Saudi Arabia opens property ownership to foreigners; who can buy, where and how?

Saudi Arabia has brought into force a new real estate ownership system for non-Saudi nationals, allowing residents, overseas buyers as well as foreign companies and entities to own property in the Gulf kingdom under a regulated framework.

The General Real Estate Authority (REGA) said applications for property ownership by non-Saudis will be processed through the official digital portal, “Saudi Properties”.

The new system covers residents living in Saudi Arabia, non-residents, and non-Saudi companies and entities, subject to specified legal conditions and procedures, REGA said in a statement.

Under the system, residents inside the kingdom can apply directly through the portal using their Iqama number, with eligibility checks and other formalities to be completed electronically.

The process for non-residents will begin through Saudi embassies and representations abroad to obtain a digital identity, after which the ownership application can be completed through the portal.

Foreign companies and entities without a presence in Saudi Arabia will first have to register with the Ministry of Investment through the “Invest Saudi” platform and obtain a unified number before proceeding with property ownership formalities online.

REGA said the system allows non-Saudi individuals, companies and entities to own real estate across different regions of the kingdom, while laying down a regulatory framework for ownership in Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Yes. The authority said that ownership in Makkah and Madinah would remain restricted to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals, whether residing inside or outside the kingdom.

The authority said a Geographical Zones Document detailing the applicable zones would be announced during the first quarter of 2026.

REGA said the “Saudi Properties” portal has been integrated with the kingdom’s real estate registration system to streamline procedures, improve transparency and safeguard rights of buyers.

According to the authority, the new ownership system is aimed at attracting international developers and major companies, improving the quality of real estate projects and supporting growth in residential, commercial, industrial and tourism segments.

“This will support the sustainable contribution of the real estate sector to the non-oil GDP,” it said.