Non-Saudis can now own property in Saudi Arabia: conditions and application process
The General Authority for Real Estate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced today, Thursday, the effective implementation of the system allowing non-Saudis to own real estate. All its provisions are now in effect as a key component of the modern real estate legislation aimed at regulating and developing the Kingdom's real estate market. This announcement activates the decision effective today, 3 Sha'ban 1447 AH, corresponding to January 22, 2026.
A strategic step within Vision 2030
This landmark decision aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify income sources and reduce reliance on oil by opening new investment opportunities and attracting foreign capital. The real estate sector is a cornerstone of the non-oil economy, and this system will enhance the attractiveness of the Kingdom's investment environment and boost the competitiveness of its real estate market regionally and internationally, paving the way for the Kingdom to become a global destination for living, working, and investing.
Application mechanisms via the "Saudi Real Estate" portal
The General Authority for Real Estate clarified that the official digital portal, "Saudi Real Estate," is the approved platform for receiving ownership applications. The user journey has been designed to be fully digital to ensure ease and transparency, with procedures varying according to the applicant's category
- Residents within the Kingdom: They can apply directly through the portal using their residency number, where the conditions are automatically verified and the procedures are completed immediately.
- Non-residents: Their journey begins through Saudi embassies and consulates abroad to issue a digital identity, in preparation for entering the portal and submitting an ownership application.
- Foreign companies and entities: Entities that do not have a headquarters in the Kingdom must first register with the Ministry of Investment through the “Invest in Saudi Arabia” platform to issue the unified number (700), before completing the real estate ownership procedures.
Geographical scope and regulations of holy cities
The Authority confirmed that the new system allows ownership in various regions of the Kingdom, with a special regulatory framework for major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, in addition to Mecca and Medina. The geographical zones document, scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2026, will be used to precisely define the available areas. Regarding the two holy cities (Mecca and Medina), the system takes into account their sanctity, restricting ownership there to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals, whether from within the Kingdom or abroad, thus preserving the unique character of these areas.
Expected economic impact
This system is expected to revolutionize the Saudi real estate sector, aiming to elevate the quality of real estate projects by attracting international developers and companies with specialized expertise. It will also stimulate growth in related sectors such as residential, commercial, industrial, and tourism. Furthermore, the system will create ample job opportunities for Saudi citizens in real estate and construction activities, thereby enhancing the real estate sector's contribution to non-oil GDP in a sustainable manner and solidifying the Kingdom's position as a leading investment hub in the Middle East.
