New Real Estate Law in Saudi Arabia for Non-Saudis
Saudi Arabia has taken a landmark step by officially enacting a new law that governs real estate ownership for non-Saudi individuals and entities. This significant move reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to evolving its property laws to encourage foreign investment and participation in its real estate sector.
Implementation Date and Digital Platform
The new legislation came into effect on January 22, becoming a part of the comprehensive national real estate framework. The Real Estate General Authority (REGA) announced that all applications for non-Saudis wishing to acquire property must be submitted through the official digital platform, Saudi Properties. This streamlined process is designed to facilitate easier access for foreign investors and potential homeowners.
Buying Property as a Non-Saudi
REGA has outlined specific pathways for how non-Saudi nationals can navigate the property acquisition process:
1. Residents of Saudi Arabia
Individuals who are residents can apply directly via the Saudi Properties platform. The system uses residency IDs to verify eligibility automatically, allowing for an efficient, electronic completion of the necessary procedures.
2. Non-Residents
For those living outside Saudi Arabia, the initial step involves beginning the application through Saudi missions or embassies. Here, they can obtain a digital ID required for submitting ownership requests through the Saudi Properties portal.
3. Non-Saudi Companies and Entities
Entities without a physical presence in Saudi Arabia must first register with the Ministry of Investment via the Invest Saudi platform. After acquiring a unified number (700), they can proceed with the necessary ownership procedures online.
REGA confirmed that the law enables foreign individuals, companies, and organizations to own real estate in diverse regions throughout the Kingdom, enhancing opportunities for foreign investment.
Ownership Restrictions in Key Cities
While ownership rights have been expanded, there are still essential regulations in place. In cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, ownership will come with specific restrictions. The Geographic Zones Document, set to be announced in the first quarter of 2026, will further delineate these regulations. Specifically, ownership in Makkah and Madinah will be limited to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals, whether they reside in Saudi Arabia or not.
Role of the Digital Platform
The Saudi Properties portal is critical in implementing the new law. This platform not only allows applicants to finalize ownership processes but also ensures compliance with legal requirements. By interfacing directly with the real estate registration system, Saudi Properties enhances transparency and safeguards property rights for all involved parties.
REGA emphasized that one of the principal aims of this legislation is to uplift the quality of real estate developments, inviting international developers and specialized companies to participate. This initiative is expected to have a ripple effect across various sectors—residential, commercial, industrial, and tourism—bolstering job creation for citizens and contributing to the non-oil GDP of the Kingdom.
Further Information
For those interested in entering the Saudi real estate market, further details can be obtained by visiting the Saudi Properties portal. Additionally, there is a unified call center available at 920017183 for inquiries related to property ownership.
