Non-Saudis can now own property in Saudi Arabia: conditions and application process

In a historic move reflecting the rapid development of the legislative and investment environment, the General Authority for Real Estate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the entry into force of the system allowing non-Saudis to own real estate, with its provisions officially becoming effective as of today, 3 Sha'ban 1447 AH, corresponding to January 22, 2026. This decision is part of a comprehensive set of real estate legislation aimed at regulating the market and enhancing its efficiency and attractiveness to local and international investments.

Strategic context within Vision 2030

This new system is one of the legislative outcomes of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to diversify income sources and reduce dependence on oil by opening new avenues for foreign direct investment. Allowing non-Saudis to own property represents a qualitative leap in the Kingdom's economic liberalization policy, contributing to strengthening Saudi Arabia's position as a global destination for living, working, and investing, and supporting the objectives of the Quality of Life Program and the Financial Sector Development Program.

Application process via the "Saudi Real Estate" portal

The General Authority for Real Estate clarified that ownership applications are received exclusively through the official digital portal, "Saudi Real Estate." The Authority has designed the user journey to be fully digital to ensure ease and transparency, with procedures varying based on the applicant's category

• Residents within the Kingdom: They can apply directly through the portal using their residency number, with an automated verification system that ensures compliance with regulatory requirements immediately.
• Non-residents: Their journey begins through Saudi embassies and consulates abroad to issue the digital identity, a necessary preliminary step before entering the portal and completing the application.
• Foreign companies and entities: Entities that do not have a presence within the Kingdom must first register with the Ministry of Investment via the "Invest in Saudi Arabia" platform to issue the unified number (700), and then complete the real estate ownership procedures electronically.

Geographical scope and regulations of holy cities

The Authority confirmed that the system opens the door to property ownership in various regions of the Kingdom, but it has established a special regulatory framework for major and holy cities. While ownership is available in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah according to the geographical zones document that will be announced during the first quarter of 2026, ownership in Mecca and Medina remains subject to religious and regulatory restrictions. Ownership in these cities is limited to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals, whether from inside or outside the Kingdom, in order to preserve the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques.

Expected economic impact

This system is expected to create significant momentum in the Saudi real estate market, aiming to attract international developers and high-quality companies to invest in major residential, commercial, and tourism projects. This momentum will not only impact the real estate sector but will also extend to creating numerous job opportunities for Saudi citizens in activities related to urban development, thereby sustainably boosting the real estate sector's contribution to non-oil GDP.

The Authority called on those wishing to benefit from the system to visit the official portal “Saudi Properties” (https://saudiproperties.rega.gov.sa/home) or to contact the unified call center (920017183) for inquiries and to follow up on procedures.