RIYADH — The Saudi Real Estate General Authority announced on Thursday the official entry into force of the Regulation on Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis, marking the start of its implementation within the Kingdom’s legislative framework, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The authority said applications for real estate ownership by non-Saudis will be accepted exclusively through the official digital platform, Saudi Properties, which serves as the unified portal for all related procedures. The service covers residents inside the Kingdom, non-residents, as well as non-Saudi companies and entities, in accordance with defined regulatory controls and approval mechanisms. The application process varies depending on the applicant’s category. Residents of Saudi Arabia may submit applications directly through the portal using their residency (iqama) number, with eligibility verified automatically and all procedures completed electronically. For non-residents, applications will begin through Saudi missions and embassies abroad, which issue a digital identity enabling applicants to proceed with the ownership process via the Saudi Properties platform. Non-Saudi companies and entities without a physical presence in the Kingdom are required to first register with the Ministry of Investment through the Invest Saudi platform and obtain a Unified Number (700) before submitting ownership applications electronically. The authority confirmed that the regulation permits ownership across various regions of the Kingdom. Ownership in Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, will be governed by a specific regulatory framework based on geographic zoning, which is expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2026. According to the authority, ownership in Makkah and Madinah will be restricted to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals, whether residing inside or outside the Kingdom. It added that the Saudi Properties portal acts as the official digital gateway for implementing the regulation, allowing applicants to complete procedures, verify compliance with regulatory requirements, and finalize ownership through a system directly linked to the national real estate title registration platform. This integration aims to enhance transparency and protect ownership rights. The authority said the regulation seeks to improve the quality of real estate development by attracting international developers and high-caliber companies, while supporting growth across residential, commercial, industrial, and tourism sectors. It is also expected to contribute to job creation for Saudi nationals and strengthen the non-oil real estate sector’s contribution to gross domestic product. Commenting on the rollout, the authority’s official spokesperson Taiseer Al Mofarej said that during the first quarter of this year, the specific sites and geographic zones eligible for ownership will be announced as part of the “Geographical Areas for Ownership Document.” He stressed that any information currently circulating about specific residential or commercial projects approved for non-Saudi ownership has not been officially announced, urging investors and the public to rely solely on official sources for accurate and up-to-date information.RIYADH — The Saudi Real Estate General Authority announced on Thursday the official entry into force of the Regulation on Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis, marking the start of its implementation within the Kingdom’s legislative framework, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The authority said applications for real estate ownership by non-Saudis will be accepted exclusively through the official digital platform, Saudi Properties, which serves as the unified portal for all related procedures. The service covers residents inside the Kingdom, non-residents, as well as non-Saudi companies and entities, in accordance with defined regulatory controls and approval mechanisms. The application process varies depending on the applicant’s category. Residents of Saudi Arabia may submit applications directly through the portal using their residency (iqama) number, with eligibility verified automatically and all procedures completed electronically. For non-residents, applications will begin through Saudi missions and embassies abroad, which issue a digital identity enabling applicants to proceed with the ownership process via the Saudi Properties platform. Non-Saudi companies and entities without a physical presence in the Kingdom are required to first register with the Ministry of Investment through the Invest Saudi platform and obtain a Unified Number (700) before submitting ownership applications electronically. The authority confirmed that the regulation permits ownership across various regions of the Kingdom. Ownership in Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, will be governed by a specific regulatory framework based on geographic zoning, which is expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2026. According to the authority, ownership in Makkah and Madinah will be restricted to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals, whether residing inside or outside the Kingdom. It added that the Saudi Properties portal acts as the official digital gateway for implementing the regulation, allowing applicants to complete procedures, verify compliance with regulatory requirements, and finalize ownership through a system directly linked to the national real estate title registration platform. This integration aims to enhance transparency and protect ownership rights. The authority said the regulation seeks to improve the quality of real estate development by attracting international developers and high-caliber companies, while supporting growth across residential, commercial, industrial, and tourism sectors. It is also expected to contribute to job creation for Saudi nationals and strengthen the non-oil real estate sector’s contribution to gross domestic product. Commenting on the rollout, the authority’s official spokesperson Taiseer Al Mofarej said that during the first quarter of this year, the specific sites and geographic zones eligible for ownership will be announced as part of the “Geographical Areas for Ownership Document.” He stressed that any information currently circulating about specific residential or commercial projects approved for non-Saudi ownership has not been officially announced, urging investors and the public to rely solely on official sources for accurate and up-to-date information.
Saudi Arabia begins implementation of non-Saudi real estate ownership regulation
