Saudi Arabia launches special residency scheme for expats

Saudi Arabia launched on Sunday their new special residency scheme similar to green card systems applicable in other countries, aimed at attracting wealthy and high-skilled expats.

The residency scheme offers two types of residencies, a permanent one for 800,000 Saudi riyals ($213,321.96) and a one year but renewable residency for 100,000 Saudi riyals ($26,665.24).

The scheme was approved by the Saudi cabinet last month, but on Sunday the online portal to apply was opened to the public.