Moving to Saudi Arabia: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Saudi Arabia: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 10 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Saudi Arabia the top income tax rate is 0%, dividends are taxed at up to 0% and companies pay 20% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
To become tax resident in Saudi Arabia you need at least 30 days a year (Permanent home in KSA + ≥30 days in tax year; or 183 days). The typical route is Premium Residency (unlimited, SAR 800k one-off fee): One-off fee SAR 800k (or SAR 100k/yr limited; or property ≥SAR 4m owner tier); age 21+, financial solvency, clean record, health report There are 10 open residence programmes in Saudi Arabia — see the list below.
Living there
Riyadh has a hot desert climate with winter highs around 20.5 °C and summer highs around 43.5 °C. The economy grew +4% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 4% for 2026. Its passport opens about 87 countries without a visa in advance. Security: Houthi missile/drone strikes since Jul 2026, Saudi-backed Red Sea offensive; earlier Iranian strikes.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 0% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 0% |
| Corporate tax | 20% |
| Tax residence | after 30 days — Permanent home in KSA + ≥30 days in tax year; or 183 days |
| Typical residence route | Premium Residency (unlimited, SAR 800k one-off fee) — One-off fee SAR 800k (or SAR 100k/yr limited; or property ≥SAR 4m owner tier); age 21+, financial solvency, clean record, health report |
| Passport | visa-free or on arrival to 87 countries |
| Economic growth | +4% (2025), forecast 4% (2026) |
| Climate type | hot desert · 20.5° / 43.5° (Riyadh) |
| War & conflict | war — Houthi missile/drone strikes since Jul 2026, Saudi-backed Red Sea offensive; earlier Iranian strikes |
| All natural hazards | 6.5/10 |
| Banking strength | 7.5/10 · A+ |
| Property protection | 5.5/10 |
| Warm homes in winter | 7.5/10 |
Residence programmes in Saudi Arabia
- Premium Residency – Unlimited Duration — Investment CHF 170'400
- Premium Residency – Limited Duration — investment
- Premium Residency – Real Estate Owner — Investment CHF 852'000
- Premium Residency – Investor — Investment CHF 1'491'000
- Premium Residency – Entrepreneur — Investment CHF 85'200
- Premium Residency – Special Talent — Income / yr CHF 35'784
- Premium Residency – Gifted — other
- MISA Investor Licence – Company-Owner Residence (Iqama) — entrepreneur
- Employment Residence (Iqama) — employment
- Family (Dependant) Residence — Income / yr CHF 10'220
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Saudi Arabia to become tax resident?
after 30 days. Permanent home in KSA + ≥30 days in tax year; or 183 days No PIT on employment/passive income; non-Saudi business profits taxed 20%; Premium Residency
How much tax will I pay in Saudi Arabia?
In Saudi Arabia the top income tax rate is 0%, dividends are taxed at up to 0% and companies pay 20% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Saudi Arabia offer?
Premium Residency – Unlimited Duration (CHF 170'400); Premium Residency – Limited Duration; Premium Residency – Real Estate Owner (CHF 852'000); Premium Residency – Investor (CHF 1'491'000); Premium Residency – Entrepreneur (CHF 85'200)
What is the usual way to move to Saudi Arabia?
Premium Residency (unlimited, SAR 800k one-off fee). One-off fee SAR 800k (or SAR 100k/yr limited; or property ≥SAR 4m owner tier); age 21+, financial solvency, clean record, health report
Compare with nearby countries
Bahrain · Kuwait · Oman · Qatar · United Arab Emirates
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