New Work Permit Requirement for Premium Residency Holders in Saudi Arabia

Effective June 2026, Premium Residency (PR) holders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) must secure a work permit before commencing any employment.  This new requirement ends the prior exemption, that permitted PR holders to work in KSA without needing a work permit.

Key Highlights:

• Work Permit Requirement: PR holders now need a separate work permit via Qiwa before employment, at a cost of SAR100.
• Submission and Registration: Work permit requests must be submitted through Qiwa, and employment contracts, along with GOSI registration, are mandatory.

Deloitte’s view

The introduction of a mandatory work permit for Premium Residency holders reflects a considerable regulatory update. Employers will face increased compliance obligations, potentially affecting costs based on workforce size and structure. It is important for employers to update their onboarding processes to incorporate these new requirements and ensure full compliance. 

While awaiting specific guidelines for current Premium Residency holders, Deloitte advises businesses to prepare for these changes, adapting HR and regulatory systems to minimize disruptions and maintain workforce efficiency.