Saudi Arabia opens real estate ownership to non-Saudis under new law

Saudi Arabia has officially implemented a new law regulating the ownership of real estate by non-Saudis, marking a significant step in the Kingdom’s evolving property framework.

The legislation entered into force on January 22, and is now being applied as part of the national real estate legislative system.

The Real Estate General Authority (REGA) confirmed that applications for non-Saudis to own property will be received exclusively through the official digital platform Saudi Properties.

How a non Saudi national can buy property

According to REGA, the Saudi Properties service covers residents and non-residents, as well as non-Saudi companies and entities, in line with specific regulatory requirements and procedures.

The application process differs depending on the ownership category:

• Residents of Saudi Arabia can apply directly through the portal using their residency ID, with eligibility requirements verified automatically and procedures completed electronically
• Non-residents must begin the process through Saudi missions and embassies abroad to obtain a digital ID, which enables them to submit property ownership requests via the portal
• Non-Saudi companies and entities with no presence in the Kingdom are required to first register with the Ministry of Investment through the Invest Saudi platform and obtain a unified number (700), before completing ownership procedures electronically

REGA stated that the law permits foreign individuals, companies, and entities to own real estate across various regions of the Kingdom.

Ownership is also regulated in the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as in Makkah and Madinah, within a framework based on the Geographic Zones Document, which will be announced in the first quarter of 2026.

The authority clarified that ownership in the two holy cities is restricted to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals, whether based inside or outside the Kingdom.

Digital platform

REGA highlighted that Saudi Properties is the officially approved digital platform for implementing the law.

The portal enables applicants to complete ownership procedures and verify compliance with legal requirements through a streamlined process that is directly linked to the real estate registration system, enhancing transparency and protecting rights.

The authority added that the law aims to improve the quality of real estate projects by attracting international developers and specialised companies.

It is also intended to stimulate growth across residential, commercial, industrial, and tourism sectors, support the creation of employment opportunities for citizens, and sustainably increase the real estate sector’s contribution to non-oil GDP.

REGA encouraged those interested in property ownership to visit the Saudi Properties portal or contact the unified call centre on 920017183 for further information.