Can Foreigners Buy Property in Saudi Arabia? New 2026 Law Explained
Saudi Arabia has officially opened real estate ownership to non-Saudis under a new property ownership system. This does not mean foreigners can buy anywhere without rules. Ownership is allowed based on eligibility, property type, and approved geographical zones.
What is the New Saudi Property Law for Foreigners?
The new law allows non-Saudi individuals, companies, and entities to own real estate or acquire real estate rights in approved areas of Saudi Arabia.
This includes:
- Non Saudis living in Saudi Arabia on Iqama
- Non-Saudis living outside Saudi Arabia (Without Iqama)
- GCC citizens
- Premium Residency holders
- Foreign companies
- Foreign investors and entities
All applications must go through the official Saudi Properties portal.
What is REGA?
REGA stands for the Real Estate General Authority.
It is the Saudi authority responsible for regulating the real estate sector. For foreign property ownership, REGA is responsible for publishing the rules, managing the Saudi Properties platform, and defining where non-Saudis can own property.
What is Saudi Properties?
Saudi Properties is the official digital portal for non-Saudis who want to apply for property ownership in Saudi Arabia.
Through Saudi Properties, applicants can:
- Check eligible ownership areas
- Apply for permission to buy property
- Verify their eligibility
- Complete the ownership journey electronically
- Connect the process with the real estate registration system
Website: saudiproperties.rega.gov.sa
Who Can Buy Property in Saudi Arabia?
1. Foreigners on Iqama
A non-Saudi resident with a valid Iqama can apply online through Saudi Properties using their Iqama number.
2. Foreigners outside the Kindom
A foreigner living outside Saudi Arabia can also apply, but they first need a Saudi digital identity. Check our step by step article on How to apply for Saudi Digital ID for foreign property ownership.
3. Premium Residency Holders
Premium Residency holders may have broader ownership options compared to regular residents, depending on the zone and property type.
4. Foreign Companies
Foreign companies can apply, but companies with no presence in Saudi Arabia must first register through Invest Saudi and obtain a Unified Number 700.
Note: Makkah and Madinah have special rules. Ownership in the two holy cities is restricted to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals, whether they live inside or outside Saudi Arabia.
What Are Geographical Zones?
Geographical zones are the approved areas where non-Saudis are allowed to own property.
This is one of the most important parts of the new law.
It means a foreigner cannot simply choose any property in Saudi Arabia and buy it. The property must be located inside an approved zone, and the zone may have its own rules.
Each zone may define:
- Whether foreigners can buy there
- The type of property allowed
- The maximum foreign ownership percentage
- Whether full ownership or usufruct is allowed
- The allowed duration of ownership rights
- Special restrictions for Makkah and Madinah
Before buying, always check the property location on the Saudi Properties geographical zones map.
Which Areas Are Covered??
The approved zones cover major cities and selected development areas across Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, and other cities and governorates.
Examples of listed areas include:
Where can Non Saudis buy realestate in Makkah
- Makkah Towers
- Al Manar
- Ajyad Tower
- King Salman Gate
- Tilal Village
- Jabal Omar
- Thakher Makkah
- Sumou District
- Masar
- Makkah Zones 1 and 2
Where can Non Saudis buy realestate in Madinah
- Al Ghurrah
- Madinah Zones 1 and 2
- Al Mahwa
- Dar Al Hijrah
- Madinah Downtown
- Diyar Al Miqar
- Rua Al Madinah
- Knowledge Economic City
- Mushrif
Riyadh and Jeddah
Before buying, always check the property location on the Saudi Properties geographical zones map.
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Makkah and Madinah?
Yes, but with special restrictions.
In Makkah and Madinah, ownership is limited to:
- Saudi companies
- Muslim individuals
This means Muslim foreigners may be eligible to buy in approved zones, but the property must fall within the approved geographical scope and meet the legal requirements.
Final Note
Saudi Arabia has opened a major new door for foreign property ownership, but the process is still regulated. The safest first step is not to contact a seller first. The safest first step is to check the official Saudi Properties portal and confirm whether the property is inside an approved geographical zone.