Premium Residency Work Permit Procedures in Saudi Arabia 2026

As of June 22, 2026, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has streamlined the administrative process for foreign professionals residing within the country. This update is specifically relevant to individuals holding Premium Residency who intend to engage in professional employment. To ensure full regulatory compliance, all Premium Residency holders are now required to formalize their work status by obtaining an official work permit. The government has centralized this authorization process through the Qiwa platform, reflecting Saudi Arabia's ongoing commitment to digitizing labor services and enhancing the ease of doing business for expatriate talent. The administrative fee for securing this permit has been set at a nominal rate of 100 Saudi Riyals, making the transition to formal employment more accessible for those qualified under the Premium Residency scheme. Employers and employees are encouraged to utilize the Qiwa portal to initiate these filings immediately to avoid any potential legal discrepancies in their employment status. This mandate underscores the Kingdom's dedication to maintaining a highly regulated and transparent workforce environment aligned with the broader objectives of Vision 2030. By leveraging the digital infrastructure provided by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, residents can efficiently manage their professional credentials and ensure that all documentation remains current. Staying informed on these regulatory shifts is essential for maintaining professional status and ensuring seamless operations within the Saudi market. We advise all affected parties to monitor official updates through authorized government channels to remain compliant with the latest labor regulations in the Kingdom.