SRINAGAR: The Saudi Real Estate General Authority has announced the formal enforcement of the Regulation on Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis, marking the start of its implementation within the Kingdom’s legislative system, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The authority said applications from non-Saudis seeking to own property will be accepted only through the official digital platform, Saudi Properties, which will serve as the unified portal for all ownership-related procedures.
The service applies to residents within the Kingdom, non-residents, as well as non-Saudi companies and entities, in line with approved regulatory conditions and authorisation mechanisms.
According to the authority, the application process differs depending on the category of the applicant.
Residents of Saudi Arabia can apply directly through the Saudi Properties portal using their residency (iqama) number, with eligibility verified automatically and all procedures completed electronically.
For non-residents, applications will initially be processed through Saudi embassies and missions abroad, which will issue a digital identity allowing applicants to continue the ownership process via the platform.
Non-Saudi companies and entities without a physical presence in the Kingdom must first register with the Ministry of Investment through the Invest Saudi platform and obtain a Unified Number (700) before submitting electronic ownership requests.
The authority confirmed that the regulation allows real estate ownership across different regions of the Kingdom.
However, ownership in Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, will be subject to a special regulatory framework based on geographic zoning, which is expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2026.
It added that property ownership in Makkah and Madinah will be limited to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals, whether residing inside or outside the Kingdom.
The Saudi Properties platform will function as the official digital gateway for implementing the regulation, enabling applicants to complete procedures, verify regulatory compliance and finalise ownership through a system directly linked to the national real estate title registration platform. The integration aims to strengthen transparency and safeguard ownership rights.
The authority said the regulation is intended to enhance the quality of real estate development by attracting international developers and leading global companies, while supporting expansion across residential, commercial, industrial and tourism sectors. It is also expected to generate employment opportunities for Saudi nationals and increase the non-oil real estate sector’s contribution to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product.
Commenting on the rollout, the authority’s official spokesperson Taiseer Al Mofarej told local media that during the first quarter of this year, specific locations and geographic zones eligible for ownership would be announced through the “Geographical Areas for Ownership Document”.
He emphasised that reports currently circulating about particular residential or commercial projects being approved for non-Saudi ownership have not been officially confirmed, urging investors and the public to rely solely on authorised sources for accurate and updated information.
