running businesses, fee-free money transfers, and hosting and inviting relatives. The residency duration is flexible, ranging from one year (renewable) to an unlimited period based on the selected plan during the application.