Moving to Saudi Arabia with your family is exciting—and it can also feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to residency. In many people’s minds, long-term residency (iqama) requires a traditional employer sponsor. But the Hijrah Family shares a different path to consider: setting up your own company in Saudi Arabia, so that your company becomes the basis for your residency sponsorship.
Based on the video, this article focuses on what the approach involves, what to think about before you start, and another option mentioned in the same conversation: Saudi Premium Residency (often referred to as the “Saudi green card”). The destination highlighted is Madinah, where the process and practical support from local experts can make a real difference.
Why residency can feel tied to an employer
Many prospective movers assume the only way to live in Saudi Arabia long-term is through a sponsoring employer. In the video, the hosts describe this as the common route—an arrangement where your residency is connected to a traditional job and sponsorship.
However, the video explains that there may be an alternative: creating your own business in Saudi Arabia and exploring whether it can sponsor residency on your behalf.
Option 1: Residency through your own Saudi company
The core idea shared in the video is straightforward: set up a company in Saudi Arabia, and once it is properly formed and meets the relevant requirements, the company may be eligible to sponsor you for residency (iqama).
Can you own your company as a foreigner?
The video notes that, depending on your company activity and applicable regulations, you may be able to own 100% of your company. Because this depends on the specific circumstances and regulatory requirements, the message is to treat this as something you confirm during the formation process—not something to assume automatically.
How family residency may work
Another important point is family. The video explains that eligible dependent family members—such as a wife and children—may also be able to join you as dependents (um as dependent), allowing you to build your life in Madinah together.
What’s involved in company formation and sponsorship?
According to the video, obtaining residency through your own business isn’t just about registering a company. It involves:
- Paperwork and licensing
- Using government portals
- Meeting eligibility requirements linked to your company setup
In other words, there are process steps and ongoing responsibilities. The video encourages viewers to understand what’s required for their particular situation before moving forward.
Be honest about ongoing costs
The hosts are clear about a key truth: this route is not described as a free or effortless way to obtain residency. The video highlights that establishing a company can come with ongoing expenses, including items such as:
- Fees for EAMA
- Annual renewal fees
- Administrative costs
- Licensing and related expenses
Because of these costs, the video advises that you should only consider this approach if you have a realistic business plan or a consistent source of income to cover ongoing obligations. Without that, the process could become a financial burden.
Local support: JC Group in Madinah
In partnership with JC Group, the video features a team of expats based in Madinah who help people navigate company formation and residency from start to finish.
The video recommends reaching out to them because they:
- Help people understand what’s required for their specific case
- Guide clients through the process end-to-end
- Are described as straightforward about what the process really takes, without overpromising
JC Group is described as having an office in Madinah on Sultana. The video provides the following ways to connect:
- Website: https://jcgroupksa.com
- Instagram: @jcgroup.ksa
- YouTube: JCGroupKSA
Option 2: Saudi Premium Residency (“Saudi green card”)
Alongside the company-based approach, the video introduces another possibility: Saudi Premium Residency, also known as the Saudi “green card”. This is described as a separate programme that allows eligible foreigners to live in Saudi Arabia long-term without needing an employer sponsor and without forming a company solely to sponsor themselves.
The video encourages viewers to speak to JC Group to determine which route fits their situation, emphasising that eligibility and fit depend on individual circumstances.
Is this the right move for your family?
If your goal is to make Madinah your home, and you’re considering long-term residency, ask yourself a few practical questions inspired by the video:
- Do you have the income and realistic plan to cover ongoing company and residency expenses?
- Are you prepared for the paperwork, licensing, and portal-based process?
- Do you want residency for just yourself, or to also bring eligible dependents?
- Would Saudi Premium Residency be a better match if you want to avoid employer or company sponsorship?
Book your next step with confidence
Moving for Hijrah is about more than visas and paperwork—it’s about choosing the path that gives you stability to build a life in Madinah. While this article is based on guidance shared in the video, the process details and eligibility can vary. For tailored support, the video strongly recommends speaking with JC Group to review your options.
If you’d like help planning your move, settling into Madinah, or mapping out the next chapter with confidence, Sakina Tours can help you turn travel into a well-supported journey—so you arrive ready to focus on your family and your future.
