Living in Saudi Arabia – the 4 Legal Paths to Medina

Many people say: "I want to live in Medina."
But very few understand what that actually means legally, financially, and in practice.

After almost a decade of living and working in Saudi Arabia – more than eight years of it in Medina – and over two decades of entrepreneurship, one thing is clear: There are only four realistic ways to obtain legal residency in Saudi Arabia. Everything else is speculation, outdated information, or social-media myths.

This article explains clearly and transparently how you can live in Saudi Arabia, what it costs, and which path is realistic for whom.

Saudi Premium Residency – permanent residence in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Premium Residency is the strongest, but also the most capital-intensive option. It allows permanent residence in Saudi Arabia not only for you, but also for your spouse, children, and even your parents. You are independent of employers, sponsors, and annual visa renewals.

However, this programme is not designed for the general public. Depending on the model, it requires either a one-off payment of approximately €200,000, or an annual payment of around €25,000, limited to a maximum of five years. Other options are investment-based, such as purchasing property worth around €1 million or making an investment of approximately €1.75 million in Saudi Arabia.

Entrepreneurs may also qualify if they operate a startup that has raised around €3.5 million in funding. In rare cases, individuals with exceptional talent or those holding a highly specialised position within a white-label company in Saudi Arabia may also qualify. These cases are strictly assessed and are not the norm.

Saudi Premium Residency is real – but it is not an entry-level solution.

Company formation – the most realistic path to Medina

For many entrepreneurs, setting up a company in Saudi Arabia is the most practical and sustainable route to long-term residency, particularly in Medina.

Under this model, you establish your own company and employ yourself under your own commercial licence. Your residency is therefore linked to your business, not to a third-party employer.

The cost for a legally compliant company setup is typically around €15,000, depending on the licence and structure. The cost itself is not the main challenge – preparation is. Saudi Arabia is not a place for trial and error. Without a clear business model, market understanding, and sufficient financial reserves, company formation can become expensive very quickly.

For those who approach it professionally, however, this route offers long-term stability and independence in Medina.

Employment in Saudi Arabia – a realistic assessment

Employment with a Saudi company is another legal route to residency. Vacancies are commonly found through platforms such as Indeed, Bayt, GulfTalent, and LinkedIn.

There is, however, a critical requirement many overlook:

To bring your family to Saudi Arabia, you generally must hold at least a Bachelor's degree. Without a Bachelor's qualification, family sponsorship is usually not possible, even with a valid employment contract.

It is also essential to understand the reality of Medina specifically. Salaries in Medina are significantly lower than in major commercial hubs such as Riyadh or Jeddah. Medina is not a corporate or industrial centre; many people move there for religious reasons, and this is reflected in salary levels.

For employees with families, this makes Medina financially challenging unless expectations are managed very carefully.

Studying in Saudi Arabia – temporary, not permanent

Studying in Saudi Arabia can provide residency for a limited period. This option is mainly suitable for younger individuals or as a transitional solution.

It is not designed for long-term settlement, family relocation, or business development.

The reality of Medina

Medina is not difficult.
Medina is consistent.

Saudi Arabia rewards clarity, structure, and responsibility. It penalises poor preparation, unrealistic expectations, and misinformation.

Nearly a decade in Saudi Arabia.
More than two decades of entrepreneurship.
Medina is not a playground – follow real experience.