REGA: Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law enters into force

Logo of Real Estate General Authority (REGA)

The Real Estate General Authority (REGA) announced that the law regulating non-Saudis’ ownership of real estate has entered into force from Jan. 22.

In an official statement, the authority said that applications for non-Saudis to own property are received through the official digital portal “Saudi Properties.”

The service covers residents and non-residents, as well as non-Saudi companies and entities, in accordance with specific regulatory requirements and procedures.

REGA noted that the beneficiary journey differs by ownership categories.

Residents of the Kingdom can apply directly through the portal using their residency ID, with automated verification of eligibility requirements and electronic completion of procedures.

For non-residents, the process begins through Saudi missions and embassies abroad to issue a digital ID, enabling them to submit ownership requests through the portal.

Meanwhile, non-Saudi companies and entities with no presence in the Kingdom that wish to own property must first register with the Ministry of Investment through the “Invest Saudi” platform and obtain the unified number (700), before completing the ownership procedures electronically.

The law allows non-Saudi individuals, companies, and entities to own property across various regions of the Kingdom. It also regulates ownership in the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as in Makkah and Madinah, within a clear framework based on the Geographic Zones Document, which will be announced in the first quarter of 2026.

REGA added that ownership in the two holy cities is restricted to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals, both inside and outside the Kingdom.

The “Saudi Properties” portal is the official digital platform approved for implementing the law, enabling applicants to complete procedures and verify compliance with the law’s requirements and conditions through a streamlined process directly linked to the real estate registration system. This contributes to enhanced transparency and the protection of rights.

The authority added that the law aims to enhance the quality of real estate projects by attracting international developers and specialized companies, stimulating growth in the residential, commercial, industrial, and tourism sectors, and contributing to the creation of wide employment opportunities for citizens in real estate-related activities and urban development. This will sustainably increase the real estate sector’s contribution to non-oil GDP.

The authority invited those interested in ownership to visit the official “Saudi Properties” portal.

According to Argaam's data, the Official Gazette published on July 25, 2025, the law regulating property ownership by non-Saudis, which was approved by the Cabinet. It consists of 15 articles and comes into effect 180 days after its publication. One of the main provisions of the law is that residents are entitled to own one residential property outside the specified area, except for Makkah and Madinah, where ownership is restricted to Muslims.

It also stipulates that companies not listed on the Saudi Exchange, and established in accordance with the provisions of the Saudi Companies Law, whose capital is owned by one or more natural or legal persons who do not have Saudi nationality, may own real estate or acquire other rights over real estate, provided that they are registered in accordance with the regulations.