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

Logo of Real Estate General Authority (REGA)

The Real Estate General Authority (REGA) announced the entry into force of the Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis as of today, Jan. 22.

In an official statement, the authority explained that applications for real estate ownership by non-Saudis will be received through the official digital portal “Saudi Real Estate.” The service covers residents inside the Kingdom and non-residents, as well as non-Saudi companies and entities, in accordance with specific regulatory controls and procedures.

The authority noted that the beneficiary journey differs by ownership category, as follows:

· Residents inside the Kingdom: They may apply directly through the portal using their residency number, with automated verification of compliance with regulatory requirements and electronic completion of procedures.

· Non-residents: Applications are submitted through Saudi embassies abroad to issue a digital identity, in preparation for completing the ownership request via the portal.

· Non-Saudi companies and entities with no presence in the Kingdom wishing to own property: They must first register with the Ministry of Investment through the “Invest in Saudi Arabia” platform and issue 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 defines ownership in the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as in Makkah and Madinah, under a clear regulatory framework based on the Geographic Zones Document, which will be announced during the first quarter of 2026. Ownership in the two holy cities is restricted to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals from inside and outside the Kingdom, according to the authority.

Additionally, the “Saudi Real Estate” portal is the official digital platform approved for implementing the Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law. It enables prospective owners to complete procedures and verify compliance with statutory controls and requirements through a streamlined journey directly linked to the real estate registration system, contributing to enhanced transparency and the protection of rights, it added.

REGA further stated that the law aims to raise the quality of real estate projects by attracting international developers and high-quality 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 associated with property projects and urban development. This, in turn, enhances the real estate sector’s contribution to non-oil GDP in a sustainable manner.

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

According to Argaam's data, the Official Gazette published, on July 25, 2025, the Law of Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership, which was approved by the Cabinet. It consists of 15 articles, to come 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.