Saudi Arabia has recently taken a bold step in its evolving property landscape by allowing real estate ownership for non-Saudis under a new law. This significant move aims to attract foreign investment and broaden the Kingdom’s real estate market, making it more competitive and diverse.
The legislation officially came into effect on January 22, integrating smoothly into the national real estate legislative system.
The Real Estate General Authority (REGA) has announced that applications for non-Saudis seeking to acquire property will exclusively be processed through the official digital platform, Saudi Properties.
How a Non-Saudi National Can Buy Property
According to REGA, the Saudi Properties service accommodates both residents and non-residents, as well as non-Saudi companies and entities, adhering to specific regulatory requirements and procedures.
The application process varies depending on the ownership category:
- Residents of Saudi Arabia may apply directly through the portal using their residency ID. Eligibility is automatically verified, and procedures are completed electronically.
- Non-residents must initiate the process through Saudi missions and embassies abroad to secure a digital ID that allows them to submit property ownership requests via the portal.
- Non-Saudi companies and entities without a local presence need to first register with the Ministry of Investment via the Invest Saudi platform and obtain a unified number (700) before completing ownership procedures online.
REGA confirmed that the law allows foreign individuals, companies, and entities to own real estate throughout various regions of the Kingdom.
However, ownership is governed by regulations in major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as in Makkah and Madinah, under a framework based on the Geographic Zones Document, which is set to be introduced in the first quarter of 2026.
It is noteworthy that ownership in the two holy cities is limited to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals, regardless of their location.
Digital Platform
REGA emphasized that Saudi Properties serves as the official digital platform for executing the law.
The platform enables applicants to finalize ownership procedures while ensuring compliance with legal requirements through an efficient process that’s directly linked to the real estate registration system, thereby enhancing transparency and safeguarding rights.
The authority added that the law’s primary objective is to elevate the quality of real estate projects by attracting international developers and specialized companies.
Additionally, it seeks to stimulate growth in residential, commercial, industrial, and tourism sectors, while also creating employment opportunities for citizens and sustainably boosting the real estate sector’s contribution to the non-oil GDP.
For those interested in exploring property ownership, REGA invites prospective buyers to visit the Saudi Properties portal or contact the unified call center at 920017183 for further assistance.