Want to own property in the Kingdom? This is how Saudi foreign property ownership works
The new rule just went into effect
In a historic turn of events in July last year, Saudi Arabia announced that foreigners would be able to own property starting January 2026. Just last week, the rule officially went into effect. This is how Saudi foreign property ownership works.
The Real Estate General Authority (REGA) has stated that applications for real estate ownership by non-Saudi nationals are received through the official digital portal “Saudi Properties.” The service covers residents inside the Kingdom and non-residents, in addition to non-Saudi companies and entities, in accordance with specific legal controls and procedures.
REGA emphasised that the system enables non-Saudi individuals, companies, and entities to own real estate across different regions of the Kingdom. It regulates ownership in the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as in Makkah and Madinah, within clear framework based on the geographical zones document, which will be announced during the first quarter of 2026.
The authority also made it clear that ownership in the two holy cities is restricted to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals, whether residing inside or outside the Kingdom. The new digital portal “Saudi Properties” is the only official and accredited digital platform to buy property in the Kingdom for Non-Saudi Nationals.
Non-Saudi individuals
REGA also clarified that the beneficiary journey varies depending on the ownership category. Residents living in the Kingdom will be able to apply directly through the portal using their Iqama number, with automated verification of eligibility requirements and completion of all procedures electronically.
For non-residents, the journey begins through Saudi representations and embassies abroad to issue a digital identity, enabling the completion of the ownership application through the portal.
Non-Saudi companies
Meanwhile, non-Saudi companies and entities with no presence in the Kingdom and wishing to own real estate must first register with the Ministry of Investment through the “Invest Saudi” platform and obtain the Unified Number (700) before completing ownership procedures electronically.
Visit: rega.gov.sa
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