Kenyan nationals seeking employment, business opportunities and long-term settlement in Saudi Arabia can now benefit from new residency options introduced by the Kingdom under its Vision 2030 development agenda.
In a public announcement on July 26, the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Riyadh announced that Saudi Arabia has rolled out enhanced Premium Residency categories designed to attract global talent, entrepreneurs, investors and skilled professionals.
The new residency program allows eligible foreigners to live in Saudi Arabia without the need for a local sponsor, depending on the category under which they qualify.
According to the embassy, the initiative is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to attract expertise and investments from around the world while supporting economic diversification.
Under the program, successful applicants may be allowed to work, invest and own property in accordance with Saudi laws and regulations.
They may also sponsor eligible family members and enjoy greater flexibility when entering and leaving the country.
The embassy said the program presents fresh opportunities for Kenyans interested in pursuing careers, establishing businesses or making investments in the Gulf nation.
Residency Categories
Saudi Arabia has introduced five categories under the Premium Residency program to cater to different groups of applicants.
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The categories include Special Talent, Gifted, Investor, Entrepreneur and Real Estate Owner.
The Special Talent category targets highly skilled professionals with expertise in their respective fields. The Gifted category is intended for individuals with exceptional abilities and notable achievements.
The Investor category is aimed at people seeking to invest in Saudi Arabia’s economy, while the Entrepreneur category is designed for innovators and business founders looking to establish or expand their ventures in the Kingdom.
Applicants who own qualifying real estate property in Saudi Arabia may qualify under the Real Estate Owner category.
The embassy noted that each residency category has specific eligibility requirements that applicants must meet before they can be considered.
Interested Kenyans have been advised to submit their applications through the official Saudi Premium Residency portal.
Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be required to provide supporting documents and pay an application fee of SAR4,000 (Ksh137,879) after approval.
The Embassy urged Kenyans to carefully review all conditions and requirements before applying.
“The Embassy encourages all interested Kenyan nationals to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements before submitting an application through the official Saudi Premium Residency platform,” the notice said.
Why Saudi Arabia Matters to Kenyan Workers
The announcement comes at a time when many Kenyans are seeking employment, education and business opportunities in the Gulf region, particularly in Saudi Arabia, which hosts a sizeable Kenyan community.
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Saudi Arabia is home to more than 350,000 Kenyans, making it Kenya’s largest diaspora community outside the United States and one of the country’s most important destinations for migrant workers.
Of these, more than 150,000 are employed in the domestic work sector, while others work as security guards, drivers, cleaners, caregivers and hospitality staff.
Diaspora remittances have become a key pillar of Kenya’s economy, consistently ranking among the country’s top foreign exchange earners, ahead of several traditional sectors such as tea and horticulture exports.
On July 5, 2026, Kenya and Saudi Arabia signed a Labor Recruitment and Employment Agreement during the inaugural Kenya–Saudi Arabia Political Consultations Meeting in Riyadh.
The agreement aims to improve recruitment processes, working conditions and the welfare of Kenyan migrant workers in the Kingdom.
It establishes stronger safeguards on ethical recruitment, worker protection, skills recognition and dispute resolution, while promoting safe, orderly, regular and dignified labor migration.
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